What is photography and its origin?

Photography was invented by Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce in 1822. The word “Photography” comes from the Greek, meaning to draw with light.

In 1826, Niépce succeeded in taking the first true camera photograph. He used a sheet of pewter coated with bitumen, which required an exposure time of at least 8 hours! The subject of this photograph hit close to home for Niépce; the view from his workroom in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, France.

Niépce developed a technique called heliography, which he used to create the world’s oldest surviving photograph.

The origin of photography is significant because it created various aspects of human life. It showcases technological advancements, enables documentation and historical preservation, fosters artistic expression, facilitates communication and journalism, and has personal and social impact. Photography has transformed how we create, remember, communicate, and understand the world.