Although it is still a relatively young art form, photography is characterized by a changeability and richness of facets that is unparalleled. Initially, as the "pencil of nature," it amazed its viewers because it was able to capture reality itself on glass and paper. But soon it revealed its possibilities for artistic mise-en-scene. Digital photography and its potential for manipulation multiply the expressive dimensions of photographs to infinity. Ian Jeffrey takes us on a journey into the history of photography, where the great masters of this extraordinary medium pay their respects. As with a photograph itself, the most important stages in the development of this extraordinary medium are illuminated in order to finally arrive at a comprehensive picture of an inexhaustible wealth of creativity.