World Photography Day
Celebrating the art, science, and history of photography — marking the date the daguerreotype process was officially announced in 1839.
1 min read · Fact-checked · Updated for 2027
About World Photography Day
World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19th, commemorating the day in 1839 when the French government purchased the patent for the daguerreotype — widely considered the first practical photographic process — and made it freely available to the world. The day celebrates photography as both art and science and the role it plays in documenting history, preserving memories, and telling human stories. Photographers worldwide share images using #WorldPhotographyDay. From daguerreotypes to smartphones, photography has transformed how we see and record the world.
Read more on WikipediaAugust 19, 1839: The Day Photography Was Set Free
World Photography Day marks the date in 1839 when the French government, having purchased the patent for Louis Daguerre's daguerreotype process, announced it as a gift 'free to the world'. It was the moment photography stopped being a secret invention and became everyone's medium.
From 8 Hours to 1/8000th of a Second
The oldest surviving photograph, Nicéphore Niépce's 'View from the Window at Le Gras' (circa 1826), needed an exposure of at least eight hours. The first digital camera, built at Kodak by Steven Sasson in 1975, weighed 3.6 kg and captured 0.01 megapixels onto a cassette tape — and Kodak famously shelved it, a decision that later helped sink the company.
The Most Photographed Era in History
Humanity now takes an estimated 1.8–2 trillion photos every year — more every few minutes than were taken in the entire 19th century. Over 90% are shot on smartphones. The day is celebrated with photo walks, exhibitions and challenges under #WorldPhotographyDay; the classic assignment is simple: shoot one deliberate, carefully-composed frame instead of a hundred snapshots.
When is World Photography Day?
World Photography Day is celebrated every year on August 19. Upcoming dates:
| Year | Date | Day of week | |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Photography Day 2027 | August 19, 2027 | Thursday | View date → |
| World Photography Day 2028 | August 19, 2028 | Saturday🎉 weekend | View date → |
| World Photography Day 2029 | August 19, 2029 | Sunday🎉 weekend | View date → |
| World Photography Day 2030 | August 19, 2030 | Monday | View date → |
| World Photography Day 2031 | August 19, 2031 | Tuesday | View date → |
How to Celebrate World Photography Day
- 🎯Dive into the story behind World Photography Day — the "About" section above is a good start.
- 💡Plan something themed with friends: food, films, or a small event.
- 📣Join the conversation online under #WorldPhotographyDay.
Official hashtag: #WorldPhotographyDay
Frequently Asked Questions
When is World Photography Day 2027?
World Photography Day 2027 is on Thursday, August 19, 2027.
How many days until World Photography Day?
There are 357 days until World Photography Day (August 19, 2027).
Is World Photography Day a public holiday?
World Photography Day is an observance day, not typically a public holiday. Check your country's official calendar for local public holidays.
More Culture Days
World Poetry Day
March 21
UNESCO's day honoring one of humanity's most ancient art forms, celebrating poetry's power to unite people across languages and cultures.
World Book Day
April 23
UNESCO's annual celebration of books, reading, publishing, and copyright — and the date of death of both Shakespeare and Cervantes.