When Was Photography Invented A Complete Timeline
Photography, as we know it, has evolved from hours-long exposures to instant digital masterpieces. It began as a scientific experiment and grew into an artistic revolution. This blog provides a comprehensive timeline of photography's invention, its evolution through technological advancements, and the implications of this transformation for both professionals and everyday users in 2025.
Whether you're curious about the first photograph or how we've evolved to smartphone cameras with AI-powered editing, here's the whole picture, with no filter needed.
Who Invented Photography and When?
The invention of photography is credited to Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, a French inventor who created the first permanent photograph in 1826. He used a camera obscura to capture light onto a pewter plate coated with bitumen of Judea.
While this early image required 8 hours of exposure, it marked the birth of photography. Niépce’s work later evolved into a more refined method called the daguerreotype, developed by his partner Louis Daguerre after Niépce’s death.
Key Timeline of Photography’s Evolution
Here’s a structured timeline showing photography's major milestones:
1826 – First permanent photograph captured by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce
1839 – The daguerreotype photographic process was introduced to the public
1851 – Collodion wet plate photography replaced daguerreotypes
1871 – Richard Maddox invented the dry plate process
1888 – George Eastman launched the first Kodak camera using roll film
1913 – Leica developed the first prototype for 35mm photography
1935 – Kodak introduced Kodachrome, the first commercially successful color film
1947 – Edwin Land presented the first instant camera (Polaroid)
1975 – Steven Sasson created the first digital camera at Kodak
2000 – Sharp released the J-SH04, the first commercially available camera phone
Today, Smartphones dominate photography with AI-powered and computational imaging
How Did Photography Change After the 1800s?
Daguerreotype Era (1839–1850s)
The daguerreotype produced sharp images on silver-coated copper plates, but it was expensive and required subjects to sit still for several minutes. Still, it brought photography into public life—portrait studios became widespread.
Wet Collodion Process (1851)
The collodion process drastically reduced exposure time. Images were captured on glass (ambrotypes) or metal (tintypes). Photographers had to coat, shoot, and develop the image quickly, usually on-site.
Dry Plate Innovation (1871)
Richard Maddox's dry plates allowed photographers to shoot without immediate development. It paved the way for mass-market photography and travel photography.
The Film Photography Revolution
The 1880s marked a turning point with the invention of roll film by George Eastman, founder of Kodak. The slogan "You press the button, we do the rest" brought photography to the masses.
Key events:
1888: First Kodak camera released
1900s: Brownie cameras popularized snapshot culture
1935: Kodachrome introduced vivid color film
1940s–60s: Film cameras became standard in journalism, family life, and art
By the 1970s, color film overtook black and white in consumer markets, and photography became more accessible and creative.
Looking for the perfect gear upgrade? Check out our guide on the 10 Best Cameras for Photography.
When Did Digital Photography Start?
Digital photography began in 1975, when Steven Sasson, an engineer at Kodak, invented the first digital camera. It used a CCD image sensor and recorded black-and-white images to a cassette tape. Resolution? Just 0.01 megapixels.
In the following decades:
1990s: Digital SLRs emerged in professional settings
2000s: Digital compact cameras became mainstream
2010s onward: Smartphones replaced most point-and-shoots
The Firsts in Photography You Should Know
Here are some significant "firsts" that shaped photography:
First portrait: 1839 by Robert Cornelius (also the first selfie)
First color photo: 1861 by James Clerk Maxwell
First photo from space: 1946 (taken from a V-2 rocket)
First photo of Earth from lunar orbit: 1968 by Apollo 8 astronauts
First underwater photo: 1856 by William Thompson
First digital camera patent: Filed by Kodak in 1978
How Photography Changed the World After Its Invention?
Photography has not only documented history — it has shaped it in profound ways across nearly every sphere of human activity.
Journalism and Public Opinion
Through powerful visuals, photojournalism has brought war, injustice, and human suffering into public view. Iconic photos from the Vietnam War, 9/11, Black Lives Matter, and refugee crises have influenced public opinion and even political decisions. A single image—like the "Napalm Girl" or the fall of the Berlin Wall—can capture the emotional weight of a global event and spark international discourse.
Science and Exploration
Photography has played a key role in space exploration, medicine, and microscopy. It has helped document everything from DNA structures to galaxies, deep-sea organisms to natural disasters. Time-lapse photography allows scientists study weather patterns, plant growth, and animal behavior. It also supports documentation in medical diagnostics, such as radiography and dermatology.
Cultural Identity and Memory
Photography has redefined how we record family history, celebrate milestones, and express cultural identity. Wedding albums, graduation photos, and baby pictures are now digital heirlooms. Portraits capture identity and style, often conveying stories beyond words. Photography has also helped preserve indigenous traditions, endangered languages, and ceremonial practices.
Social Media and Global Communication
Today, photography is central to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest. It influences everything from fashion trends to activism, food culture to travel aspirations. Memes, selfies, and viral images shape how we communicate emotion and humor online. Through filters and editing tools, photography is now a curated expression of self and lifestyle.
Art, Education, and Creativity
Photography is both a fine art and a teaching tool. In education, it’s used to support visual learning, especially for students with learning differences. In art, it has evolved from realism to abstract conceptual work. Photo essays and visual storytelling are now used across literature, journalism, and exhibitions to invoke empathy, action, and reflection.
From daguerreotypes to DSLRs to smartphones, photography continues to evolve alongside our culture—capturing not just images, but moments that move the world.
What’s Next in Photography?
In 2025, the future of photography includes:
AI-assisted framing and editing
Voice-controlled cameras
AR/VR integration with 3D photography
Drone-based imaging
Professional mobile-only photography
G10 Studio, known for the best portrait photography in Aruba, combines cutting-edge digital tools with classic techniques to deliver unforgettable images. As photography evolves, the heart of it remains unchanged: capturing stories that matter.
From Shadows to Selfies
From the very first exposure on pewter plates to today’s cinematic-quality phone cameras, photography has come a long way. It started as a tool for scientists and inventors and became an art form, a memory keeper, and a storytelling medium. Understanding where photography came from helps us appreciate what we can do with it today — whether it’s professional studio portraits, casual snapshots, or artistic experiments.
