Web Question #3

1. What is a Brownie Camera?
The Brownie Camera is a brand of simple and inexpensive cameras made by Eastman Kodak. It is genrally shaped like a box, since the original model was a basic cardboard box camera. It popularized cheap photography and snapshots.
2. Who invented it?
George Eastman, who worked for Eastman Kodak invented the Brownie Camera.
3. How did it change society, and of course, the photography world?
It popularized low-cost photography, and introduced the idea of snapshots, or quickly taken photos that tend to be amateurish or poorly composed. This opened up photography to a much wider audience, since it was no longer extremely expensive, and the idea of amateurs being able to take photos was appealing to people with no experience as photographers.

Nicéphore Niépce

A. Niépce was born in Chalon-sur-Saone in 1765. His father was a lawyer, and his brother collaborated with him in his research and inventions. He learned science and the experimental method at the Oratorian college in Angers. He served as a staff officer in the French army, but eventually he resigned due to his ill health, where he then married Agnes Romero.

B. Niépce was known for taking what is believed to be the worlds first permanent photograph, a picture taken from the View from the Window at Le Gras.

C. The View from the Window at Le Gras was important because it was the first successful permanent photograph. It was created by Niépce with his camera obscura.
D. It was taken of the roof and surrounding countryside of his estate, Le Gras, as seen from an upstairs window.
E. It took 8 hours to make the exposure for the photo.
F. The photo was taken in 1826.
The photo is on display in the main lobby of the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center.