The tech that mirrors us

The tech journey to a perfect selfie

- By JERSEY DENISE MANAHAN

Selfies, groufies, mirror shots, and now 0.5s— the various selfie styles have become an emblem of the digital age. Usually mocked for vanity yet praised for self-expression, selfies have been debated for their cultural value.

But the selfie didn't appear out of nowhere. In fact, it's just the latest chapter in a long and winding story of self-portraiture, a practice rooted in art, experimentation, and the universal and timeless human impulse to preserve our image in time.

Origins in a Dark Room

The first self-portrait captured in a photograph is generally attributed to Robert Cornelius, who in 1839 entered the frame of his daguerreotype and wrote: "The first light picture ever taken." While he was not the first individual to take a photo, Cornelius's image holds importance. It showcases not merely a face, but also a desire to document oneself for future generations in this thrilling new medium.

From the outset, photographers directed the camera towards themselves. Whether for technical experimentation, sales purposes, or creative exploration, self-portraits played a crucial role in the early days of photography.

Art, Experimentation, and Identity