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

© Leith Holtzman/Shutterstoc

Happy World Photography Day!. Hold that pose

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 on 19 August, World Photography Day. As this photographer can attest, a lot of work goes into taking a great picture. 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 presents itself, you're ready to capture it.

And if you need more inspiration to dust off the old camera, today could be considered the anniversary of photography. On 19 August 1839, the French government bought the patent for the recently invented daguerreotype photographic process, named after French inventor Louis Daguerre, and offered the invention and instructions as a free gift to the world. You can show your appreciation by snapping a few striking images, with whatever camera you have handy.