“Photography is the only language which can be understood by all cultures and nations”.
World Photography Day is observed and celebrated on August 19, every year. It is an exclusive day meant to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate the art, craft, science, photography’s history and works of photographers worldwide.
The history of World Photography Day dates back to the year 1839. The word “photography” was first coined by the British scientist Sir John Herschel from the Greek word phos (photos) which means “light” and graph which means “drawing”.
The French government is believed to have purchased the patent for the device and made it freely available to the world. With this act, photography became accessible to the world.
Photography has become an important medium of storytelling, reliable art to preserve the past and serves as a tool of education, information and entertainment.
The significance of photographs cannot be overemphasised. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Photograph is a way of communication that speaks louder than words. Photographs can convey feelings and emotions faster sometimes than words can. In fact, a photographer can make the viewer see the world the way he/she sees it.
Photography is not just about taking pictures alone but it is also about capturing moments, emotions, feelings and stories.
It create visual appeal, that is, photo draws audience into a page or story. A picture with a story always attracts attention.
The World Photography Day is very significant and worth celebrating because it generates awareness, shares ideas, motivates and encourages individuals to pursue photography as a passion and as a career.
On this day, let us all celebrate the power and beauty of photography and its impact on our lives.
Happy World Photography Day!!!
Mary Oluwatosin Afolabi,
Maiduguri, Borno state.
