The 1980s was a significant decade for color photography, as it was during this time that it became widely accessible to the public. Although the first color photograph was taken in 1861 by Thomas Sutton, and color films were available as early as the 1930s, it wasn't until the 1980s that color photography became truly popular and mainstream.
This was due to a number of factors, including the introduction of new and more affordable color films, as well as the increasing availability of color film cameras. Additionally, the development of color printing technology improved significantly during this time, making it easier and more affordable for people to print and share their color photographs. As a result, color photography became the norm, and black and white photography became less popular for everyday use. Today, of course, digital photography has taken over, but the impact of color photography and its widespread availability in the 1980s cannot be overstated.