In this paper, a face detection algorithm based on the matching of multiple rela ted templates is presented. The templates are a series of related types: eyes-i n-whole and face itself, which are produced by affine transforms varying in str etch and pose from an average frontal face. The eyes-in-whole templates are us ed as the first search step for face candidates and then the face templates are matched. Finally some heuristic rules are used to verify face detection results. Experimental results obtained from images containing frontal and in-plane rota ted faces demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.