The Snapshot

Founding Eastman Kodak Company in 1892, George Eastman simplified photography with small, easy-to-use cameras like the one introduced in 1888. The slogan was "You press the button; we do the rest." No longer did you have to visit a photographer (or have one visit you). No longer did you have to stand still with your head in a brace stand, or with a solemn face because a smile was hard to hold. No longer were your children a blurrrr in their classroom photo. You did not have to stand and hold on to a prop or family member. You did not even have to sit if you did not want.

Natural was the pose, as long as natural was acceptable in black and white images. And acceptable it was in February 1900 for simplicity of use by adults or youth and for pricing - $1.00 for the Brownie camera, $.15 for 6-exposure film, and $.40 for film processing. The snapshot was here to stay when 245,000 of these Brownies were sold in 1900!

from PigeonEditions.etsy.com

Here is my mother's Brownie. I actually remember having my photos made.

Six-20 Brownie Junior

Introduction Date: February 1934

Production Dates: February 1934 to October 1942

Film Type: 620 rollfilm

Image Size: 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches

Original List Price: $2.25

Here are a few of my favorite Brownie Camera photos. 

Do you have favorite Brownie Camera photos of yourself, family, and friends? 

     

Daddy and me (1952)

Mother and Daddy when they were young

My sister-in-law being adorable

My cousins and me (Easter 1954)

Thank you for the memories, Brownie Camera!

[For a comprehensive history of the Brownie camera, visit The Brownie Camera Page.]