World Photography Day: an art gifted to the world
A celebration born in Paris
This whole week, there’s a reason to grab your camera, capture the world as you see it, and share your vision with everyone! That’s because World Photography Day is being celebrated across the globe!
Photo: Pixabay
August 19, 1839, went down in history: the French government officially presented the invention of Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre. It turned out to be an incredible gift for all humanity. That day, scientists, artists, architects, and simply the curious gathered at the Paris Academy to hear for the first time about this new wonder of technology. The state bought the invention, granting its author a lifetime pension, and opened access to the method for everyone. This step proved to be momentous: the art of photography spread throughout the world.
Photo: Pexels
However, photography itself was born gradually: in the early 19th century, dozens of scientists and enthusiasts experimented with the camera obscura and light-sensitive substances. Professor Andreas Friedrich Gerber from Bern, in England – Henry Fox Talbot, the inventor of “Talbotype”, are some of the most prominent names whose contributions are undeniable. But the cherry on top was the tandem of Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre: they gave the world daguerreotype – the first commercially successful photographic process.
Photo: Pexels
World Photography Day 2025
Today, 186 years later, World Photography Day is celebrated in a modern way: photos are shared on social media with the hashtags #WorldPhotographyDay or uploaded to the website worldphotographyday.com.
This year, the theme of World Photography Day is simple and concise: “My Favourite Photo.” And since last year, the holiday has gained a new format – Photography Week 2025. Photography enthusiasts and professionals now have the opportunity to celebrate the art of the image not just for one day, but for all seven.
Photo: Pexels
Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have recently opened up wider access to photography, making sharing easier than ever before. On this day, and throughout the week, trendy hashtags are spreading around the world. Viral photo contests and inspiring galleries featuring amateurs and professionals from across the globe bring an unforgettable flavor to this celebration.
Photo: Pexels
And whether you are a professional photographer or simply love taking pictures with your phone, this date serves as a reminder of the power of a single image.
