When we think of selfies today, we imagine smartphones, filters, and quick snaps. But did you know the very first selfie was taken way back in 1839 almost 200 years ago?
Early camera invented in 1816
The First Selfie Taker
The man behind the world’s first selfie was Robert Cornelius, an American photography pioneer. Using early camera technology, he took a photo of himself outside his family’s lamp store in Philadelphia.
“It wasn’t as easy as today’s quick click, he had to sit still for several minutes to capture the image.”
Why It Was Special?
At the time, photography was brand new. People were used to painted portraits that took hours or days. Robert’s quick self-portrait was a huge moment in photography history and a glimpse of the future obsession with selfies we have today.
The Daguerreotype camera
Key Takeaway
Long before Instagram and TikTok, one curious man stood still for minutes just to take the world’s first selfie. It reminds us that the love for capturing moments is timeless.
Bonus Facts: The First Selfie details
1. What Camera Was Used?
Robert Cornelius used a daguerreotype camera, one of the earliest types of cameras that captured images on a silver plate.
Robert Cornelius used a daguerreotype camera, one of the earliest types of cameras that captured images on a silver plate.
2. How Did He Do It?
He set the camera on a stand, uncovered the lens, quickly ran into the frame, and sat completely still for about 10–15 minutes
3. What Did He Write After?
On the back of the photo, he scribbled: “The first light Picture ever taken. 1839.” It wasn’t just a selfie it was history!
Fun Fact:
Because of this moment, many now call him the “Father of the Selfie.”
Because of this moment, many now call him the “Father of the Selfie.”
FAQs
Q: Who took the first selfie?
– Robert Cornelius, in 1839, using one of the first cameras.
Q: Who took the first selfie?
– Robert Cornelius, in 1839, using one of the first cameras.
Q: How long did it take to take the photo?
– He had to stay still for about 3–15 minutes.
Q: Why is the first selfie important?
– It marked the start of self-portraits in photography, a tradition that continues today with billions of selfies taken daily.
