In 1888, the world of photography underwent a seismic shift with the launch of the Kodak Number One camera by the Eastman Kodak Company. This groundbreaking device was not just a camera; it was a herald of a new era in photography, opening doors once reserved for professionals to amateur enthusiasts. The slogan “You press the button, we do the rest” encapsulated the profound change that Kodak brought to personal photography. This article dives into Kodak‘s influence on photography, how it democratized the art form, and the lasting legacy it left behind.

The State of Photography Before Kodak

Before Kodak’s revolution, photography was a complex endeavor, shrouded in technical expertise. The photography processes developed in the mid-1800s required mastery of chemistry, timing, and light, demanding a steep learning curve. Photographers relied on cumbersome equipment—large cameras equipped with glass plates coated in photosensitive chemicals.

Getting a photo taken was often a serious occasion, with portraits typically conducted in rigid, formal settings, where long exposure times would limit spontaneity. The professional photographer’s studio controlled the photographic process, and clients might wait days or even weeks to receive their portraits.

Introduction of the Kodak Number One

The Kodak Number One changed everything. This user-friendly, handheld box camera, pre-loaded with roll film, allowed users to take up to 100 photos. While the image quality was not as sharp or detailed as professional equipment, the very accessibility brought photography into everyday life. The act of capturing moments transformed from a chore into leisure, bringing spontaneity into the routine of image creation.

What made the Kodak Number One revolutionary was not just the technology but the entire experience: once users finished a roll, they would mail the camera back to Kodak, who would develop the photos, print them, and reload the camera with fresh film. This seamless experience invited the masses into the world of photography, sparking a cultural shift.

The Snapshot: A New Term in Photography

As a result of this new technology, casual photography flourished. People began taking portraits of family and friends, as well as candid street scenes, capturing natural smiles and authentic expressions. The informal nature of these images contrasted sharply with the rigid approaches of professional studios.

The term “snapshot” emerged from this casual photographing tradition. Originally a term borrowed from hunting, it described a quick, aimless shot at a moving target, which perfectly encapsulated the spontaneity Kodak cameras afforded their users.

The Brownie Camera: Making Photography Accessible to All

In 1900, Kodak released the Brownie camera, further democratizing photography. Made from cardboard and priced at only $1 (around $38 today), the Brownie was marketed primarily toward children. These simple box cameras with easy-to-load film made it possible for the young and old alike to engage with photography.

The Brownie brought a new sense of freedom and creativity. As people quickly discovered that the straightforward device could produce satisfactory images, adults began to adopt the Brownie for personal use as well, creating albums to house their memories.

By 1905, Kodak’s relentless marketing had paid off, leading to the sale of over 1.2 million cameras. Their branding emphasized the importance of capturing fleeting moments, establishing the camera as a crucial tool for both everyday life and personal storytelling.

Kodak’s Dominance and Challenges Ahead

For over a century, Kodak established itself as America’s storyteller, dominating the consumer photography market. However, the mid-90s brought challenges, as Japanese competitor Fujifilm started to erode Kodak’s market share. While Kodak still focused on film development, a seismic shift occurred with the rise of digital photography in the early 2000s.

Despite being the pioneer behind the first digital camera in 1975, Kodak failed to adapt quickly enough. By 2010, as digital technologies advanced rapidly, Kodak’s relevancy diminished, leading the company to file for bankruptcy in 2012. They emerged with a focus on digital printing services rather than film—an ironic twist for a company that once defined photography in the film era.

The Legacy of Kodak Photography

While film photography has experienced a renaissance in recent years, attracting dedicated hobbyists, the cost of film has increased, making it less accessible to casual photographers. The nostalgic allure of Kodak continues, as enthusiasts embrace the artistry of film, reminiscent of the days when capturing an image was a thoughtful action.

Kodak’s legacy is embedded in contemporary photography and the ethos that anyone can tell their story through images. The introduction of the Kodak Number One in 1888 set a precedent for accessibility, making photography an integral part of everyday life, and ensuring that beautiful moments could be captured by anyone with a desire to do so.

Today, we carry Kodak’s spirit with us, reflected in the ubiquity of smartphones and digital cameras. The idea that you don’t need to be a professional to take a picture started with Kodak. The revolution it initiated not only changed how we document our lives but also redefined our relationship with memories and storytelling.

Take a moment to appreciate your own photographs. Whether captured by a professional or taken spontaneously on a smartphone, each image tells a story.