The camera as we know it today was invented by the French inventor Nicephore Niepce in 1816. Niepce technically took the first photo on a homemade camera, with silver chloride covered paper. Countless photographs were taken since that historical first one and the quality in which we are able to capture reality is only getting better, sharper, and more accurate.
Undoubtedly, the existence of photography has altered society in many ways. Although old photographs can be a bit grainy or blurry and they are usually black and white, they allow us to peek at a moment in time long before we were even born. And that can be fascinating. We hope you enjoy this collection of photographs, showcasing moments of a past world.












Related: 20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries






Source of images: Izismile
Share this article with other history buffs
Historic Photos: A Time Gone By, Captured Beautifully
Vintage photos always leave us with a sense of great nostalgia, and the 25 you're about to see are no exception. Here are 25 of them from times gone by.
What a Difference a Century Can Make - Fascinating Photos
These fascinating historical photos will take you on a tour around the world, showing you what people looked like 100 years ago
The Unlikely Chance Encounters That Shaped the World
One chance meeting could change history. Check out the stories of the most world altering encounters that happened completely at random.
20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries
Way before Amazon, the visit of the bookmobile was one of the most exciting moments. These 20 nostalgic images capture the circulating libraries of the past.
This Street Photographer Left His Grandson a Real Treasure
Dylan Scalet finally had time to digitalize the photographs he inherited from his grandfather during lockdown. What he found was incredible.
Take a Look at These Photographs & Walk Back in Time...
It's amazing to see photographs from archives because it's like taking a walk back in time. This collection is no exception. Take a look.
15 Terrific Photos of Urban Splendor
You may have never seen these 15 images before, so join us on a journey around the world that will show you new and wonderful landscapes.
Discover 10 of the Most Beautiful Churches in Paris
Paris has an abundance of art, history, and architecture, which can be seen concentrated in beautiful churches photographed in the most extraordinary way.
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
Nostalgic Designs of Big Brands from the 70s - 16 Pics
It might surprise you to see how some popular modern brands presented themselves back in the 70s.
Snail Photography That Will Show You a Tiny Magic World
Peak into the world of the snails with these 10 photgrpahs
Relive Your Childhood Magic With These Disney Parks Photos
Step back in time with these classic Disney park pics.
Astonishing! These Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
Each year, the Siena International Photo Awards share the best photographs of the most beautiful events, people, and places on Earth. Here are some of the best!
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
Frank Gehry Created Some Incredible Buildings...
Frank Gehry has a unique eye when it comes to designing buildings. Take a look at some of his finest work.
16 Pics That Prove Reality Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
These moments seem almost made up, but truly aren't!
12 Unforgettable Vintage Harley-Davidson Photos
Enjoy this iconic collection of vintage Harley-Davidson photos.
These Award-Winning Food Photos Will Make You Drool...
Check out the tasty winners of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards.
Here Are 14 of the Funniest Wildlife Pictures You Will See
Sometimes wild animals can be pretty amusing without realizing it and these hilarious pictures show them at their funniest!
Time Changes Everything - 22 Amazing Before & After Photos
Click to discover some special before and after transformation photos.
Gorgeous: The GDT Nature Photography Awards are Here!
View the 15 most beautiful winning photos taken for the GDT nature photography competition.
Our World is a Place of Wonder & Curiosity - 18 Photos
These photos have one common thread running through them - each one depicts poignant and fascinating moments that you wouldn’t want to miss!
12 Glorious Views of the Ancient Forest of Madeira
Madeira’s Laurel forest is as ancient as it is breathtaking. Witness the beauty of the primeval forest and learn more about its history here...
I've Never Seen Anything Quite Like 19th-Century Japan
Japan is renowned for being one of the world's most unique countries. You've simply got to see just how picturesque and glorious Japanese life was during the 19th Century.
These are Some of the Most Fascinating Photos!
There's always more than what you saw at first glance, especially in these photos.
20 Unforgettable Indian Wildlife Photos Worth Seeing
Admire the rich diversity of wildlife in India in 20 supreme photos of mammals and birds native to different regions of the country
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
These Striking Photos Show the Nostalgia of Days Gone By
There's nothing quite like black and white photos to evoke some serious nostalgia. Take a look at these 25 photos to see a world gone by.
These Architectural Wonders Will Leave You Breathless
These incredible buildings will amaze any architecture lover.
Timing Is Everything, and These Photos Prove It (15 Pics)
These have to be the most perfectly-timed pictures ever.
Tiny Frogs With Tiny Props - Adorable Photos!
These adorable little animals use leaves and flowers as miniature umbrellas - how cute!
These Stunning Photographs Capture the Glory of Nature
The winners and finalists of the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition highlight how breathtakingly gorgeous our Earth is.
Magical Scottish Landscapes: 16 Award-Winning Images
Check out the amazing winners from the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.
4:58
This is How the World's Very First Subway Was Built!
Ever wondered how the world's very first subway system was built? This TED-Ed video reveals all!
The UK’s Glorious Landscape in 15 Unforgettable Photos
From classic views of the British countryside to powerful images of the ocean, these Landscape Photography Awards winners are mesmerising.
Architecture Gone Terribly Wrong: 10 Ugly Buildings
These 10 buildings have been frequently called the ugliest on the planet, do you agree?
From the Past with Love: 16 Cool Vintage Treasures
How many of these cool vintage things do you remember?
French Artist Transforms Streets with Whimsical 3D Art
French artist Pierre Bertolotti transforms dreary spaces with his incredible 3D graffiti.
Walk Back In Time With These Colorized Vintage Photographs
Colorization technology has meant that old black and white photographs can be brought to life in full color. Take a look at these stunning images.
These Soulful Photos Depict Bygone Days in Vivid Color!
Looking through these splendid historical pictures is guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic!
You Won’t Find Wildlife & Nature Like This Anywhere Else!
This article is dedicated exclusively to the wildlife of Patagonia and its vast and glorious landscapes in 10 photos
These Gorgeous Churches Are a Sight For Any Eye...
Look at amazing churches from around the world photographed by the French photographer Thibaud Poirier.
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
These Hilarious Pics Prove That Mankind is Probably Doomed
There's more evidence of mankind being doomed than the alarmist media reports on your TV! Take a look at these 20 hilarious photos.
Travel Back in Time to June 6, 1944. What Did it Look Like?
Discover a free archive of over 3,000 photos from the Invasion of Normandy
The Same Tourist Location 100 Years Apart - 15 Pictures
Travel through time and space with these comparative photos of 15 famous buildings around the world.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.