The Story of Photography

Hippolyte Bayard — who independently invented his own photographic process — organises the world's first public exhibition of photographs in Paris, displaying 30 images.

Talbot patents the calotype process — using paper coated with silver iodide to create a negative from which unlimited positive prints can be made. This negative-positive system defines photography for the next 150 years.

French photographer and balloonist Nadar takes the world's first aerial photograph from a hot air balloon over Paris, opening entirely new possibilities for photography.

Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell demonstrates the first permanent colour photograph using the three-colour separation method — a principle that underlies all colour photography to this day.

Muybridge uses multiple cameras to capture a horse in full gallop, proving all four hooves leave the ground simultaneously — laying the groundwork for cinema.