It’s international World Photography Day! The day every year that people around the world celebrate all things photography: its history, its science, the craft of creating it, and the art and memories it gives us.

Why August 19th? On January 9, 1839, the French government announced that Louis Daguerre, one of the big papas of photography, had invented an amazing photographic process that came to be called the daguerreotype. Later that year, on August 19, 1839, the government made the even greater announcement that this wondrous process would be free to the world!

Photography has become a touchstone of all our lives. If you love photography as much as us, you’ll want to mark this special day with some photography-related celebrations. So we’ve put together this list of just 10 ways to celebrate World Photography Day.

Snap-on! 📸

Invest in photography

A house becomes more of a home when there are pictures hanging on the walls and displayed on shelves. So pick out a spot for some incredible photography and use this day to invest in a framed photograph from one of your favorite photographers. (Need some inspiration, check out this cool list!) And remember that investing in photography also means taking the time to print, frame, and hang those favorite personal photographs too!

Book a photoshoot

We admit this might just be our favorite way to celebrate this great day. Since the goal of this annual celebration is to enjoy and encourage photography, this covers all the bases! By booking one of our amazing, unique photoshoots anywhere in the world, for any occasion, you are both enjoying the art of photography and supporting its craft. You’ll love working with one of our local professional photographers, capturing memories and supporting their art.

Take advantage of our summer discounts by booking now. Then get ready for your shoot by checking out our post on how to show off the best you in your photoshoot!

Go to a photography exhibit

Head out and catch a photography exhibit. If you live in a big city, find out where the art galleries are and take a stroll. Or check out the listings in your newspapers and magazines to see what’s on locally. Museums often have wonderful collections to be enjoyed. This is a great option if you're not ready to make an investment or just want to learn more about the craft and expose yourself to new photographers.

If you can’t go to an exhibit, we got you covered! Enjoy an incredible collection of photographs at the end of this post. Our amazing photographers around the world help us celebrate the day with their unique photographic styles and favorite pictures.

Organize your photographs

In this age of digital photographs, we all have more photos stored on our devices than we know what to do with. Many of us also have boxes of printed photographs in attics and closets. Photographs are treasures and deserve to be honored. So a great way to mark World Photography Day is to take some time to organize all your photographic memories. Check out our post on sorting and saving your digital and printed pics, to include a handy checklist!

Give the gift of photographs

What better way to celebrate World Photography Day than spreading the joy and wonder of this amazing craft? There are many ways to do this, from framing a significant photograph for someone special to giving gift cards for photoshoots that friends and family can use anywhere, anytime. Whatever way you choose to give photography, you’ll be both marking the day as well as doing something for those you love.

Create a special social media post

Do you consider yourself an amateur photographer or just love taking pictures? Then another great way to mark this day is to show off your very own favorite photographs. Put together a special social media post for friends that gets them excited about the day too. Teach them some history and pass the torch, challenging them to post their favorite pics too. Tag us so we can see!

Try your hand out photography

Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a photographer but have always wanted to give it a try. Let this be the year! Photography is a great creative outlet. It’s also a way to see the world literally in a new light. As many of us continue to stay close to home, it feels like there’s nothing new to see or experience. But put your eye against the viewfinder of a camera and you will definitely see familiar surroundings anew!

Get ready for the holidays

It’s fortunate that World Photography Day falls towards the end of August…(good planning, French government!)...because as of September approaches, many of us start to anticipate the coming of fall and winter holidays. We start thinking about gifts to buy, cards to send, and parties to plan. Let today’s celebration help you check off some holiday to-do’s by getting your festive photoshoots scheduled. Get ideas at our post on why a holiday photoshoot is a must!

Express your individuality

Photography is a great way to express your individuality...in front of and behind the camera! If you’re the subject of the photograph you can let your colors & style take center stage. If you’re taking the pics, each photograph is an expression of your unique artistic sensibility. Read more about how we can embrace our individuality and find freedom through photography.

Fight for something you care about

One of the best ways to fight for a cause we care about is to educate others and share that cause with them. Pictures and photography help us do this. There’s a reason we say a picture is worth a million words and that is because a visual image (which our brain loves!) can relay so much at once. For Earth Day this year, our photographers showed how they use their photography to fight for the environment and planet. Follow their example and use World Photography Day to share or take pictures that help fight for something you care about!

We hope this list has inspired you to celebrate World Photography Day, whether you use one of these ideas or find your own. However you celebrate, use our summer discounts to get photoshoots booked and tag us on social media to show us what you do.

📸 Use code SUMMER1 for $20 off a 1-hour package

📸 Use code SUMMER2 for $30 off a 2-hour package

📸 Use code SUMMER3 for $40 off a 3-hour package

Now spend some time marveling at the power of photography and the talent of our photographers around the world, as they show off their style, craft, and passion!

Captured by Artem from St. Petersburg

Captured by Valerie from Miami

Captured by Andre from Bali

Captured by Khushboo from Bali

Captured by Tere from Vigo

Captured by Jack from Boracay

I include only 1 photo, that was the sum of about 8 months of asking for permits and awaiting COVID lockdown to pass so I can gain safe access to this property.
It is Romania's highest apartment building so far and is located in the city of Cluj Napoca, in Transylvania, Romania.

I took this photo very early at sunrise, overlooking the city, from its edge (the building is literally the last structure before you exit the city).

For me, this is the pinnacle of a lot of effort, covid transition, and the first property I gained access to after COVID hit, so it has a special meaning.

Valentin from Cluj Napoca