What significant contribution did George Eastman make to photography?

George Eastman's significant contribution to photography was the invention of the Kodak camera. This camera revolutionized the way people engaged with photography by making it accessible to the general public. Introduced in 1888, the Kodak camera was preloaded with a roll of film, allowing individuals to take 100 photographs without needing to handle plates or developing chemicals themselves. Once the film was used, users could send the camera back to Eastman's company, where the film was developed, printed, and the camera reloaded, effectively simplifying the entire process of capturing images.

This innovation not only popularized photography but also laid the groundwork for amateur photography, as people no longer needed extensive photographic knowledge or equipment to take and develop pictures. Eastman's approach shifted photography from a hobby limited to professionals to a widespread activity enjoyed by many, influencing both personal documentation and artistic expression.