1909 Water Glass: Revolutionizing Underwater Photography

This photograph features Reighards water glass, an innovative tool designed for sub-aquatic photography. Created in 1909, this technology marked a significant advancement in capturing images beneath the waters surface. The water glass enabled photographers to take clear images of aquatic life and underwater landscapes, thereby broadening the potential of environmental documentation.

The image was captured by a photographer working with the Bain News Service, a notable agency known for chronicling significant moments and innovations of the early 20th century. This particular glass negative, part of a larger collection, illustrates the meticulous craftsmanship involved in early photographic equipment, demonstrating how advancements in technology were paving the way for exploration and discovery in both art and science during this period.