Portraits Were Just Expensive Selfies

In the process of exploring reactions to the advent and development of photography, we came across a fascinating article about ‘sun pictures’ - an early name for photography. One notable observation - something we don’t think about today - was that photography extended portraits to everyone. What was once only for kings, queens and titans of industry - became available to everyone. This got us thinking - weren’t portraits just expensive selfies? And aren’t selfies just the portraits of modern times?

The full articles can be read below and is well worth your time:

Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Brooklyn, New York 03 Jan 1886, Sun • Page 10