Not long after the invention of photography came thefirst self-portrait, snapped in 1839 by Robert Cornelius.
And as much asself-portraiturehas been a hallmark of painters throughout art history, photographers have continued this grand tradition.
Just what is it about turning the lens on themselves that stimulates photographers?
This genre of photography can also be cathartic, a visual expression of inner emotions or a photographic diary.
Its an opportunity to declare who you are visually and who you aspire to be.
This idea of representing oneself visually reveals itself constantly.
The more casual selfie is often seen as different by its intent.
Conversely, many self-portrait photographers carry out longterm projects that can only be appreciated when seen as a whole.
Others, like Vivian Maier, keep their work completely hidden until long after they’ve passed.
These famous self-portrait photographers have created art in their own images, immortalizing themselves in the process.
Man Ray
DadaandSurrealistartistMan Raydabbled in many art mediums but is best known for his contributions to photography.
Throughout his life, Man Ray would continue with self-portraits, often dressing up.
Claude Cahun
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Maiers self-portraits show her in her role as a photographer, something that was otherwise hidden during her lifetime.
Read more about her self-portraiture in the bookVivian Maier, Self-Portraits.
A recurring theme in Warhol’s self-portraits is drag.
He often donned different wigs, which points back to his fascination with role-playing and artifice.
Posthumously, her work took on new meaning.
Surrealist and conceptual, she often used long exposures and slow shutter speeds to create her ghostly work.
As for using herself as the model?
Its a matter of convenienceIm always available.
Learn more about Francesca Woodmans work inPhaidons monograph.
This legend of fashion and portrait photography captured himself at several times throughout his career.
His self-portraits from the 1960s show him proudly as the young, upcoming fashion photographer atHarper’s BazaarandVogue.
Later in life, they take on an introspection that certainly came with maturity.
Trish Morrissey
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I use performance and wit as tools to investigate the boundaries of photographic meaning.
Nearing the end of his lifeMapplethorpe died from AIDS-related complications in 1989his self-portraits turn introspective.
While she beat her initial cancer battle, she passed in 1992 from leukemia.
Her work gained importance after her death.
Its almost confrontational in its openness.
Shermans work unfolds in series, which was left open to interpretation by the viewer.
Interestingly, Sherman doesn’t view her work as self-portraiture.
