World Photography Day-2025: 19 August

Why in news ?

• World Photography Day is celebrated every year on 19 August.
• Its purpose is to celebrate the art of photography, its history and its impact on society.
• This day is also an opportunity to honor those photographers who capture life, nature, culture and social reality through their cameras.

History

• The first permanent photograph of photography was made by Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1826.
• After this, Louis Daguer developed the Daguerreotype process in 1837.
• In this, a permanent image was obtained from a silver-plated copper plate and mercury vapor.
• This technique was considered the first commercial process of photography.
• On 19 August 1839, the French government made it available to the public free of cost.
• World Photography Day is celebrated every year on 19 August in memory of this event.

Importance of photography

• Preservation of history: Photos give us a glimpse of the past and preserve civilizations and events.
• Social change: Freedom struggle, war, movement, disaster; Photos bear witness to every major change.
• Medium of art: Photography is a means of expressing creativity, beauty and emotions.
• Information and communication: Photography conveys information quickly and effectively in journalism, documentary and social media.
• Business sector: It has a major contribution in areas like advertising, fashion, film, tourism and science.

Digital age and photography

• Today smartphones and digital cameras have made photography accessible to every person.
• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X) have made it a medium of sharing globally.
• Modern photography is using technologies like drone cameras, 360° photography, AI-editing.

Activities on World Photography Day

• Photo exhibitions, workshops and photography competitions are organized in different countries.
• Photographers share their famous or inspirational photos on social media.
• UNESCO, National Geographic and many art institutions organize special programs on this day.

Contribution of photography in India

• The history of photography in India dates back to the British period in the 19th century.
• Famous Indian photographers Homai Vyarawalla (India's first female photojournalist) and Raghu Rai (member of Magnum Photographers) made an international mark.
• Today photography has become a popular career option for the younger generation in India.