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Photographs, in a way, make time travel possible. They’re our portals to the past that instantly take us back to a precise moment preserved forever. 

These images also capture a person’s evolution as years pass. Digital creator Ard Gelnick has been doing this for a while, collecting “then and now” pictures of celebrities and pasting them side-by-side. 

His Instagram archive consists of stills of A-list actors like Bruce Willis and Heath Ledger and renowned musicians like Lady Gaga and Tracey Chapman. 

If you enjoyed our previous pieces covering Gelnick’s photos, you may like this one, too.

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    Before-and-after photos like the ones on this list show progress, how ever much of it happened. In 2015, Vox featured a similar gallery that showed the different transformations of landscapes around the world. 

    These are NASA-captured satellite photos in a series titled “Images of Change.” One picture shows the state of Rondônia in Western Brazil between 1975 and 2009 when vast forest lands were turned into farms and pastures.

    #4

    Annie Lennox

    Celebrity photoshopped next to younger self, showcasing the passage of time through contrasting appearances.

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    #6

    Daniel Radcliffe

    Adult and child standing together, demonstrating how time waits for no one with a natural backdrop.

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    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am not and was never a Harry Potter person, but I love how he grew as an actor after, I love so many of his movies. He’s just really good

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    Another photo shows the transformation of Cancún, Mexico, between 1979 and 2009. The before-and-after pictures show the rapid urbanization after the city became a tourist hotspot in the ‘70s. 

    However, the economic boom from tourism came at a cost, as the expansion and gentrification led to pollution and loss of diversity.

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    #8

    Sean Astin

    Celebrities photoshopped: a young boy holds a rock, an older man with glasses stands beside him, scenic background.

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    Mason Kronol
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Need the pic of him in the mesh shirt from 50 First Dates. That cracks me up.

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    Before and after photos may indicate advancement but may also serve as harsh reminders. According to National Eating Disorders Association director Chelsea Kronengold, it may trigger an unhealthy comparison, especially among those with body dysmorphia issues. 

    “The impact of before and after photos lend to social and body comparisons, which can cause harm to anyone — especially people struggling with body image and eating concerns,” Kronengold told HuffPost.

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    #11

    Mark Hamill

    Older and younger versions of a celebrity photoshopped together, depicting the passage of time.

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    Deborah
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think he aged very well. One of those people who, in my opinion, get better looking with a little age on them. Like a fine wine, LOL>

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    #12

    Macaulay Culkin

    Celebrities photoshopped next to their younger selves, highlighting the passage of time.

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    Anon822209
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He seems to have found both joy and peace in his life, and I am glad of that

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    However, before-and-after photos aren’t all bad. As entrepreneur and Social Triggers founder Derek Halpern points out, they can also be a way of creating connections with people. 

    “Showing your prospects where others came from and where they are now helps prove to them, ‘this can work for you, too,’” he stated. 

    #13

    Tracey Chapman

    Celebrities photoshopped side-by-side with their younger selves, one holding a guitar, both wearing black.

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    Nor
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WOW...Tracey looks the same, just different hair styles

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    #14

    Sinéad O’connor

    Celebrities photoshopped side-by-side, one in a sleeveless shirt, the other in a black hoodie, showing the passage of time.

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    Bean Driller
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor woman spent her whole live battling severe mental illness, so sad. She was such a talent.

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    #15

    Michelle Pfeiffer

    Celebrities photoshopped next to their younger selves, showing transformation over time with dramatic outfits and hairstyles.

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    What about you, dear readers? What do you think about these before and after photos? How much have these celebrities evolved over the years? We’d love to know your thoughts!

    #16

    Clint Eastwood

    Celebrities photoshopped together; younger, older versions highlighting change over time in a black and white format.

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    Nina
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His son looks so much like him , I'd like to see his younger pic side by side of one with his son

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    #17

    George Michael

    Celebrities photoshopped with younger selves, both smiling in a playful pose against a dark background.

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    Eastendbird
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best/saddest part was finding out, after he died, how many amazing charitable things he'd quietly done, behind the scenes, whilst insisting he remain anonymous.

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    #25

    Diana, Princess Of Wales

    An older and younger version of a celebrity Photoshopped together in a single image.

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    Bean Driller
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ahhhhh, a real classy woman. She did so much to humanize the royal family. I was actually distantly related. My heart broke when she died.

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    #27

    Matthew Perry

    A celebrity photoshopped next to their younger self, showcasing how time impacts everyone.

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    Nea
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot look at Matthew’s pictures without feeling very sad anymore :(

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    #29

    Kurt Cobain

    Adult and young versions of a man side by side, demonstrating how time affects appearances.

