Breathtaking scene of Machu Picchu captured from a heightened vantage point.
Discovery of Machu Picchu: A Collaborative Journey
A century ago, Hiram Bingham, an American explorer, stumbled upon the 400-year-old site of Machu Picchu in the Urubamba valley of Peru. His discovery, which might have been the largest and most important ruin found in South America since the Spanish conquest, was meticulously documented with the aid of the Eastman Kodak Company.
Bingham's friendship with Gilbert Grosvenor, the editor of the National Geographic Society, played a significant role in his expedition. Grosvenor recognised the historic importance of Bingham's work and offered advice, encouraging him to preserve the brilliance of his discovery, avoid working too hard, and avoid insulting the Peruvian government.
The Eastman Kodak Company equipped Bingham during his expeditions with special cameras and supported him by providing free equipment and film. Bingham, who had acquired a Kodak camera through a relationship with George Eastman, the creator of Kodak, was particular about documenting his findings. He ensured that his expedition teammates learned how to shoot and develop film before each trip.
During his first expedition in 1911, Bingham spent four hours documenting Machu Picchu with a special Kodak camera before leaving. These photographs, along with a lengthy account of his expedition, were published as a single-article issue in the National Geographic Society's April 1913 issue, thanks to Grosvenor's publication.
The images were also exhibited at the Society in Washington, D.C. Sara Manco, the photo archivist of the website, suggests that the panoramas in the gallery above were likely taken on a Kodak 3A camera. Interestingly, the panoramic version of the camera Bingham used didn't come out for a decade.
On his next trip to Peru in 1912, Bingham requested three special Kodak cameras, 3,500 negatives, and at least 10 wooden tripods. The Society later funded half of Bingham's second Peru expedition.
Bingham's friend Grosvenor believed that Bingham's Machu Picchu discovery would become increasingly significant over time. His prediction was spot on, as the granite blocks in Machu Picchu were beautifully fitted together in the style of Inca architecture, making it a marvel that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Bingham also reported back on Kodak's film's ability to withstand and be developed in tropical regions, further cementing the company's role in his expeditions. To this day, the images captured by Bingham serve as a testament to the historic significance of his discovery and the partnership between the explorer and the Eastman Kodak Company.
Read also:
- Urgent investment: Province funds 5.3 million dollars for expanding primary care in Elgin-Middlesex-London area
- Federal Environmental Protection Agency under scrutiny for alleged manipulation of soil sample results following East Palestine catastrophe
- Colon Cancer Genetic Testing: Insights into its Function, Application, and Additional Details
- RFK Jr. Takes Bold Step in Vaccine Research Development, Possibly Poseing a Threat to Public Safety
