If you're interested, there's quite a controversy as to whether Niepcé or Henry Fox Talbot was the first to create a photograph. After Niepcé announced his invention, Talbot revealed a process which he claimed to have developed in 1834. He had no real evidence to back up his claim, however, so it is generally regarded as unproven. He is, however, acknowledged as the creator of the photographic negative.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fox_Talbot

I understand, and I appreciate the care you obviously take with the composition of your posts. It wasn't so much the 'portrait' issue I was addressing as the photographer's own notion that it was the first photograph, or "light picture". Maybe it was the first HE claimed to know about; but then, where would he have gotten the technology? Or perhaps he meant HIS first light picture. One thing is certain: We'll never know for sure! Thanks for the clarification.