Joseph Nicéphore Niépce was born in 1765 in Chalon-sur-Saône, France. He was brought up in the middle class. At first he worked as a teacher and also participated in the Military.

 The 16 x 20 cm photograph of the courtyard of his country estate Le Gras in the village of St. Loup-de-Varennes. The picture was taken from an upper level.

This photograph is important because it is iconic. Niépce had created Heliography. How obtained the picture is important too. The power of his camera and the chemical process were the biggest factors. It was also the first permanent photo taken from nature.

 

The picture was taken at the country estate Le Gras in the village of St. Loup-de-Varennes.

It took eight hours of light to make the exposure.

It was taken in 1826.

Today, the photo is housed at the University of Texas.