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National Photography Month celebrates the timeless art of image-making throughout May. From historical techniques to modern digital artistry, this month invites everyone to explore their photographic passion. Grab your camera, learn new skills, and share your unique perspective with the world.
Want to sponsor National Photography Month? Learn how
Expected National Photography Month Deals
Throughout National Photography Month, expect major retailers and specialty camera stores to roll out enticing promotions on gear and services. In previous years, brands like B&H Photo Video, Adorama, and Amazon have offered discounts on DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, and accessories. Look for deals on photo editing software from Adobe and Skylum, as well as printing services from Shutterfly and Snapfish. Keep an eye out for online workshops and tutorials from creators and photography schools. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.
Platform Guide for National Photography Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPhotographyMonth. Share your best shots, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or photo challenges.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPhotographyMonth. Create short tutorials, photo walk vlogs, or showcase creative editing techniques.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPhotographyMonth. Host a photo contest or share historical facts about photography.
National Photography Month Hero
George Eastman
History of National Photography Month
National Photography Month was first celebrated in 1987 when Congress recognized the role photos play in our society. The American Photographers Association and other organizations made National Photography Month a time of activities, festivals, photo contests, and exhibits. The celebrations have since taken on a new look in the digital age.
Photographs act like time machines. They give us a peek into our history, ancestry, and legacies from the past. Something as simple as looking at old photos can bring back a rush of memories. Historic photos, once preserved in museums and archives, capture iconic figures from history in the most important moments of their careers as well as in their unguarded moments. Photos help in creating legends out of regular people and also humanize those whom we think of as legends.
Through photographs, we can relive the most momentous achievements of humankind, such as astronaut Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. Similarly, photographs also capture the injustices of our world. Photographs of wars, prison camps, and illnesses serve as warnings to not repeat history and teach us to be kinder to fellow human beings. People do not only photograph for personal use, they photograph to remember a moment as it is — sometimes becoming the most genuine representation of a time. Photographs are perhaps one of the most reliable ways to document history, and National Photo Month is a celebration of this.
National Photography Month timeline
The first camera, created by George Eastman, is sold in the U.S. by Kodak for $25.
The first camera that generates photos instantly is developed.
The first truly portable digital camera hits the market.
The first phone with a camera, the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210, is released.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Photography Month
Local businesses can embrace National Photography Month by hosting themed photo contests, offering discounts on photography-related products or services, or collaborating with local photographers. A coffee shop might display local artists’ work, while a small retail store could encourage customers to share photos of products in use for a chance to win a prize. Photography studios can run special promotions on portrait sessions or offer introductory workshops to engage the community.
National Photography Month related content
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National Photography Day
National Photography Day develops into focus every August 19, honoring the dedicated artists and innovators who capture the world's beauty and truth through their lenses. This day celebrates photography's power to inform, inspire, and preserve history. Grab your camera, share your favorite shots, and appreciate the visual stories all around us.
See MoreNational Photography Month FAQs
When is National Photography Month?
In 2027, National Photography Month will again be observed throughout May, from Saturday, May 1, to Monday, May 31. This annual observance encourages everyone to pick up a camera.
How many photos are taken each year?
The number of photos captured annually is expected to exceed 2 trillion by 2027, driven largely by mobile photography and social media sharing. This makes photography a universal language.
What is the history of photography?
From its origins in the 1820s, photography evolved through various chemical and mechanical innovations, leading to digital imaging in the late 20th century. Each era brought new ways to capture and share moments.
What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?
The primary distinction lies in the mirror box: DSLRs have one, allowing for optical viewing, while mirrorless cameras do not, relying on digital displays. Mirrorless cameras often offer faster autofocus and silent shooting, making them increasingly popular.
National Photography Month Activities
Take photos
Celebrate National Photo Month by taking as many photos of the things and people you love. Take photos with your smartphone, digital camera, or Polaroid camera — experiment and have fun!
Sign up for a photography course
If you’ve always wanted to learn photography techniques, sign yourself up for a month-long course. This is the perfect time to start.
Post on social media
Post all the photos you’ve taken during National Photo Month to your social media. You can use the hashtag #NationalPhotoMonth to inspire more people to join the trend.
5 Fun Facts About Cameras
The world’s largest camera collection
Dilish Parekh owns 4,425 cameras, making it the largest camera collection in the world.
The first digital camera was very heavy
It weighed around eight pounds.
People love uploading photos
A whopping 95 million photos and videos are uploaded to Instagram each day.
Color photos have been around for years
The world’s first color photograph was captured in 1861.
Cat photos aren’t a new trend
The first cat photo was taken in 1870.
Why We Love National Photography Month
All of us can take photographs
Each one of us is a photographer. We constantly take photos and document our days through candid photographs and selfies. This is why we just love National Photo Month!
Photographs document history
A photograph is also a historical document. When we celebrate National Photo Month, we acknowledge the many ways photographs capture history and tell stories for future generations to learn from.
It celebrates a marvelous invention
Today we cannot imagine our lives without cameras. Thanks to smartphones, cameras have become indispensable to everyday life. National Photo Month is a celebration of this great invention.
Social Media Tips for National Photography Month
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