Emergence of Advertising in America - The Evolution of Photography CD
	This invaluable CD records the progress of photographic equipment through scores of images of advertisements that appeared in periodicals between 1890 and 1920. Photography was still in its infancy when George Eastman, age 24, set up Eastman Dry Plate Company in Rochester, New York and the first half-tone photograph appeared in a daily newspaper, the New York Graphic in 1880.

Examine this amazing CD to learn how photography evolved in the years between 1890 and 1920.

By 1834, Henry Fox Talbot had succeeded in creating permanent negatives and in 1851 Frederick Archer improved photographic resolution by spreading a mixture of collodion (nitrated cotton dissolved in ether and alcohol) and chemicals on sheets of glass. Between 1861 and 1865, Mathew Brady and his staff covered the American Civil War, exposing 7000 negatives.

In 1888, the commercial manufacturer Kodak introduced the first procamera, containing a 20-foot roll of paper, enough for 100 2.5-inch diameter circular pictures and replaced the roll of paper with roll of film a year later. At the turn of the century, Kodak introduced the Brownie Box Camera. This historic event opened the floodgates and soon other commercial manufacturers such as Nippon and Leica were promoting increasingly improved versions of cameras.

The commercial success of the camera, however, should rightly be credited to creative and eye-catching advertisements that appeared in periodicals and on wayside hoardings. Kodak was one of the first manufacturers to market its cameras and other photographic paraphernalia in an aggressive manner.

This CD provides a valuable insight into the fascinating world of advertisements and records the evolution of photography between 1890 and 1920.

Sample thumbnails taken from the collection. Click on image to view larger picture.

EDITORIAL REVIEW:

"The names of a few pioneering manufacturers are written in letters of gold in the history of photography. Prominent among these are Eastman and Kodak, who took several bold and risky decisions at a time when few people could afford to be photographed, leave alone own a camera. Kodak-s foresight and aggressive marketing strategy bore fruit, making it one of the most recognized brands to this day.

Companies like Kodak owe a lot for their success to another class of professionals - the ad-men. It was advertisements that created awareness about the availability and technological advancements of photographic equipment among the masses and popularized photography.

This exciting CD contains a photographic record of the innovations made by manufacturing companies between 1890 and 1920. Excellent images of well-preserved advertisements tell a fascinating story of how cameras were marketed in those early years, while recording advancements in technology as well.

Explicit footnotes are handy in understanding the details while the ability to zoom in and out affords the luxury of examining each work of art in great detail. The creativity and foresight of the early admen was astounding and is evident aplenty in these crystal-clear reproductions.

I strongly believe that all students of photography, advertisement and marketing must own a copy of this delightful record of advertising history, which is at once entertaining, informative and educational."

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"This is truly a fantastic record of how photography evolved from its humble beginnings and became a household passion. This CD suggests that advertisements had a lot to do with this popularity and I fully endorse that view. The images are amazingly clear and well preserved and the notes that accompany each image added to my understanding of the contents. I am certain that this CD will be a boon to all students of art, photography and advertising."

Customer's Name: Sammy Wilson, (New York)