Final answer:
Fear of the daguerreotype photography process stemmed from its novelty as well as the technical limitations and risks involved, such as long exposure times, inability to duplicate images, and the need to handle toxic chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emergence of the daguerreotype process was met with concern and fear by some people and cultures because it was a completely novel way of capturing reality. The process, developed by Louis Daguerre, used a polished copper plate treated with silver iodide to create sharp images with relatively shorter exposure times than earlier methods. However, these images were single, positive ones that could not be reproduced, making them unique and irreplaceable. The long exposure times of up to 15 minutes also made capturing busy streets like the Parisian Boulevard difficult, as anything moving would not be visible; only stationary objects could be captured effectively. Combined with the fragility of the daguerreotypes and the necessity to handle toxic chemicals, this photographic process was seen as both a remarkable technological advancement and a source of apprehension.