BBC World Service Online

The Why Factor

Documentaries

Factual

The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions

The Why Factor: Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography

10/01/2015

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, Portrait Photography

With photography, the portrait is now available to all.  Mike Williams explores our fascination for capturing images of the human face; others and our own.

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)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Why Factor

Portrait Photography

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service