World Photography Day is more than just another date on the calendar. It serves as a reminder of the revolutionary journey of capturing moments and the art of photography that has shaped our world. The event traces its roots to a significant turning point in the history of photography.

The Dawn of a Photographic Era

In 1839, the French Academy of Sciences announced a groundbreaking photographic process. The world was introduced to the daguerreotype, named after its inventor, Louis Daguerre. Unlike any art or science before, this was a unique method to freeze moments in time.

Unveiling the Daguerreotype

Do you know what a daguerreotype is? Louis Daguerre introduced this technique to the world in 1839, which involved recording images on a silver-covered copper plate. The plate was then exposed to iodine vapors. From that moment, chemical reactions took place consecutively: first, iodine reacted with silver, creating the photosensitive surface of the plate. Then, after placing the photosensitive plate in the camera, it was exposed to the scene. Initially, exposure times required patience, lasting several minutes, and objects had to remain still. Can you imagine being absolutely still for several minutes during a portrait?

Daguerreotype process – From Exposure to Final Image

After exposure, the plate was transferred to a dark room and exposed to mercury vapors. Mercury amalgamated with the exposed areas of silver iodide, creating a visible image. To make the image permanent and remove the unexposed silver iodide, the plate was rinsed with a solution of sodium thiosulfate or salt. In the final step of daguerreotype process, the plate was rinsed with distilled water and dried. And “voilà” – the first photograph was born!

The Delicate Nature of Daguerreotypes

However, daguerreotypes were very delicate and could easily darken, so they were usually protected by glass. The image on the plate was a direct positive, meaning no negatives were made and it was not possible to make multiple copies of the same image. The image also had a mirror-like quality, looking positive or negative depending on the viewing angle and lighting. The daguerreotype brought a revolution in documenting the world and people. It was the first method allowing the mass production of realistic and lasting images.
This method was pivotal, laying the foundation for photographic innovations.
Recognizing the value of this invention, the French government purchased the daguerreotype process and declared it a gift “Free to the World.” That altruistic move by the French government ensured the rapid spread of the photographic process around the world.

Evolution and Celebration

From the first photograph, we’ve seen immense progress. Famous photographers like Ansel Adams, Robert Frank, and David Bailey have since made their mark, and technological advances have given us the digital camera. The very first digital camera marked another turning point in the history of photography.
Now, we not only celebrate World Photography Day but also World Photography Week. The 2023 theme, “LANDSCAPES,” invites photographers, from professional photographers to photo lovers, to share their best photos. The use of social media platforms has amplified the reach, creating a global community of photography enthusiasts.
During World Photography Week, participants are urged to share photographs that resonate with them personally, and photo lovers from around the world are encouraged to engage, creating a truly global community event.

First World Photography Day

When the invention of the daguerreotype was announced, its profound cultural and communicative impact was unforeseen. This groundbreaking discovery paved the way for a global acknowledgment of the art form. “World Photo Day”, also known as “Photography Day”, was officially commemorated in response to this monumental innovation. Each year, professionals and enthusiasts alike come together to celebrate this day, reminiscing about the very first picture that changed the way we perceive the world. This occasion serves as a reminder and reflection point for every professional photographer and photo lover, emphasizing the evolution and significance of photography.

A Global Celebration

On this World Photography Day and throughout the World Photography Week, whether you’re reminiscing through family photos or admiring the work of a famous photographer, let’s appreciate the art, science, and history behind each photograph. So, pick up your camera, and join in capturing the world, one photo at a time.