Cameras have changed drastically throughout the years but the love of taking photos has not. Capturing a moment in time and preserving it for generations to come has become an art form that ignites passion and inspiration in people of all ages.

On August 19th, the world will celebrate the invention of the Daguerreotype and every piece of photographic progress made since 1837. And you are invited to share in the fun.

How to Celebrate World Photography Day

There are lots of ways to celebrate!

• Pull out your old photo albums and reminisce.
• Take your camera someplace new and capture the view.
• Enter a photography contest.
• Find something very ordinary in your surroundings and try to photograph it in a way that makes you look at that object differently.
• Learn something new! Whether it’s how to use all the photo features on your smart phone, how to use editing software on your computer, or how to use new filters on your favorite camera, step out and learn something new about photography.
• Sign up for a local photography class.

Photography is a wonderful hobby for adults of all ages, but adults over the age of 60 may find this pastime especially appealing for many reasons.

This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Camera

First, cameras are not nearly as expensive as they used to be. You can take amazing, quality photos with the camera app on your smart phone or with a simple standard camera. With digital photography, there’s no wasting film if your photos don’t turn out the way you’d hoped. Just delete and move on!

Take Your Camera on the Road

Second, photography is a hobby that can go with you everywhere. You don’t need to worry about stopping your life to find time for your hobby.

Take pictures of your family. Take your camera with you on your next walk. Look beyond the major landmarks on your next vacation and try to capture photos of the things you never noticed before.

Let Your Camera Relax You

Third, photography can slow you down and be a very calming hobby. In a world that seems obsessed with speed, it can be quite cathartic to stop and smell the roses… and then to photograph them. Taking the time to look at things from different angels, to examine something from various sides, to notice differences in an object when lighting changes… these are the things that bring balance and appreciation into other areas of life. And who doesn’t want a hobby that brings centering and peace into our lives?

Do You Like to Share?

Finally, photography is an activity that can be shared with others or enjoyed alone. Generations can share their art together and teach each other new skills.

Photos can be displayed before crowds or be pleasing to an audience of only one. It’s a versatile, portable, and affordable hobby for artists of every age.

Do you like taking photos? What do you most like to take pictures of? Did you know that August 19 is World Photography Day? Please join the conversation!