In 1969 the first Charge-Couple Device, (CCD) was invented at Bell Labs. It was a photo sensor that was designed while trying to come up with semiconductor memory for computers. The CCD laid the foundation for the first digital camera in the mid-1970's. This was the beginning of the artificial interpretation of light and its relationship to Realism.

Realism in the art world is always changing, it is determined by the technologies and tools available at the time. Prior to photography, paintings and drawings (especially those created inside the camera obscura) were the closest methods of portraying real life. Both mediums are open to manipulation, but it has been the artist's job to convince the audience otherwise.