Once upon a time early television using that phrase not only produced a super television show, but it also gave us an appetite to capture those magic moments forever.
Historians will tell you that the timeline of evolution of the camera dates to the 1600’s and possibly earlier. Indeed, that’s hard to comprehend, but history confirms it.
The year was 1685 when Johann Zahn invented the first ever portable camera made for photography. It took many years to perfect his dream, about 100 years.
Moving to the 19th century in 1826, Joseph Niepce created a moving box which took years of perfection.
In fact, the progression of cameras over many years has been marked by significant milestones and pioneers that have shaped how we capture and preserve those illusive memories of our lives.
Fast forward to the 20th Century and these milestones through the decades catch your attention:
· 1934 to the early 2000’s – 35mm Film
· 1948 – 1990 the Polaroid
· 1969 – 2026 the Digital camera
· 1990 – 2026 Smartphones
However, other pre-20th century key photography moments are very significant such as in 1888 in Rochester, New York George Eastman created the camera using a single roll of film we know today as – the Kodak.
The camera and film captured negatives in a fraction of a second.
The Smartphone needs no introduction; we all know what it can do in regard to capturing photos with instant development. It’s such a good feeling to have that feature with us wherever and whenever we may need to take that “perfect photo.”
Every day, per our Smartphone we seemingly we chat with “Seri” or “Alexa”. You know, that’s those ladies that seem to know everything.
In fact, photography is an art form and an opportunity to preserve reality for future generations.
If you think about it – photography makes the world a better place.
I remember in high school back in the mid 1950’s taking a class on photography while learning how to even develop film in a dark room.
There are three avenues of importance using photography, let’s take a look:
• Importance in our PERSONAL LIVES because pictures speak a thousand words in preserving memories of our family and friends. Photography is an easy hobby and can make a house feel like home. Photography unlocks emotion while teaching us technical skills simultaneously.
• Photography is very key in the BUSINESS WORLD because of its capability to document events while representing and demonstrating goals. While being very versatile, it can demonstrate different perspectives.
• IN SOCIETY photography is a very useful means of self-expression while improving cultural awareness. Capturing that illusive moment in time is very exciting. Another factor is that photography can be used for self – expression which can evolve into maintaining personality.
When you think about it, what an incredible invention the cameras have been. From Brownie to the 25-cent photo booth at the carnival and the ever-present flash bulbs – we all have a ton of memories somewhere in our homes.
It’s a good bet you still have those albums with the plastic cover holding the photos in place to some old boxes out in the garage or down in the basement.
Sometime, when you have some time, begin your adventure down memory lane and just gaze for a few seconds of the vintage photos and let the memories just flow through the decades.
Of all the beloved memories I have throughout my childhood, the one strong recollection was that of my aunt Arvilla who was always taking photos of our family activities.
It could have been a birthday, Christmas, Easter, or a family reunion. Whatever, the event, she was seemingly always there to snap a photo of the opportunity.
When it all began back decades ago, her camera was that of an ancient Kodak Brownie which resembled a simple box. No flash attachments, just gaze in the view finder, and click.
Some years later, the Kodak Brownie evolved into a model known as – the Kodak ‘Brownie Flash B’.
Then, of course, came our love affair with the ever popular Polaroid! We could view our photo instantly.
The development process was at the time – next up.
Growing up in the 1940’s, I seem to remember the obligatory trip to get the roll of film developed. The process time of return was upward of several days.
So, you really had no idea as to the success of what you pointed at, clicked and then raced it to the developers.
Soon, the magnificent flash bulb era arrived and improved our amateur status for sure especially in dark areas. You had to remember that when taking your camera to an event, you always had ample supply of bulbs.
Next, up was the incredibly exciting color film which took America by storm. Although Albert Sutton in 1861 had a vision to create color films amid the skeptics. However, it would be nearly a century before the first commercially successful film would debut in the mid 1930’s.
This is when ‘Kodachrome’ film became an American favorite featuring the very essence of color photography.
By the 1940’s also brought about the advent of color 16mm for home movies and not far behind was the popular 8mm film and Kodachrome prints for those slides you may remember.
However, even with the color availability, black and white film for some time, remained America’s favorite choice for clicking on that favorite photo possibility.
So, here in 2026 we have an incredible invention called the aforementioned Smart phone which is essentially a camera as well giving you the chance to capture a scene instantly.
Of course, lest we forget – we all love the chance to pose for a renowned ‘SELFIE’ and then download our photos to be used on Facebook and other locations.
I have found and I bet you have too, if you should forget to take your cell phone when leaving, you will go back and get it – pronto!
You never know when those evasive photo – ops pop up and you are loaded and ready to shoot.
Enjoy some of my vintage photos from as far back as 99 years that tell the real story of photographic history
Smile.
It keeps people wondering what you’ve been up to!
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.