Civil War Photography refers to the practice of capturing images during the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. This form of photography was groundbreaking for its time, as it provided a visual record of the war's events, battles, and soldiers. Photographers like Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner used large cameras and glass plates to create detailed images, often setting up their equipment near battlefields. The photographs taken during this period were among the first to document the harsh realities of war, including the aftermath of battles and the conditions faced by soldiers. These images played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the war, bringing the distant conflict closer to home for many Americans.