George Eastman

photography · inventors · business

Invented roll film. Before George Eastman, cameras were huge, complicated machines that only professionals could use. He invented roll film that you could load into a camera, making photography simple enough for anyone to try.

Founded Kodak Company. Eastman started the Eastman Kodak Company, which became one of the biggest camera and film makers in the world. His company made photography affordable and available to millions of people.

Made amateur photography possible. Eastman spent ten years experimenting and testing before he got it right. His cameras were so easy to use that regular families could take their own pictures instead of having to visit a professional photographer.

Changed how we capture memories. By making photography accessible, Eastman helped shape how people remember and share their lives. His invention led to home photo albums, family pictures, and eventually motion pictures.