Consider what you have learned about early camera equipment. Which statement BEST explains why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after battle?

(1 point)

Early cameras could only capture very still scenes.

The earliest cameras took only black and white photographs.

Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.

Robert Fenton was inspired by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady.

Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.

To determine the answer, we need to consider what we have learned about early camera equipment. In this case, the information provided is not sufficient to directly answer the question. However, if we use our critical thinking skills, we can eliminate some options based on our knowledge.

The statement "Early cameras could only capture very still scenes" does not provide a clear explanation as to why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after battle. While early cameras may have had limitations in capturing motion, it does not necessarily explain Fenton's specific intent.

The statement "The earliest cameras took only black and white photographs" is also not directly related to why Fenton took pictures of the field after battle. While it provides information about the characteristics of early cameras, it does not explain Fenton's motives.

The statement "Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear" seems plausible but lacks specific evidence about Fenton's specific motivations. It is a general statement about the early stages of photography rather than something specific to Fenton's situation.

Therefore, the most likely answer is "Robert Fenton was inspired by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady." This option directly connects Fenton's actions to the influence of Matthew Brady, suggesting that Fenton may have been motivated by Brady's work to document the aftermath of the battle.

It is important to note that without additional information about Robert Fenton's personal motivations or historical records supporting this claim, we cannot definitively state the answer. This explanation is solely based on the given options and the potential logical connection to Fenton's inspiration.