It is World Photography Day!

Today is World Photography Day and we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the role that photography has played in our lives.

It's hard to imagine a world without photography. This art form has had a profound impact on the way we see the world and has shaped the course of our lives in countless ways.

Photography has been described as 'the art of frozen time'. It allows us to capture a moment and preserve it forever. This is perhaps one of the most important roles that photography plays in our lives. It gives us the ability to look back on our past and remember happy memories, or reflect on difficult times and learn from them. The COVID pandemic, for instance,  was a particularly difficult time for many people across the world, and photos taken during this time will be a valuable record of our experiences. Future generations will be able to look back on these photos and learn about what we went through.

Photography is also a powerful tool for social change. It can be used to highlight civil problems and shine a light on issues that need to be addressed. Some of the most iconic images in history have been used to highlight important issues and bring about social reform. A great example would be the thousands of images that were shared online of the Black Lives Matter protests. These images helped to raise awareness of the issue of police brutality and racism and played a  role in bringing about change.  Closer to home,  photos taken during the parliamentary protests in New Zealand played a key role in documenting the events and bringing attention to the movement - whether you are a supporter or not.

In a world that is often filled with negativity, photography can be a source of positivity. It can remind us of the good in people and the world around us. It's a way to connect with others and share our stories. Photos help us to bridge the gap between cultures and connect with people all over the globe. During the Matariki celebrations in New Zealand this year, we saw some amazing photos on the Excio Image Library which allowed people from all over the world to join in this special event.

So next time you take a photo, remember the impact it can have on the world. Whether it's a personal snapshot or a powerful image that has the potential to make a difference, every photo is special. Who knows, your photo might just make the world a little bit brighter. Keep shooting and keep sharing! Your images have the power to make a difference, so never give up hope. The world needs your voice!

Thanks for being part of the global photography community!