A group of curious Emperor penguins in Antarctica

© Mint Images Limited/Alam

Freeze frame

A lot of work goes into taking great photos, as this Emperor penguin can attest. The best photographers find the right location, have mastery over their equipment, and ensure they’re ready when the magic happens. Of course, it helps to recognize a chance at an unusual shot, like when curious Emperor penguins in Antarctica invite themselves to your shoot.

There’s no better time to practice all those skills than today, on World Photography Day. And if you need more inspiration to dust off the old camera, today could be considered the anniversary of photography. On August 19, 1839, the French government purchased the patent for the recently invented daguerreotype photographic process, named after French inventor Louis Daguerre, and offered the invention and instructions as a gift “Free to the World.” We’ll say thanks by snapping a few shutters.

Skip the selfies and food portraits and get creative for World Photography Day. Look for the unusual shot, keep an eye out for penguins, and who knows? In a few years, you might end up on the Bing homepage.