Was photography accepted as a legitimate art form in the nineteenth century? Why or why not?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Yes, photography became very popular in the nineteenth century, especially for making portraits.
2. The French government recognized photography as an art form as early as 1862.
3. It was judged to be an art form because many believed it revealed the "soul" of the sitter.
4. It made portraiture available to the middle class as well as to the wealthy, as it was less expensive than painting.