Every August 19, World Photography Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact that photography has had on our lives. From capturing moments of beauty to documenting historical events and shaping social consciousness, photography is more than just a medium—it's a lens through which we view our world. This article delves into the history of photography and explores some of the most controversial and poignant images that have stirred public discourse and left lasting impressions.
Photography as we know it began in the early 19th century, revolutionising the way we capture and remember moments. The journey began with the invention of the Daguerreotype by Louis Daguerre in 1839. This early photographic process involved exposing a silver-plated copper sheet to iodine vapours and then to light, creating a unique image that was both delicate and enduring.
Although the Daguerreotype was revolutionary, it was quickly succeeded by more practical methods. The mid-19th century saw the introduction of albumen prints, which used egg whites to bind photographic chemicals to paper. This era also saw the advent of wet plate collodion photography, which allowed for faster exposure times and clearer images.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought innovations such as roll film and the Kodak camera, making photography accessible to the masses and transforming it from a specialised art form into a common practice. With the digital age, photography has continued to evolve.