influence of kodak

Photography comprises the creation of photographs of objects, their processing, and forging long-lasting memories. A sensitive surface's energy and light are used to create the images. Since it allows us to capture and preserve our most precious moments as well as the environment around us, photography plays a significant role in human life. On the other hand, a photographic work consists of the autonomous and unique creative intellectual labor of the creator. This essay focuses on the history of photography and how important theories have been applied to photographic works. It explores the in-depth history of Eastman Kodak Photography Company, its rise in popularity and its contemporary influence and makes a connection to a contemporary practice or company similar to it. Summarizes the theme/technology and its major practitioners and finally discuss a photographer who utilizes technology in his work.

Application of key theories of photographic works and the history of photography

Bazin’s ontology of the photographic image situates cinema according to its place in the historical evolution of arts. He selected the photographic images as a mechanical reproduction as a definite character of cinema. This theory played an important role in developing the view that deep focus sequence shot was superior to the artificial montage. He argues that the purpose of the art is to preserve being through appearance or to ward off death by some sensory appearance. This purpose he maintains existed from the early designs of the sarcophagus to the contemporary use of photography (Colman 104). The theory of colors: the proponent is Maxwell and he states that there are three primary colors and each color is either a primary color or a mixture of primary colors. The theory is employed as a medium for constructive projection and communication of concrete representations and relations (Cat 27). Digital imaging: the digital technology has significantly revolutionized photography today and made it available for everybody. Furthermore, it can enable a photographer to market his or her self over the internet and in opening online galleries (Peres 209).

The trajectories of the history of photography that the history photography has taken include the following: the first cameras were the camera obscura and Ibn Al-Haytham invented it. The purpose of the camera was to demonstrate how images could be projected on a flat surface by light (Hirsch 1). With the invention of lenses that were, the finely crafted artist began to use the camera obscura in painting and draw more elaborate images in the 1600s. The advances in lenses included the correction of aberrations to give better resolution (Hirsch 4). The 18th century saw the demand of commemoration in pictures by the rising commercial class. Hence, the physionotrace was invented. This was capable of combining the cutout silhouette and the engraving methods of portraiture. The commercial class wanted to be commemorated in the same style as royalty (Hirsch 5).

The beginning of the nineteenth century saw the introduction of the lithography, which was an invention that allowed mass production, and distribution of printed picture at a low cost. Wood engravings were also revitalized to meet the demand of multiple pictures (Hirsch 5). In 1784 the invention of the Argand oil lamp, which was a lighting system, made it possible for a concentrated beam of light to project images on to a screen this subsequently gave way to the eidophusikon, which was a mini theater. The phantasmagoria was unveiled in the 1800s, which was an advance magic lantern that created rear-screen image projections. This included ghosts and skeletons. The limelight replaced the Argand light in 1826, which transformed stage production and enhance the magic lantern projection to a powerful and accurate beam of light that facilitated more audiences (Hirsch 8).

In 1836, the phenakistiscope was invented and it was a device containing a sequence of pictures such that when it was projected it created an illusion of motion. it paved way for the development of cinema (Hirsch 10). Joseph Nicophore Niepce developed the first system for making images permanent through a light. The first photo was taken him in 1825 together with the invention of a metal negative (Hirsch 13). In 1839, Sir John Herschel who coined the term photography in the same year invented the first glass negative. (Hirsch 18).

In 1859, the smallest camera was introduced and it was suitable for three or 4-inch pictures. In 1860, Louis Ducos du Hauron made major contributions to the evolutionary of color photography. In 1900, photography was introduced into films and in 1913, Kodak invented the 35mm film. The first still camera was developed from this in the 1920s and up to the 1970s, most film productions were based on that technology. The first instant film was unveiled in 1948 and Polaroid invented the colored ones in 1963 together with the xs-70 folding camera in 1072. Digital photography was introduced in the 1990s and is currently still the dominant factor in the industry (Bellis n.p).



The history of Eastman Kodak Photography Company

Kodak’s products and photo-finishing service were widely adopted by amateurs that transformed photography. George Eastman through the enterprise lead photography from the commerce targeted at professions and global amateurs towards a global business that aimed ordinary people. The expansion of this market promoted the emergence of snapshot culture in the twentieth century. For the first time in the history of photography, ordinary people took the opportunity of capturing photos by themselves. The main characteristic of the culture was that photography was available to everyone, required little skills, the prices of cameras were low and photo-finishing gradually started to decrease (Sarvas & Frohlich 46).

