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Learn MoreJune 21st marks the day the world discovered the selfie. In the modern era, anyone with a smartphone can easily take a photo of themselves. This opens up endless possibilities for experimenting with poses, concepts, and choosing the best angles. Selfies have become not only a popular way of self-expression but also an important part of social media culture, where users share moments of their lives with friends and followers.
The history of the selfie dates back to the 19th century. We've compiled a selection of the most interesting vintage self-portraits, from the first photographic self-portrait to iconic shots of famous figures of the last century. These historic selfies not only capture the spirit of the times but also show how the perception of photography and self-identification through images have changed.
Robert Cornelius
The first selfie was taken by American Robert Cornelius using daguerreotype. He placed the camera in the window of his store, opened the shutter, and remained motionless in front of the lens for 10-15 minutes to capture the image. This historic moment marked the beginning of a new era in photography, paving the way for the further development of portraiture and the popularization of the selfie as a genre.
Photo of an unknown woman
An unknown woman takes a selfie in the mirror using a portable Kodak Brownie camera. This camera cost just one dollar, enabling many people to explore the world of photography, explore reality, and deepen their understanding of themselves through the lens. The Kodak Brownie became a symbol of accessible photography, opening new horizons for self-expression and creativity.
Joe Byron
American entrepreneur and founder of the Byron photography company, Joe Byron became the first known person to take a self-portrait with a selfie, using his hands rather than a mirror. The early 20th century saw the invention of photographic film and cameras, making it possible to take sharp photographs with short shutter speeds. Byron used these innovations to create a unique self-portrait, ushering in a new era in photography and self-expression. His move marked a significant moment in the history of photography and inspired many to use new technologies to create personal photographs.
Princess Anastasia
One of the first teenage selfies was taken at the beginning of the 20th century. Thirteen-year-old Anastasia Romanova, daughter of Emperor Nicholas II, captured herself in front of a mirror with a Kodak Brownie camera. She sent the photo to her father with the caption: "I took this photo looking at myself in the mirror. It wasn't easy because my hands were shaking." This moment became significant not only as the first selfie but also as a reflection of the youth's desire for self-expression and documentation of their lives. Selfies have since become an integral part of modern culture, allowing people to capture moments and share them with the world.
Thomas Baker
Thomas Baker, a 20-year-old Australian soldier who participated in the First World War, made a unique A selfie taken with a mirror in his bedroom and a Kodak camera. This photograph was the last he ever took, as he died in battle in 1918. Baker's selfie not only captured his image but also became a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers of that time. His story recalls the tragedies of war and the personal destinies behind historical events.
Stanley Kubrick
Before becoming a famous director, the young Stanley Kubrick worked as a photographer for Look magazine. During this time, he created one of his iconic mirror selfies, shot with a Leica IIIf camera. This image became a defining moment in his later career and highlights his talent for visual art.
Buzz Aldrin
American astronaut Buzz Aldrin became the first person to capture a selfie during a spacewalk. This historic event occurred when Aldrin used an extravehicular activity (EVA) equipped with a camera. Selfies have become an essential element of modern space travel, capturing intimate moments of astronauts and their interactions with the cosmos. This photo not only became a symbol of the era, but also inspired many to explore space and the science of man in zero gravity.
Andrei Tarkovsky
The famous director had a passion for photography and always carried a Polaroid with him SX-70 to capture interesting moments and details of your life. His collection of Polaroids includes a selfie taken using a closet mirror, highlighting his creative approach to capturing the world around him.
Vivian Maier
Vivian Maier, on A lifelong nanny in New York City, Vivian left behind a unique legacy. After her death, a realtor discovered thousands of photographs among her personal belongings, capturing vibrant moments of city life, everyday scenes, portraits, and even selfies. These images were a true revelation, demonstrating Vivian's mastery of seeing and capturing the life around her. Her work can be seen not only as documentary evidence of the times, but also as expressive works of art that continue to inspire a new generation of photographers and art lovers.
Vasco Sinetar
In the 1980s, Venezuelan photographer Vasco Sinetar began creating an iconic series of self-portraits called "In Front of the Mirror." These unique bathroom selfies captured not only the artist himself but also many famous figures, such as Gabriel García Márquez, Salman Rushdie, Jorge Luis Borges, and others. Sinetar successfully combined self-portraiture and portrait photography in his works, making his series a landmark in the history of photography.
The photographer has started a new series of selfies with famous people called "Cheek to Cheek." In this series, he takes handheld photos, leaning against another person, which creates a unique atmosphere of intimacy and interaction. Each frame conveys a sense of personal connection and captures moments that highlight the mutual emotions between the photographer and his subjects. This original concept captured the attention of viewers and made the series popular across various platforms.
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Read also:
- The History of Photography: 20 First Photos in the World
- Films about Photographers
- Photo Angles
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