Camera Day

June 29 is (National) Camera Day. Derived from the Greek words “light” and “writing,” photography has “developed” over the years.

In a Snapshot

In 1827, Joseph Niepce created the first photographic image. The process required 8 hours of light exposure that eventually faded. In 1839, Louis Jacques Daguerre took the first fixed image that did not fade. His method required about 30 minutes of exposure. He named the process after himself – the Daguerreotype. Tintypes were developed in 1856 by Hamilton Smith and decades later, George Eastman invented flexible and unbreakable film that could be rolled.

By comparison, today’s cameras are affordable, small, portable and easy to operate. Camera's come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and price-points. People no longer have to sit still for long periods of time in order for the photographer to snap a picture. And no more waiting for film developing either - digital cameras allow users to see their photos instantly.