#PhotoDay

World Photography Day falls on August 19. The date goes back to 1839, when the French government bought the rights to Louis Daguerre's daguerreotype process and, on August 19 of that year, announced it as a free gift to the world. Anyone could now make a photograph without paying a license fee, and photography spread quickly from there. Today the same day is shared by people who shoot on film, on professional cameras and, most of all, on phones.

Which Tag to Use

Four versions of the name get used on this date, and they all point at the same day. #WorldPhotographyDay and #WorldPhotoDay are the most searched. #WorldPhotoDay is also tied to an online event started by Australian photographer Korske Ara, where people around the world upload a photo on August 19 to a shared gallery. #PhotoDay and #PhotographyDay are shorter and broader. Using two of them together is a good way to cover both the people searching the full name and the ones using the short form.

Post Ideas for #WorldPhotographyDay

• Your favorite photo you have ever taken, with one line about where and why you took it.
• Your first photo next to your most recent one, to show how your eye has changed.
• A behind-the-scenes shot of your setup: camera, phone rig, lighting or editing screen.
• One practical tip, such as how you find good light or how you frame a street scene.
• A photo of the person who got you into photography, or the first camera you owned.
• For photo communities and schools, a one-day challenge or contest with a theme and a short deadline.

Tips for Using These Hashtags

Pair one day tag with a niche tag that matches your photo, such as #StreetPhotography, #ShootFilm or #PhotoOfTheDay, so your post reaches people who follow that style all year. Camera brands and photography schools can use the day to share a lesson or a short course, but a strong image will always do better than a sales pitch. Photography also has two other days worth knowing: Pinhole Photography Day in April and Nature Photography Day in June. August 19 is also National Aviation Day, so a good photo of a plane works for both.