Major Project
The Untold Truth Behind the “Kodak Girl” Campaign
The Eastman Kodak company created the “Kodak Girl” campaign in the late 1800s and early 1900s to discourage women from joining the professional photography field. The Eastman Kodak company was able to do this by consistently marketing amateur photography towards women for about 50 years. “The Kodak Camera,” released by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1889, demonstrates the famous Kodak catchphrase, “You push the button, we do the rest.” Despite the success this catchphrase had when used in promotions, it really degrades women and makes it seem as if women are not capable of anything complex. “Take a Kodak With You,” was another photo also released by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1910, was one of the most influential photos in the “Kodak Girl” campaign. It perfectly exhibits the image Kodak wanted women to be influenced by: a fashionable, young, independent woman ready to travel everywhere with her Kodak camera. When the public first sees a decrease in the “Kodak Girl,” we can start to see a rise in professional women photographers. The Untold Truth Behind the “Kodak Girl” Campaign invites the audience to consider the real intentions the Eastman Kodak Company had while creating and promoting this campaign towards women.
Curated by Britney Cuevas
Curatorial Statement Small Assignment I
Major Assignment II Exhibition Catalogue
Major Assignment I Illustrated Researched Argument Essay Spring 2020