New York, NY—World Photography Day, August 19, 2023, is a global celebration of all types of photography. However, each year, WorldPhotographyDay.com presents an optional theme to focus on. The World Photography Day 2023 theme is “Landscapes.”
Historically, World Photography Day commemorates the announcement of the daguerreotype process on August 19, 1839, by the French Academy of Sciences. The daguerreotype process was one of the earliest methods of capturing permanent images on a light-sensitive surface.
Today, World Photography Day highlights photography as a legitimate form of art. In addition, it creates an opportunity to encouraging all levels of photographers to experiment with different techniques, compositions and styles. Moreover, it’s meant to inspire people to appreciate the power of photography in telling stories, capturing emotions and preserving memories.
Over the years, it has become a day to discuss the technical aspects of photography, advancements in equipment as well as the evolution of photographic techniques. Photographers and enthusiasts are also invited to share their favorite photos, the stories behind the images and insights into their creative process.
“Along with any other photos you planned on sharing on World Photography Day this year, feel free to share the best photos you’ve taken of landscapes,” the official website states. “And don’t forget to tag #WorldPhotographyDay and #WorldPhotographyDay2023 on the social media platform of your choice.”
What’s more, in the spirit of World Photography Day, imaging industry companies join the celebration by offering free classes and seminars, and even deals. We will cover a sample of them here, to help you also join in the day’s festivities.
Don’t forget to check out your local photo retailers and camera stores to see what special events they might be holding for World Photography Day.
World Photography Day Events
OM System Celebrates with Online Events & Classes
OM Digital Solutions, an offshoot of Olympus Corporation, marks its participation in World Photography Day 2023 by paying homage to the art of capturing moments through the lens. With a commitment to educating photography enthusiasts about the OM System, the brand is holding free online events from August 15–19, 2023. 
OM Digital Solutions offers a variety of educational content across its digital platforms. They range from visual showcases to tutorials and interviews. A highlight includes a series of virtual live events hosted by OM System ambassadors and technical experts from around the globe. Moreover, the company is conducting these events in seven languages. The events are geared toward all photography enthusiasts, whether amateurs or professionals.
Notably, all offerings during the company’s World Photography Day celebrations are free of charge. You can access the full schedule of events by visiting the official event page. Further, when you check out the event page, you can enter for a chance to win an OM-5 + M.Zuiko 12–45mm kit.
LumeCube Sponsors World Photography Day Giveaway 
To celebrate World Photography Day 2023, LumeCube and Tether Tools teamed up with their favorite brands to give away more than $7,500 in gear to one lucky winner. Sign up here.
Moreover, you must be 18+ years of age to enter. The giveaway ends on August 19, 2023, at 11:59 PST. The winner will be announced and contacted by @lumecube on August 21, 2023. Partners and prizes in the giveaway include the following:
- Tether Tools: 150W Battery Pack, 65W Charger & StrapMoore
- LumeCube: Tube Light XL, Tube Light Mini & RGB Panel Pro 2.0
- Fujifilm: Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera w/ XF18–55mm Lens Bundle
- Tamron: Tamron 28–75mm f/2.8 Lens
- SanDisk: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD + SanDisk Extreme Pro 128 GB SD Card
- Gear Focus Marketplace: $250 Gift Card
- Peak Design: Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod, 20L Everyday Backpack & Slide Lite
- Moment: 2x Cinebloom Filters, 2x VND Filters, Soft Filter Case & Fanny Sling (2L)
- Radiant Imaging Lab: Radiant Photo
- Paul Zizka: #LitByLume Paul Zizka Fujiflex Acrylic Print
- Bay Photo Lab: Fujiflex Acrylic Print
- Mylio Photos: Lifetime License to Mylio Photos
- ViewBug: Premium ViewBug Membership (1 year) + $300 Photo Bundle
Fujifilm Create with Us In-Person Event
In recognition of World Photography Day, Fujifilm North America is presenting Create with Us. The free event is an immersive celebration of visual arts. Create with Us is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST at Seattle’s iconic Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th Street, Seattle. The event is open to the public. Occupancy limits may apply. Advance registration is strongly recommended to save time at entry.
Moreover, the hands-on event is for anyone interested in photography, cinematography or the arts. The curated, dynamic public event will also showcase image and video making from an emerging generation of image makers and content creators. 
The one-day event will offer a variety of opportunities for creators to obtain an educational experience through workshops and demos. This will include local photo walks led by professional photographer members of the Fujifilm Creators program. The event will also offer creative, hands-on experience in photo and video bays. Furthermore, participants can take advantage of a full video studio setup. This will provide them with an opportunity to try cameras and lenses from Fujifilm’s X series and GFX system product lines, as well as the Fujinon series of cinema and broadcast lenses.
What’s more, tours of an on-site broadcast truck will occur. Noted Emmy Award-winning cinematographer M. David Mullen, ASC, will also present on his work as Director of Photography for the award-winning show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Also provided on-site are free Fujifilm clean-and-check services (Fujifilm branded gear).
Local photo retailers Glazer’s and Kenmore Camera will also be represented at Create with Us. Their staff will answer questions about the latest Fujifilm camera and lens gear. In addition, representatives from various companies that collaborate with Fujifilm on hardware, software as well as accessories will be on hand.
To register to attend, click here.
World Photography Day at International Center of Photography
The International Center of Photography is a leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. ICP is located at 79 Essex Street in New York City.
Cornell Capa founded ICP in 1974 to champion “concerned photography”—socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through its exhibitions, education programs, community outreach as well as public programs, ICP offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. 
ICP’s exhibitions cover the entire spectrum of the photographic medium. This includes from early daguerreotypes, documentary images and contemporary photography to multimedia installations that employ both traditional as well as digital techniques.
To check out its current offerings and for more information on admission for World Photography Day, visit icp.org.
Zenfolio & Format Offer Free Masterclass Series
A Zenfolio company, Format is demonstrating its commitment to assisting photographers perfect their craft in celebration of World Photography Day. Starting Saturday, August 19, 2023, photographers will have free 30-day access to Format’s Masterclass video series, How to Run a Successful Photography Business.
John Loughlin, CEO of Format’s parent company, said World Photography Day is the perfect time to share with photographers a wealth of insights to help boost their business. “The day is a celebration of all the people engaged in our industry. We wanted to give them a valuable asset to show our support for their success,” Loughlin stated. “Our Masterclass video series provides photographers with impactful insight and advice on building and running a thriving business.” 
The Format Masterclass video series is comprised of six videos:
1. How to market your photography business on a budget.
2. Building your photography brand.
3. Building your photography online portfolio.
4. How to get more photography clients.
5. How to manage your photography clients.
6. Mastering your photography business finances.
Beginning on World Photography Day, photographers can view and learn from the Masterclass videos for 30 days free of charge. Click here to access and download the video series.
Further, Format is a portfolio website provider for photographers, artists and creative professionals. The company’s website builder and content management system allow creators to showcase their work, collaborate with clients as well as manage their business in an accessible, secure online platform.
