Selfie is a phenomenon that has become a rage in the past decade for smartphone users. In 2013, the Oxford Dictionaries called “selfie” the word of the year., further cementing its place in our modern world. While selfies, or in the photography circle we call self-portraits, are becoming prominent ways to express one’s self, we thought we take the chance and use this time to impart a history lesson: the oldest selfie or self-portrait ever taken. You may have heard this story before, but you are in for a surprise if you haven’t.
The lead image is by Chris Gampat. The images in the article are screenshots.
In 1839, a 30-year-old man stood in front of his makeshift camera. The lens, fashioned from an opera-glass, stared back at him. The chill of autumn turning into kept him safe in his coat. The daylight was sufficient, so he set an exposure of 10-15 minutes, which led him to stand motionless for the picture. The image, which is now deemed as the world’s first selfie, was captured by Robert Cornelius. The image seems to be of him posing with a straight face, with his upturned collar and messy hair.
While it may not have been a big deal for him, today, this is considered no short of an achievement. To take a self-portrait, when one had to use bulky lenses and cameras and stand for a long duration, is astounding. The image was a daguerreotype and the earliest example of what a self-portrait or selfie was like back then. In fact, reports state that at the back of his self, you will see the following inscribed: “The first light picture ever taken. 1839.”
Rachel Wetzel of the Library of Congress’ Conservation Division, who has studied his work deeply, revealed that Cornelius was only actively photographing for three years. However, his path was successful, and today, his images are in collections in various museums.
Another reason this selfie is so important is that Cornelius and his collaborator, scientist Paul Beck Goddard, managed to cut down the processing time for the daguerreotype. According to reports, the scientist altered the formula used on camera plates by adding bromine to the mix. Initially, Daguerre only depended on iodine. So, instead of taking a 20-minute exposure, this cut down the portraiture time by about 18 minutes. A subject had to only stand for 30 seconds or about two minutes. Indeed, it is a great feat.
Furthermore, due to his alternation and his photo studio in Philadelphia, the photographer earned much acclaim, with Daguerre himself exchanging his work to get his hands on Cornelius. Today, the collection at The Library of Congress includes Cornelius’ daguerreotype, portraits of his family, as well as calling cards and news clippings. The photographer also had seven patent applications in his name for improving the invention of gas lighting. This was a family business, which Cornelius returned to after his stint with photography.
Today, selfies can take on many forms. They can be posed photographs, candid moments, or even artistic multimedia images that highlight a theme, moment, or memory. While we appreciate our blessings today, we should also celebrate the influential figures who changed our perspective on the world. As the saying goes on the internet, “Cornelius walked so we could run.”If he hadn’t made an effort to improve the medium, we wouldn’t be here today.