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.

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.

During the 20th century, self-portraiture transformed from mere documentation into a medium for artistic exploration. Photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Ilse Bing, whose self-portrait with a Leica is popular among today’s photographers and tech enthusiasts, as well as Walker Evans utilized self-portraits to experiment with techniques, delve into personal identity, or simply play with innovative tools. In 1927, Evans captured an experimental selfie in his studio and, subsequently, a series in a photo booth, foreshadowing Andy Warhol's famous strip-photo portraits.

In the mid-20th century, Man Ray and Berenice Abbott employed surrealism and abstraction to push the boundaries of self-representation.

During the 1950s and 1960s, photographers such as Vivian Maier and Lee Friedlander focused on capturing candid and spontaneous moments. The 70s and 80s pushed the boundaries of self-portraiture further into the realms of personal experience, political themes, and conceptual exploration.

Although this word has a deep heritage, the term “selfie” was first introduced in 2002 on an Australian internet forum. However, it wasn’t until the advent of smartphones that selfies became a widespread social trend. By 2013, the term had garnered such popularity that it was recognized as Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year. Social media hastened the transition. MySpace in the 2000s made mirror selfies common (and often embarrassing). Facebook refined that representation. Instagram transformed it into a form of art. Now, TikTok combines selfies with movement, sound, and narrative.

However, this “progression” was not solely social—it was also technological. Selfies have become so integral to photography that the quality of phone cameras is now assessed based on how accurately they capture skin tones, facial shapes, and motion blur. The front-facing camera is no longer considered a secondary option—it has become the primary camera for many users.

So, what exactly is a selfie? It can serve as a piece of art. It can act as a social performance. It can signify a cry for help, a humorous moment, a record in time, a display of self-assurance, or a moment of vulnerability. They validate. They disclose. They mask. They challenge. They undermine. They document.

Certainly, there are poor-quality selfies. Too many, in fact. However, the act itself—capturing an image of oneself in a setting, an emotion, or a situation—is not inherently self-centered. In reality, it’s a profoundly human behavior. The urge to observe and be observed is as ancient as cave art. When you capture a selfie, it could be a quick update, or it could be your statement of existence and experience.

From the obscured likeness captured in Cornelius’s blurry daguerreotype to Sherman’s meticulously constructed personas, and even your fleeting selfie in a café bathroom, the essence of self-representation endures, morphing as the contexts evolve.

While it may be tempting to reserve the label of “art” for works of convention, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate our approach. Each selfie embodies a moment, a narrative, and a personal truth. So, embrace the act— capture your essence. Take the selfie.