A daguerreotype is one of the earliest forms of photography, invented in the 1830s by Louis Daguerre. This process captures images on a polished sheet of silver-plated copper, which is treated with chemicals to make it light-sensitive. When exposed to light, the image appears, and it is then developed using mercury vapor. The result is a detailed and unique photograph that cannot be reproduced. These images were popular in the mid-19th century, often used for portraits. The daguerreotype process was significant because it marked the beginning of modern photography, paving the way for future developments in capturing images, such as film and digital photography.