The distinctive look of selfies is due the subject looking at a live image of themselves while taking the picture, which reveals different facial expressions th

The distinctive look of selfies is due the subject looking at a live image of themselves while taking the picture, which reveals different facial expressions than when they're looking at just a lens, or a photographer, or someone telling them to say "cheese". Self portraits in fine art have the same character -- they capture the expression of someone looking intently at their own reflection.