Giant manta ray and a photographer off the Ningaloo Coast, Australia

© Shutterstock Premie

Happy World Photography Day!

What's the best thing to do when you come face-to-face with a giant manta ray? Take a photo of course, and then share your creation with the rest of the world, especially on World Photography Day, celebrated each August 19. As this photographer can attest, a lot of work goes into taking a great photo. There's more to it than having mastery of your equipment and a willingness to go on the hunt for the perfect shot. You also must be ready for a magic moment like this one, so when that amazing shot does present itself, you're ready to capture it.

And if you need even 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 cool images with whatever camera we have handy.