Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography examines the many global manifestations of Pictorialism and the diverse strategies of photographers who sought to position photography as a fine art since the late 19th century. It expands our understanding of Pictorialism beyond aesthetics, to include its deep ties to an international network of photographic societies. Bringing together over eighty artists from around the world, this book takes a new look at the history of art photography and the vast and varied artistic possibilities of photography as a medium.