Introduction

From the first photographic portraits captured in the 1830s to the “selfies” of today, we seem fascinated by images of the human face. Mike Williams asks if it is simple vanity or something deeper; perhaps an attempt to learn how other people see us or a desire to capture something of ourselves that may live on when we are gone.

Produced by Smita Patel

(Photo: Old black and white and sepia photos at a flea market in Paris, France. Credit: Shutterstock)