Dorothy Catherine Draper
Photographer: John William Draper
Date: 1839 or 1840
Location: NYU, New York City, USA
John William Draper photographed his sister, Dorothy Catherine Draper, around 1839–1840 at New York University, creating what is considered the first successful photographic portrait of a human face with clearly distinguishable features. To achieve the necessary long exposure time, Dorothy's face was coated with white powder to reflect more light. She had to remain completely still for the several-minute exposure. Earlier portrait attempts had been made, but either failed technically or the sitter's features were not discernible. Draper's photograph marked the beginning of portrait photography. He later described the method in a letter published in the London Literary Gazette in 1840.
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