Question

how does the author develop the central idea in the text?
by comparing and contrasting the styles of leading figures in photography
by chronicling how photography influenced various historical events
by examining the evolution of photography over particular periods
by showing how photography moved from being a hobby to a serious profession

Explanation:

To determine how the author develops the central idea, one must analyze the text's structure and content. If the text focuses on the changes in photography over time - its development from one stage to another across specific periods - this would be a key way to develop the central idea. Comparing styles of leading figures may be a part but not always the main way. Chronicling influence on historical events is also a possible aspect but not the most common over - arching development method. Shifting from hobby to profession is a specific narrative arc but examining the evolution over periods is a more comprehensive way to develop the central idea in a text about photography.

Answer:

by examining the evolution of photography over particular periods