For more than a century photography has opened our eyes wider to the beauty and wonder of the world. It has permitted us to see things we could not before the frozen image, e.g. a horse suspended in midair at full gallop. It has expanded the concept of aesthetics, the sheer number of beautiful objects that are out there. Items once considered mundane, not worth the artist's effort, have been elevated to art with a camera: a dew drop; an autumn leaf; a single blossom illuminated by a godbeam. And we can capture different viewpoints, from the microscope to the telescope, and even the satellite, and archive them for posterity. What a thrill it must have been for the old photographers to contemplate going beyond the paintbrush, to actually freezing the real thing, creating a permanent record of people and their world. It must have seemed a miracle back then. How far we've come and it still does.

Given its widespread application it is hard to underestimate the influence of photography on modern life, from selling widgets to stopping wars. Few would argue that the camera is more powerful than the paintbrush or musical note, especially when one considers that television and movies are merely moving pictures.

Just as importantly, photography has become a valued part of most lives, not just the artistic few. Surveys show that 90% of homes in the U.S. take photos. Thus each of us can preserve memories to revisit privately, to share with family and friends, or to post on a website and make a statement. And how do you put a price on laughter, love, or personal satisfaction?