PURPOSE: The World Photography Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography. The first ever photograph was taken in 1926 and the first photograph of a person was captured by accident. The word photograph means ‘drawing with light’. Photography acts as a universal language, transcending cultural and language barriers to tell stories, share experiences, and facilitate communication in ways words often cannot. Photography has been a critical tool for documenting social injustices, raising awareness about important issues, and inspiring action for change. Images can make the invisible visible, empowering communities and fueling social movements. The most recent World Photography Day took place on August 19th. The UNITED NATIONS Photo Library's mission is to provide access to and preserve the photo archives from over 75 years of the history of the Organization captured by photographers.
FORUM: Photography is a vibrant art form that allows individuals to express their unique vision and creativity, exploring different perspectives and transforming everyday scenes into captivating works of art. Photography is such a wonderful and powerful tool. It allows us to capture the beauty of the world around us, from people and places to animals and nature. Engaging with photography, whether by capturing images or appreciating the work of others, can foster mindfulness, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and provide a creative outlet for emotional processing. Whether it’s something you do as a hobby or a profession, there is nothing quite like capturing that perfect shot. You can participate in World Photography Day and help support photography everywhere, whether or not you have a photo to share; Search for posts using the tag #WorldPhotographyDay on August 19th, on the social medium of your choice, and "Like", comment and share the photos that resonate with you the most. If you discover a photographer whose work you appreciate, be sure to give them a follow on social media, as well.
EVENT: You are invited on August 19th to mark the World Photo Day; Photography captures moments in time, creating a visual record of events, cultures, and personal experiences for future generations. Think of iconic images that shape our understanding of the past, like those from the American Civil War or the Civil Rights Movement. Join the Celebration of Photography, Register to participate!
As Part of World Photography Week - August 12th to 26th 2025; Share your best photos on social media using hashtag #WorldPhotographyDay. Then look for posts using that tag - "Like", comment and share other's photos that resonate with you the most.
VIRTUAL GALLERY: Discover the lastest UN Photos of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the United Nations Secretary-General, the Missions of the UN around the world and the photos collection of the United Nations.
PODCASTS: Photography’s journey began in the 19th century, building upon centuries of optical experiments and the discovery of light-sensitive materials. Photography acts as a universal language, transcending cultural and language barriers to tell stories, share experiences, and facilitate communication in ways words often cannot. Listen to the audio-podcast!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Shape Public Opinion and Evoke Emotion. A single image can communicate complex emotions, narratives, and themes, influencing how people feel about events and issues. Celebrating ¨Photography. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
Every year, photography lovers come together to participate in a global celebration of all things photography, from the science behind the art to the history of early photography. Photography is the art of capturing light with a camera, usually via a digital sensor or film, to create an image. With the right camera equipment, you can even photograph wavelengths of light invisible to the human eye, including UV, infrared, and radio.The first permanent photograph was captured in 1826 (some sources say 1827) by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in France. It shows the roof of a building lit by the sun.
World Photography Day is a fantastic opportunity for photographers all around the world to share their ideas, innovations, and art. It promotes communication between people from different cultures and countries, helping to foster a sense of global community. It’s also used to encourage and inspire the next generation of photographers. This year, World Photography Day will be held on August 19th.
Many people today believe that their phone is good enough for most photography, and they have no need to buy a separate camera. And you know what? They’re not wrong. For most people out there, a dedicated camera is overkill. Phones are better than dedicated cameras for most people’s needs. They’re quicker and easier to use, not to mention their seamless integration with social media. It only makes sense to get a dedicated camera if your phone isn’t good enough for the photos you want (like photographing sports or low-light environments) or if you’re specifically interested in photography as a hobby. That advice may sound crazy coming from a photographer, but it’s true. If you have any camera at all, especially a cell phone camera, you have what you need for photography. And if you have a more advanced camera, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera, what more is there to say? Your tools are up to the challenge. All that’s left is to learn how to use them.
PARTNERSHIPS
Bring photographers of all types and abilities together, to support one another and share the joy of all things photography.
Watch a film or documentary about the history of photography.
Learn about a famous photographer.
Create a photography blog or photo journal.
Experiment with different types of photography.
Go on a photo walk of your local neighbourhood.
Are you looking for other exciting activities to help your young learners celebrate World Photography Day? Then allow us to walk you through just a small selection.
The Camera: Past, Present, and Future PowerPoint – this beautifully illustrated PowerPoint is a great way to show your pupils the journey of photography, from its earliest beginnings with the camera obscura to the modern digital camera
Significant Individuals Fact File Template - KS1 Resource – have your children been learning about the great inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce or the renowned photographer Vera Jackson? Help them consolidate their knowledge and develop their literacy skills with this handy fact file template.
Pinhole Camera Materials Pack – this creative craft activity will encourage children to investigate how cameras work.
Outdoor Photography Activity— let pupils put their understanding of photography to the test with this fantastic outdoor photography activity!
The World Photo Day is co-organized by the United Nations photo, the World Photography Organisation.
With the collaboration of the Advertising Photographers of America (APA), the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP), the American Association of Museums (AAM), the The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers (AIAP), The Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD), the Editorial Photographers, the En Foco, the International Association of Architectural Photographers (IAAP), the International Freelance Photographers Association (IFPA), the International Industrial Photographers Association (IIPA), the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), the Photographic Society of America (PSA), the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI), the Professional Photographers Association (PPA), the Society for Photographic Education (SPE), the Society of Sport and Event Photographers, the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPA), the Women in Photography International, the International Center of Photography, the Kodak, the National Geographic Society, the Nikon Inc., the Pentax, the Picture Archive Council of America, the Photo District News and the Photographic Resource Center.