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    Settled for Infamy
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so hard to look at that little boy and know he's not going to live a full life 😢

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    #32

    Eddie Murphy

    Photoshopped image of a celebrity with their younger self, illustrating the passage of time.

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    #33

    Agnetha Fältskog

    Celebrities photoshopped next to their younger selves, wearing white outfits, showcasing passage of time.

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    #35

    David Beckham

    Adult and younger selves of a celebrity in a photoshopped image, both smiling and taking a selfie together.

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    #36

    Mr. Al Pacino

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves, sitting side by side in elegant chairs.

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    #43

    Olsen Twins

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves in stylish outfits, showcasing the passage of time.

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    #47

    John Travolta

    Older and younger celebrity photoshopped together, holding drinks, showcasing time's impact.

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    CooperDooper81
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to like Travolta but the whole Scientology thing makes it impossible.

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    #54

    King Willem-Alexander

    Adult and child sitting on a bench, showcasing celebrities photoshopped with younger selves, illustrating time's passage.

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    #56

    Adele

    Celebrity photoshopped with younger self, both smiling and wearing black, showcasing the theme "time waits for no one."

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    BarfyCat
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I liked her younger look. Now she just looks like a typical rubber stamp celebrity.

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    #57

    Malcolm-Jamal Warner

    An individual photoshopped next to their younger self, highlighting the passage of time.

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    #60

    Charles Aznavour

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves, showcasing the passage of time.

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    Pernille
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He had such beautiful eyes, and hid songs are some of the best ever made.

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    #61

    Michael Jackson

    Celebrities photoshopped next to younger selves, showcasing different iconic outfits and styles.

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    #63

    Jimmy Fallon

    Adult and child version of a celebrity, smiling together on a talk show set; edited image showing passage of time.

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    #64

    Queen Máxima Of The Netherlands

    Celebrities photoshopped together in a nostalgic pose, highlighting changes over time, with both wearing formal attire.

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    #65

    Peter R. De Vries

    "Photoshopped image of two men in suits, one seated and one standing, illustrating changes over time."

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    #67

    Madonna

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves by a cross monument in a vintage-styled setting.

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    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not all bits of her are the same age, unfortunately she still thinks that the world needs to see too much of it.

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    #68

    Lauryn Hill

    Celebrities photoshopped with younger selves, highlighting change over time.

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    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of these I hafta look HARD to see which is the younger one and which is today! Wow!

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    #70

    Justin Bieber

    Celebrities photoshopped side-by-side with their younger selves, highlighting the passage of time in a creative way.

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    Bean Driller
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor Justin. He had such an amazing future but was taken advantage of by so many "helpers" along the way. Hope he finds peace as a daddy and husband!

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    #71

    Niall Horan

    Photo of a celebrity photoshopped with their younger self, both standing against a green backdrop.

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    #75

    André Van Duin

    Celebrity photoshopped with younger self, highlighting change over time in a casual indoor setting.

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    #76

    Ronald Koeman

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves, both cheering in an orange setting.

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    Nina
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dutch footballplayer (soccer for the eggshaped ballplayers)

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    #77

    Beyonce

    Celebrities photoshopped together, featuring person with curly hair next to their older self with longer hair.

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    Bean Driller
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh PLEEEEEASE Gross, horrible and I'm not talking about her appearance.

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    #78

    Tatum Dagelet

    Celebrities photoshopped next to their younger selves in a nostalgic black-and-white vintage setting.

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    Nina
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dutch actress, afaik not really active internationally.

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    #81

    Frank Schaafsma

    Celebrities photoshopped side-by-side, older self in black shirt, younger version in white shirt, showing passage of time.

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    #84

    La Fuente & Job Smeltzer

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves, showcasing timeless fashion styles and hairstyles in monochrome.

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    #86

    Tom Cruise

    Celebrities photoshopped with their younger selves, showcasing the passage of time.

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    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good thing they didn’t use the latest version of Tom (v7.0 or so) or we wouldn’t believe it. 😕

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    #87

    Wieteke Van Dort

    Two women side by side, photoshopped to resemble their younger and older selves, illustrating the passage of time.

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    #88

    Bram Krikke

    Adult and younger selves photoshopped together, both smiling with matching mustaches, illustrating time's passage for celebrities.

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    Montanavanna
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is the mustache added for this Pic or is he rocking a fake mustache for picture day? This gave me the chuckles.

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    #90

    Post Malone

    Celebrity photoshopped with younger self, showcasing the impact of time against a backdrop of blurred lights.

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    Tom Hardeveld
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a photo of Malone before he was Post Malone... so Post Post Malone

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    What do you think about the concept of 'time travel' through photographs?

    It's fascinating

    It's misleading

    It's overrated

    I have no opinion