The company was formed in 1889 and it had four basic principles. They included mass production at low cost, international distribution, extensive advertising and finding and meeting the needs of consumers. After five years since its establishment in the United States, the company opened a branch in London and outlets in Germany, France, Italy and a construction company was underway in Canada. In 1900, the Rochester territory was established to facilitate distribution of Kodak materials to South America and the Far East. The expansion of the company in Australian, Asia, France and Germany contributed to the effective distribution of the company products in the world and domestic markets (Peres 310-311)

Today the trademark advertises in more than 50 countries. The distinctive yellow package is well known through the world and it is one of the company’s most valuable assets. After the introduction of the first photographic dry plate, new products have been presented every successive year since and this has enabled the company to move forward successfully. 1889 the company introduced the first roll film of transparent nitrocellular support, in 1908 it manufactured the first non-flammable film, in 1923 it produced the reversible 16mm film, in 1935 it introduced the Kodak chrome film, in 1963 it introduced Kodak Instamatic cameras and four cartridge loading films. In 1972 the Kodak pocket Instamatic cameras were introduced, in 1975 the Ekta print copier, 1982 the disc photography, and in 1990 the Kodak photo CD system. Therefore, the company remains a world leader in invention pertaining to the photography field (Peres 311-312). It final launched its digital phase in 2013.

Making a connection between Eastman Kodak Company and a similar company (Canon Inc.).

Canon Inc. is an innovator and provider of imaging solutions to consumers and businesses alike. Like Kodak, its business largely provides for consumers and businesses. Both companies manufacture imaging products such as inkjet printers. In 2013, Kodak managed to produce five inkjet printers at it was new in digital printing. In contrast, Canon produces 39 of the same as it predated Kodak in digital printing. The technology in both of the companies entails propelling ink droplets on a paper (Wonder n.p).

When it comes to functioning, All of Kodak’s entries are capable of multifunction enabling them to scan and copy well. The Canon entries, on the other hand, are photo printers and they are more diverse. On capacity, the Kodak printers can contain 100 sheets of paper while canons printer can hold up to 250 sheets. On performance, Canon printers can produce up to 8.5 images per minute (Wonder n.p).

Summary of the theme of technology in photography and its major practitioners.

The photography industry has been significantly revolutionized but technology. The digital camera, for instance, provided instant feedback. Digital marketing that enables a person to promote themselves and their photography work (Hill n.p). The digital technology does not require the use of film and an image can be captured several times, as there is no wastage of negative. Storage capacity is large and it allows for printing. It allows the review and editing of images, enhancements and additions can be done on images (Classin n.p).

Digital technology is common in photography both in the creation of images and cataloging of historical and contemporary photographic production. It has enabled alliances between galleries, museums, private and public collection in providing a vast amount of photographic information and their accessibility (Peres 209). The practitioners who have applied technology in their photography work include Stieglitz, Steichen, Ansel Adams, Manor White, Nathan Lyons and Carl Ciarenza.

Contemporary photographer who is applying digital technology in photography (Joe McNally)

Joe McNally is a photographer who applies digital technology in his work and is a contemporary photographer. His experience extends into architecture, landscape, and dance since his career has spanned over thirty-year enabling him to expand his scope of expertise. He put together a guide to digital photography namely life guide to digital photography. In this guide, he provides tips of the trade and it is very beneficial for shooters who want to shot it right. In his book, he talks about technology being the guide for business and passion for life since 1936. The old inventions have slowly given way to sleek miracle machines that have made that process pixel making the darkroom that was once high and mighty obsolete (McNally n.p).







Works Cited

Bellis, Mary. The History of Photography: Pinholes and Polaroids to Digital Images. 16 October 2017. 27 October 2017 .

Cat, J. Maxwell, Sutton, and the Birth of Color Photography: A Binocular Study. Newyork: Springer, 2013.

Classin, Jennifer. How Digital Technology has Changed Photography. 17 July 2010. 27 October 2017 .

Colman, Felicity. Film, Theory, and Philosophy: The Key Thinkers. Newyork: Springer, 2014.

Frohlich, Risto Sarva,s and David M. From Snapshots to Social Media - The Changing Picture of Domestic Photography. New York: Springer science & Business Media, 2011.

Hill, Don. 4 Ways Technology has Changed the Professional Photography Business. 6 November 2014. 27 October 2017 .

Hirsch, Robert. Seizing the Light: A Social & Aesthetic History of Photography. Taylor & Francis, 2017.

Mcnally, Joe. Life Guide to Digital Photography: Everything You Nedd to Shoot Like The Pros. Liberty Street, 2010.

Peres, Michael R. The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography. Oxford: Taylor & Francis, 2013.