Have you ever looked at a photograph and wondered about the story behind it? Some pictures capture moments we have personally experienced, allowing us to understand the story they tell. Others depict events we were not part of, leaving us curious about what happened and the context surrounding the image.
The Evolution of Photography
Photography was first introduced in the 19th century, around 1839, with the daguerreotype. At this time, it was pretty expensive and not as accessible to the general population.
It soon evolved during the 19th century, became more mainstream, and allowed family portraits to emerge using less expensive mediums such as ambrotypes, tintypes, and later paper prints.
Victorian Society
Family portraits became increasingly popular in Victorian society. Most families and individuals saved money to have their portraits taken in a single session. They would dress in their finest clothing, whether bought or borrowed and rent special items for the picture.
Why did people almost always look so severe in 19th-century portraits? The subjects often did not smile because they had to sit still for the picture due to the long exposure times.
In the early days of photography, it took several minutes to take a photo because cameras relied on slow chemical reactions. If subjects moved at all, the image turned out blurry. A smile was more difficult to hold for a long period of time, so people grimaced or looked serious. However, technology had improved enough by 1845 that the exposure time was under a minute. However, smiling in photos didn’t become the norm for three quarters of a century.1
A New Era of Photography
As technology evolved, so did people and emotions. New technologies, such as the Kodak Brownie in 1900, allowed families to take pictures without a photographer on the domestic front.
Launched on February 1, 1900. This camera was sold for just $1, an affordable price point that opened the door for average families to take photographs.
Before the Brownie, photography was largely the domain of professionals. Cameras were bulky, complicated, and expensive. Taking photographs was arduous, involving heavy glass plates, toxic chemicals, and a deep understanding of the photographic process. The Brownie replaced these cumbersome methods with something far simpler and more accessible.2
What Can Clues in Photos Tell You?
- Period & Social Status
- The fashion and clothing worn are a good indicator of when the photograph was taken.
- Clothing choices often gave away the social status of the subject(s) in the photograph.
- Setting & Background
- The surroundings and background of the photograph often give a clue of the place the person/people captured were in.
- They can reveal the living conditions and geographical location at that moment.
- Group Dynamic
- A group photograph can show the family dynamics and relationships.
- It can highlight similarities among the persons captured and physical resemblances and traits.
- Examine Fine Details
- Check for handwriting on the back of the photograph, which may give clues about the subject(s) captured and date(s).
- Was it taken at a studio or by a particular photographer? Look for identifying marks on the picture to help you determine this.
- Look at the props in the photo. They might give some clues about the subject(s), such as occupation, education, etc.
- Look for house numbers if posed in front of a home. Street signs may also indicate where the subject(s) lived.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that you will most likely not find a photograph of an ancestor before 1839-1845. If your ancestors lived in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Paris, and London and were wealthy enough to take advantage of the new technology, you could likely find photographs of them during that period. However, you might have better luck finding old pictures starting in the 1850s and beyond.
If you have older family members still living, spend time with them and see if they have photographs available to show and tell. Doing this will ensure that your ancestors’ stories aren’t lost.
When in doubt or stumped, seek help from outside sources. This process can be very challenging, and a professional specializing in this field can help you achieve accuracy and save time.
Footnotes
- Why so serious? 3 reasons why you never see a smile in old photographs. Nebraska State Historical Society. (2023, October 18). https://history.nebraska.gov/why-so-serious-3-reasons-why-you-never-see-a-smile-in-old-photographs/
- The kodak brownie camera: The camera that brought photography to the masses. ARTISAN OBSCURA. (2024, January 19). https://www.artisanobscura.com/photographyblog/2024/1/19/the-kodak-brownie-camera-the-camera-that-brought-photography-to-the-masses
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