In olden days, one would use a cable with a mechanical connection to the shutter release, to take a photograph at a distance (the length of the cable) from the camera. This is what you see below.
Memories of Michael
Memories of Michael: Jack Helps Mike Take a Selfie (~1992)
Memories of Michael
And wow!
This was 10 years before selfies were mainstreamed in the vernacular.
Thanks, Adelaide. The urge was there before the mainstream caught up!
j
Oh, yes!
The way selfies have evolved.
The urge was often satisfied with point-and-shoot cameras.
Or the PHD model.
Instagram tried to evoke the whole Polaroid feel or indeed a Kodak feel.