Photography is my passion and very close to my heart. I have been fascinated by photography and have indulged in photography ever since I was a small child. I possess and still preserve all the old cameras, and they can be an excellent contribution to photography museums. My passion is landscape and wildlife photography. Wherever I go, I take plenty of these pictures. I have faced a lot of criticism from my wife and friends, who accuse me that I don’t take their photographs or people’s images, and hence, I am wasting my time and opportunity. However, I don’t take my pictures either at these monuments!
Photography is more than a medium to freeze moments in time; it can be the most formidable tool that transcends all languages, cultures, and times. All across the globe, World Photographic Day is celebrated on 19 August every year to pay homage to this sublime art and science of photography—that, from once being reserved as an indulgence of the wealthy elite has grown into an everyday product of our lives.
Today, let us consider photography’s influence and development and how it has continued to shape our perception of the world.
The Origins of World Photographic Day
World Photographic Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the invention of the daguerreotype, the photographic process developed by Louis Daguerre in 1839. That was the first process of great importance that democratized photography and made it available to more people than ever before. This day is not observed solely because of this invention but also because of the photographers, professional and amateur alike, who have captured with their cameras both the face of the world and stories of change and inspiring transformation.
The Evolution of Photography
From the daguerreotype to the digital revolution, photography has changed beyond recognition. The change from black and white to colour, from film to digital, and now into the Smartphone and Drone era has made access more accessible and opened up its possibilities.
The first half of the 20th century was a time of professionals in the sphere of photography. Cameras were bulky and expensive, requiring deep knowledge of exposure, lighting, and development processes. Fast-forward to the 21st century—everybody is carrying a high-resolution camera in their pocket. Smartphones democratize photography and let everybody capture and share ‘the moment’.
It has exploded in creativity. Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr are the galleries of today, where photographers from all over the world share their work, get inspired, and connect with other like-minded people. Editing and enhancing photos by tapping a few buttons changed how we looked at photography—it turned this art form into something which is always in progress.
The Power of a Photograph
Besides this, it can communicate emotions, narrate stories, and revolutionize, which words can often not do. There are some iconic images symbolizing critical historical moments. Consider the photograph by Steve McCurry of the Afghan Girl. Her gaze was like that of no other—its intensity brought the world’s attention to those refugees, covering the front page in awareness for their plight on National Geographic in 1985.
Photos can mobilize movements. The picture of Earth taken from space by the Apollo 8 astronauts in 1968, more popularly known as “Earthrise,” is said to have opened Pandora’s box of the environmental movement, bringing to peoples’ minds its fragility and beauty and our responsibilities toward protection.
In our personal lives, photographs serve as a tangible connection to the past. They capture the joy of celebrations, the poignancy of farewells, and the simple beauty of everyday moments. They allow us to revisit memories, share our experiences with others, and pass down stories to future generations.
The Role of Photography in Social Change
Photography has long been used as a medium to change society. Documentary photographers and photojournalists have captured cases of injustice through their cameras, giving the voiceless a voice. Images of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Syrian refugee crisis have all served as giant windows through which public opinion was shaped, often changing policy.
Over the past decade, photography has played an essential part in activism. Today, with instant sharing worldwide, exposes have further strengthened matters like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and climate change protests. Photographs documenting protests, police brutality, and environmental devastation have pushed issues into people’s faces, mobilizing action.
The future of photographing
The future of photography is wide open and has many possibilities. Advancing technology never stops; it will continually push the envelope on what can be done. Virtual and augmented reality are already changing how we experience photographs—by getting inside pictures and interacting with them in immersive ways. AI also leaves a mark on photography. AI-driven cameras now allow scene recognition, adjust settings without users’ interference, and even create images from scratch. While opening up new limitless creative avenues for artists on the one hand, this raises a question about the authenticity of photographs on the other.
The more photography continues to evolve, the more responsibility a photographer has. In an age where images are so readily manipulated, it cannot be overemphasized that pictures need ethics. In this regard, photographers must remain truthful and respectful when working with sensitive documents.
The snapshot: Celebration of Creativity World Photographic Day epitomizes the celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of imagery. Be it a professional photographer, an amateur enthusiast, or somebody who simply enjoys capturing moments on their phone, today is for reflection on photography’s impact on your life and the world around you. In continuing to document our lives and our world, remember that each picture has a story to be told, words to be spoken, emotions to be felt, and changes to be inspired. So, take your camera—whatever form it may take—and join a global community in this celebration of photography.
Happy World Photography Day, 2024!
Prof. Dr. Prahlada N. B
20 August 2024
Chitradurga.
Prahlada Sir ✨
You have beautifully traced the evolution of photography over the years & it's profound impact on human life… 👌.
Here is my take on same…
"Photography has blossomed like a flower, unfolding its petals from a bud of black and white to a kaleidoscope of colors, each snapshot a testament to human ingenuity. Like a time machine, it transports us to bygone eras, freezing moments in the amber of memory. From the grainy, sepia-toned portraits of our ancestors to the crystal-clear, filter-enhanced selfies of today, photography has evolved like a chameleon, adapting to the rhythms of human life.
Just as a painter's brushstrokes bring canvas to life, photography has become the brush that paints our stories, capturing the beauty, joy, and heartache of human experience. It has democratized art, empowering everyone to become a storyteller, a historian, and a artist.
Like ripples on a pond, photography's impact has spread far and wide, influencing how we perceive ourselves, our cultures, and our world. It has become a universal language, transcending borders and generations, connecting us in a shared human experience 💐🦋🐶😍✨."
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