Why did Robert Cornelius take a self-portrait in 1839?

Question

A. To test his camera's shutter speed
B. To canonize himself as the earliest photographer
C To capture a mirror reflection
D. To sell his photography services

Answer 1

A. To test his camera's shutter speed

Robert Cornelius took what is considered one of the first self-portraits in photography to test the capabilities of his camera, specifically the shutter speed. This self-portrait, taken in 1839, is notable for being one of the earliest examples of someone capturing their own image using a camera.