World Photography Day commemorates the art and science of photography. An annual event first celebrated on August 19th, 2010, it raises awareness, encourages the sharing of ideas and photos, and inspires individuals to engage in the art of photography.
The event is celebrated around the world through various activities such as photo contests, exhibitions, workshops, and social media campaigns. It is a day for photographers to come together to appreciate the impact of photography on society and to promote the importance of visual storytelling.
Many photographers and organizations use this day to advocate for the preservation of photographic history and the protection of photographers’ rights. Overall, it is a time for people to celebrate the ability of the photograph to convey the beauty and diversity of the world.
How Did World Photography Day Begin?
O.P. Sharma, a photography instructor in India, floated the idea of World Photography Day in 1988. After coordinating with several photography groups, the first observance occurred in 1991. The early years were limited to in-person affairs. However, the event began gaining an online presence in 2005 and was promoted as World Photo Day.
More than 100 countries are expected to participate in 2024, with the theme “An Entire Day.” The goal, according to WorldPhotographyDay.com, “is to capture as many different aspects of what happens around the world in one day.”
Why August 19th?
The date commemorates the invention of the Daguerreotype process, developed in 1837 by Louis Daguerre. His photographic process recorded an image on silver plated copper. The image captured on the copper plate was exposed to mercury vapor, then a salt solution. So, a photographer needed a background in chemistry to create photographs.
Daguerre sold his patent to the French Academy of Sciences. Consequently, the French government presented the Daguerreotype process to the world as a gift on August 19th, 1839.
GBPW details the History of Photography, from the early experiments with light-capturing materials to the first photograph by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, through the age of film and modern digital cameras. In its 185-year history, photography has evolved into an influential medium of expression with a profound global impact. Through images captured by photographers from all corners of the world, we witness and understand different cultures, events, and traditions that otherwise elude us.
The Impact of Photography
The art of photography has the ability to evoke emotions and inspire action, making it a powerful tool for social change and awareness. Certainly, images transcend language barriers and communicate universal messages that resonate with people from diverse backgrounds.
In today’s digital age, photography plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing policy decisions, and documenting historical moments. Photography continues to shape our understanding of the world and connect us in ways that words alone cannot. For more, see our article on How Photography Changed the World.
The Significance of World Photo Day
Along with the historical meaning of August 19th, the day encourages appreciation for the skill and creativity of photographers. In addition, it highlights the importance of visual communication in our increasingly image-driven society. It serves as a reminder of photography’s power to influence perspectives, evoke emotions, and document history. Indeed, photography fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us by capturing moments and preserving memories.
World Photography Day is a global celebration of visual story-telling. It presents us with an opportunity to engage with other photographers and share our passion for imagery. Also, we use this day to focus attention on photography’s impact and to remember the ethics of producing creative images.
7 Ways to Celebrate the World Photography Day
Share your work and connect with fellow enthusiasts through local photography communities or online platforms. Additionally, join workshops, exhibitions, or social media challenges to promote creativity and appreciation for photographs. And yes, pick up a camera, head outside, and take pictures.
1. Embark on a Year-Long Creative Challenge
Join Great Big Photography World’s 365 Days of Photography Project. Basically, the challenge is to capture and share a unique image every day for one year. Explore diverse themes, enhance your camera skills, connect with a community of photographers, and create a visual narrative of the year with this course.
You can also join our 52 Week Photography Challenge which is also one of the most demanded courses by our community members.
2. Capture a Photo of the World as You See It
Engage with your surroundings. Notice the interplay of light and shadow. Search for the vibrancy of life and subtleties that often go unnoticed. Then, use your camera to tell a story that resonates with you in that moment.
3. Visit a Photography Gallery
This experience enriches us. So, get inspired by immersing yourself in a diverse array of photographic styles and techniques. Such an exploration broadens your appreciation for the medium and serves as a spark for your own artistic endeavors.
4. Find Out About Famous Photographers
The work of renowned figures in the profession reflects unique perspectives and innovative techniques that shaped the art of photography. For example, Annie Leibovitz and David Bailey achieved fame for their striking celebrity portraits. Rathika Ramasamy, a Nikon Professional Member, captures wildlife pictures with technical expertise and compelling narratives. And for me, I liked Ansel Adams before I knew anything about photography. Adams is celebrated for his breathtaking black-and-white landscapes.
5. Check out #WorldPhotographyDay on Social Media
Find opportunities to connect on Facebook, including the World Photography Daily page. Also, check out posts on your favorite social media platform and post your own photos. Be sure to tag them #worldphotographyday or #worldphotoday.
6. Submit an Image to a Photography Contest
Many photo contests require an entry fee; however, a number of them are free to enter. For example, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards features funny moments with wild animals, with a safari as a prize and no entry fee. Also free, the Istanbul Photo Awards offers a $6000 prize for Photo of the Year. Moreover, the Sony World Photography Awards is also free to enter; winners receive Sony camera equipment. The iguana photo below won a Sony award in 2017.
7. Participate in Events
You can find a list of World Photography Day Events, some of which may be near you. Also, you may have your photos featured on the World Photography Daily website. Just submit a Photo and the story behind it for consideration.
Conclusion
World Photography Day recognizes the art, technology, and people involved in photography, either as a business or a hobby. To that end, we celebrate photography’s impact on culture, communication, and history. In addition, this day encourages individuals to appreciate the power of photography to preserve moments that transcend time and space. Photography has the ability to inspire, inform, and connect people across the globe.
All in all, this day fosters an appreciation for the artistry and significance of photography in our lives. So, let’s stay connected throughout the year and remember August 19th.
If you have any questions or comments, please submit them in the space below.
Take Away
- World Photography Day highlights the significance of photography in capturing moments, telling stories, and preserving memories. It encourages photographers to share their work and inspires individuals to appreciate the beauty and impact of visual imagery.
This was an excellent piece. We see photography in our daily lives but never really stop to appreciate all of the creative talent globally. For those who are interested in photography, today is a great day to start! Thanks for sharing a little bit of the history of this day as well, often we celebrate without truly knowing the meaning. Well done!
Thank you.