Nicéphore Niépce

Profession: Inventor

Nationality:

Biography: Nicéphore Niépce was a French inventor and one of the founding fathers of photography. His determination and innovation led him to develop heliography, a technique that produced the world's first known photograph: "View from the Window at Le Gras" (1826/1827).

Niépce was initially an officer in the French army and a civil administrator before he dedicated himself to invention full-time with his brother, Claude Niépce. They worked together and apart on various contraptions, including one of the world's first internal combustion engines which they called the Pyréolophore.

Niépce is best known for conducting a series of experiments with light-sensitive materials and created what is known today as the world's first photograph, or more specifically, a heliograph, in 1826 or 1827. This image, titled "View from the Window at Le Gras," is a grainy depiction of rooftops and a countryside estate. It was captured using a process that required at least an eight-hour exposure to light.

Niépce's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern photography. His contributions caught the attention of Louis Daguerre, a French artist and photographer, who later partnered with Niépce. Although Niépce passed away before the two could perfect the daguerreotype process, Daguerre continued their work.

Born: March 7, 1765
Birthplace: Chalon-sur-Saône, France
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: July 5, 1833 (aged 68)