Was photography accepted as a legitimate form of art in the nineteenth century why or why not?

Photography faced initial skepticism as a legitimate art form in the 19th century due to its mechanical nature and the belief that it lacked the creative process seen in traditional art forms like painting. However, as photographers began to experiment with different techniques and styles, photography gradually gained acceptance as a valid artistic medium, particularly with the emergence of photographers like Julia Margaret Cameron and Alfred Stieglitz who showcased the artistic potential of the medium.