ABC #033: Robert Cornelius, Frderick Gutekunst, Mathew Cary Lea, & Coleman Sellers II - Smile for the Birdie! Philadelphia Photography Pioneers

Photography in its infancy made its way to Philadelphia in 1839, literally weeks after Louis Daguerre invented the technique that carries his name. 

• Lampmaker Robert Cornelius was interested and took what is now recognized as the first “selfie.” 
• Frederick Gutekunst opened a studio where people flocked to have their picture taken. 
• Mathew Carey Lea helped photography make giant strides forward through his knowledge of photochemistry and then invented an entirely new branch of chemistry almost through serendipity. 
• Coleman Sellers II was a nationally renowned mechanical engineer for whom photography was a hobby, yet he managed to produce what is now acknowledged as the first motion picture. 

All four of these photography pioneers are buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery or West Laurel Hill Cemetery.