The term "Pictorialist" refers to a movement in photography that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pictorialists aimed to elevate photography to the level of fine art by emphasizing artistic expression over mere documentation. They often used soft focus, special printing techniques, and staged compositions to create images that resembled paintings or drawings. Pictorialism was characterized by its focus on mood and atmosphere rather than sharp detail. Prominent figures in this movement included Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, who played significant roles in promoting photography as an art form. The movement eventually gave way to more modernist approaches, such as Straight Photography.