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Why August 19 is observed as World Photography Day?

Updated: Aug 23, 2021


What essence a photo can have, anyone can hardly imagine. One photo may play various roles and cherish good or bad memories in the vein. It’s a time of happiness and difficulties, one picks that old box of albums stored down in the secret place of the room and rolls back to the times. It can hard to appreciate that perfect click that has the power to take back in time just like a time machine. That’s why to inspire people to make more memories the entire world celebrates August 19 as World Photography Day. On this day, photographers all over the world post a photo with the simple goal of sharing their photographs with the rest of the world. This act is aimed to recall unity and motivate.


Let’s dig into some flashbacks and look into today’s update.


History & Importance of World Photography Day


World Photography Day is inspired by Daguerreotype, a photography technique that is a direct-positive process, creating a highly detailed image on a sheet of copper plated with a thin coat of silver without the use of a negative. The technique was invented by Frenchmen Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1837. Two years later, on January 9, 1839, French Academy introduced the Daguerreotype technique to the world which was later proclaimed as a ‘gift to the world’ by the French Government. Soon after getting well recognized and appreciate, the French Government in the succeeding month of August 19 purchased the patent under their name.

On one side people were still getting familiarized with the new concept of photography which was an alien concept for them and on the other end in 1861, Thomas Sutton took the first durable colour picture which was considered as a revolution of the time. Turing a picture into a colour sum was something that shook the world. Thomas applied the three black and white photos with red, green, and blue filters in a sequence that ultimately give a colour photograph. But sadly, the technique was forgotten even after its subpar outcome because the photographic emulsion in use at the time was insensitive to the spectrum.


People are quite obsessed with selfies, but do you know the first selfie was taken by Robert Cornelius in 1839. Back then, it was not simple as it is now, he had to set up his camera, removed the lens cap, and ran into the frame to capture the shot.



Photography In 20th Century


After all these long years, the first worldwide online gallery was launched on August 19th, 2010 to celebrate World Photography Day. The event was a great hit, almost 270 photographers contributed to this brand-new event and witnessed a massive number of visitors from over 100 countries. This event was the first official announcement of the existence of World Photography Day which had a worldwide reach.

Moments like this validate the existence and celebration of an important Day. Where people appreciate and encourage others in their respective talents is a bigger achievement than anything else. With immense love and support, this industry has flown its wings not only on the one specific zone but also taking the non-conventional zones which, the earlier people never thought or dared off.



Written By-

Team OWR

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