World Photography Day History
Having been celebrated for decades, World Photography Day is the global phenomenon that it is today, all thanks to three passionate photographers from different parts of the world - O.P. Sharma, Korske Ara and John Morzen.
The idea of a global day to celebrate photography was proposed by photography teacher O.P. Sharma of India in 1988. He pursued the idea, reaching out to different photography groups to coordinate, and as a result of his hard work, the first observance of World Photography Day happened in 1991. For a number of years, World Photography Day primarily consisted of in-person events held around India (here's an example), and slowly began to grow outwardly from there. It first began to trend in a significant way online in August 2005. It was later promoted for a time online as "World Photo Day" by entrepreneur Korske Ara of Australia, where interest in the concept continued to grow. Producer John Morzen of North America joined the cause, and through his work, oversight and diligence over the last decade, World Photography Day grew to how it is recognized and celebrated today. Now, every World Photography Day is marked annually around the world with events, workshops, photo walks and most importantly, people sharing their photography and what it means to them!
The idea of a global day to celebrate photography was proposed by photography teacher O.P. Sharma of India in 1988. He pursued the idea, reaching out to different photography groups to coordinate, and as a result of his hard work, the first observance of World Photography Day happened in 1991. For a number of years, World Photography Day primarily consisted of in-person events held around India (here's an example), and slowly began to grow outwardly from there. It first began to trend in a significant way online in August 2005. It was later promoted for a time online as "World Photo Day" by entrepreneur Korske Ara of Australia, where interest in the concept continued to grow. Producer John Morzen of North America joined the cause, and through his work, oversight and diligence over the last decade, World Photography Day grew to how it is recognized and celebrated today. Now, every World Photography Day is marked annually around the world with events, workshops, photo walks and most importantly, people sharing their photography and what it means to them!
Why is August 19th World Photography Day?
World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19th to commemorate the invention of the daguerreotype, a photographic process developed by Louis Daguerre in 1837. This process was officially announced by the French government as a gift to the world on August 19th, 1839. Since then, photography has evolved tremendously, becoming a powerful medium of expression, communication, and documentation. Therefore, August 19th was chosen as World Photography Day to honor this significant milestone in the history of photography.
Why do we Celebrate World Photography Day?
World Photography Day is celebrated to recognize and appreciate the art, science, and history of photography. It's a day to commemorate the impact photography has had on society, culture, and communication since its inception. Here are some reasons why we celebrate World Photography Day:
1. Historical significance: August 19th marks the announcement of the daguerreotype process, one of the earliest successful forms of photography, in 1839. This event revolutionized the way images were captured and preserved, laying the foundation for modern photography.
2. Promotion of photography as an art form: World Photography Day encourages photographers, both amateur and professional, to share their work and celebrate the creative aspects of photography. It's an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of the world through images.
3. Documentation and preservation: Photography plays a crucial role in documenting history, culture, and daily life. World Photography Day highlights the importance of preserving these visual records for future generations.
4. Global participation: It's a day for photographers and photography enthusiasts worldwide to come together, share their passion for photography, and engage in discussions about its significance and future directions.
5. Awareness and education: World Photography Day raises awareness about the technical aspects of photography, its impact on society, and the ethical considerations surrounding image-making. It's also a chance to educate people about the importance of visual literacy and storytelling through images.
Overall, World Photography Day serves as a reminder of the power of photography to inspire, inform, and connect people across the globe.
1. Historical significance: August 19th marks the announcement of the daguerreotype process, one of the earliest successful forms of photography, in 1839. This event revolutionized the way images were captured and preserved, laying the foundation for modern photography.
2. Promotion of photography as an art form: World Photography Day encourages photographers, both amateur and professional, to share their work and celebrate the creative aspects of photography. It's an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of the world through images.
3. Documentation and preservation: Photography plays a crucial role in documenting history, culture, and daily life. World Photography Day highlights the importance of preserving these visual records for future generations.
4. Global participation: It's a day for photographers and photography enthusiasts worldwide to come together, share their passion for photography, and engage in discussions about its significance and future directions.
5. Awareness and education: World Photography Day raises awareness about the technical aspects of photography, its impact on society, and the ethical considerations surrounding image-making. It's also a chance to educate people about the importance of visual literacy and storytelling through images.
Overall, World Photography Day serves as a reminder of the power of photography to inspire, inform, and connect people across the globe.
Header Photo: Mostafa Meraji, Iran
Featured Photo: Günther Schneider, Germany
Featured Photo: Günther Schneider, Germany