World Photography Day - Robert Cornelius

Rubik’s cube mural of Robert Cornelius

World Photography Day, celebrated on August 19, commemorates the invention of the daguerreotype, one of the earliest forms of photography, in 1837 by Louis Daguerre. The day is dedicated to appreciating the art, science, and history of photography, highlighting how it captures the essence of moments, emotions, and life itself. It encourages photographers to showcase their creativity, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Robert Cornelius, an American pioneer, took the first-ever selfie in 1839. He set up a camera in front of his home in Philadelphia, uncovered the lens, and sat still for several minutes to create what is now considered the world’s first self-portrait. His contribution to photography paved the way for the visual medium we use today, long before the age of smartphones.