World Photography Day originates from the invention of the Daguerreotype, a photographic processes developed by Joseph Nicèphore Nièpce and Louis Daguerre. On January 9, 1839, The French Academy of Sciences announced the daguerreotype process. A few months later, on August 19, 1839, the French government announced the invention as a gift “Free to the World”.
Another photographic process, the Calotype, was also invented in 1839 by William Fox Talbot (it was announced in 1841). Together, the invention of both the Daguerreotype and Calotype mark 1839 as the year that photography was invented.
Over 170 years later, August 19th has been chosen to celebrate photography, It’s past, present and future, technologically and artistically.
Today, we can share memories across the globe in seconds. Photography is an invention that has revolutionized the way we see the world. We can visit places without leaving our home. We can share adventures with friends in another city and we can watch grandchildren grow up thousands of kilometers away.
There was once a time when photography didn’t exist.
World Photography Day is about celebrating the ability we have to communicate though this powerful visual medium.
Founding of World Photography Day
In 2009, Korske Ara, a passionate young photographer from Australia launched the World Photography Day Project. At 21 years old, Korske had the dream to unite local and global communities in a worldwide celebration of photography.
On August 19th 2010, World Photography Day hosted its first global online gallery. With 270 photographs shared and website visitors from over 100 countries, World Photography Day was born.
World Photography Day is all about celebrating photography. Whether you see yourself as an Amateur, Hobbyist or Professional, August 19th is a day to embrace your love of photography.
“More than ‘just’ a picture and more than ‘just’ art. A photograph is a memory frozen in time, emotions and all.” – Korske Ara