The first photographs were taken in the early 1800’s. Photography for ordinary people began when George Eastman’s Kodaks became popular in the early twentieth century. Physical photos reigned for little over a century before the current age of digital representation.

From the time before photography, we have only a few painted pictures of legendary figures like Napoleon and George Washington. Now, if we’re in the right place at the right time, we can take a selfie with one of our leaders.

During primary voting season, our favorites change in a few weeks, first ones discarded like we delete our numerous digital photos. A few days after a newly elected leader takes office, we begin looking ahead to the next election, the next leader.

How do our perceptions change with the changes in physical representation? Perhaps today’s casual shots of our movers and shakers, some less than flattering, are one reason a leader has such a short window to inspire and produce meaningful work.