A daguerreotype is an early type of photograph created by exposing a silver-coated copper plate to light. Invented by Louis Daguerre in the 1830s, this process produced a detailed image that was unique and could not be reproduced. The plate was developed using mercury vapor, resulting in a one-of-a-kind image that was often framed under glass. Daguerreotypes were popular in the mid-19th century, serving as a primary means of portrait photography. They required long exposure times, making it challenging to capture moving subjects. Despite their limitations, daguerreotypes marked a significant advancement in the field of photography.