Announced in 1839, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre's process quickly became an American success, declining in the late 1850's, with the introduction of a less-expensive process.
These first photographs were made from copper plates coated with a thin layer of silver , polished to mirror brightness, sensitized to light, transferred to a camera, and exposed for several minutes.
It is difficult to smile for that length of time!
After exposure, daguerrotypes were developed, sealed behind glass and then "boxed." It was a meticulous, costly process.
Over the years, there has been some corrosion (e.g. the green spot) but, pending funding, it can be almost completely restored. It's quite small, about 3 by 4 inches, so we've added enlarged views of Miller's face and right hand for you to view here.
