SUMMARY
In 1878, photographer Eadweard Muybridge invented a groundbreaking 12-camera rig to settle a debate about whether a horse's hooves are all off the ground when galloping. By using threads across a track to trigger shutters, he eliminated human reaction time, achieving split-second exposures. This system not only proved the airborne moment of horses but also inspired the development of cinema with his subsequent zoopraxiscope device. Muybridge's innovative approach encourages photographers to find creative solutions rather than solely relying on equipment upgrades.
TAKEAWAYS
Muybridge's 12-camera rig captured rapid motion by having the subject trigger the shutters.
The system answered the question of whether horses are airborne while galloping.
His work laid the foundation for early cinema and burst photography.
Muybridge's innovation highlights the power of creative problem-solving in photography.