How did Edward Steichen use painting skills in his early photographs?

Edward Steichen utilized his background in painting to advance Pictorialism, a movement dedicated to establishing photography as a fine art by emulating the mood, manner, and attitude of traditional artistic media.1

To achieve this, Steichen applied his painterly training in the following ways:

• Technical Manipulation: He frequently employed the gum-bichromate process alongside platinum or iron-based emulsions. This allowed him a high degree of control over the final image, enabling him to manipulate light, tone, and shadow to suit his artistic vision.1
• Aesthetic Emulation: Through these specialized printing methods, he produced photographs that bore a superficial resemblance to traditional art forms, such as wash drawings and mezzotints.1
• Artistic Intent: By treating the camera as a tool for personal expression rather than mere documentation, he created images that prioritized atmospheric effects and aesthetic value, effectively bridging the gap between photography and the world of painting.21

This approach allowed Steichen to produce works of great expressiveness, helping to convince the public that photography was a legitimate fine-art medium.21