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If you haven’t heard of this heartwarming trend, the chances are you were off to the moon. Because people have been recreating their old and dusty family photographs with pretty amazing results.

There’s something quite otherworldly about looking at people doing the exact same things they did many years ago. But it’s not only the time that sets these two photographs apart, it’s also all the experiences that happened between them, the transformations people went through, the ups and downs they conquered.

So today, we are taking a walk to see some of the loveliest and most soul-soothing family photograph recreations staring the same people, the same composition, sometimes even the same place and clothing, as in the old photograph. The modern remakes suggest that even when the world changes beyond recognition, there’s something inside every one one of us that stay the same.

Psst! More family photo recreations await in our previous features here and here.

#1

Veteran And His Wife Recreate Their Wedding Photos

Veteran And His Wife Recreate Their Wedding Photos

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Loolie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What lovely pics, they look so sweet together in the second one.

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#2

My Dad Passed Away When I Was 1. I Like To Think He’d Be Happy With How Much We Look Alike

My Dad Passed Away When I Was 1. I Like To Think He’d Be Happy With How Much We Look Alike

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#3

35 Years Ago I Met This Amazing Man. Love Him Even More Today

35 Years Ago I Met This Amazing Man. Love Him Even More Today

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To find out more about exactly what happens in our minds when we look at our old photographs, we reached out to Helen Marlo, a licensed clinical psychologist and Jungian psychoanalyst who provides psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and consultation. Marlo is also a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Department Chair at Notre Dame de Namur University, and as our luck would have it, she is as passionate about this topic as we are.

Marlo explained that there is a concept known by psychologists as “deferred action.” “It speaks to the process of how memories are continually revised as we attain later stages of development and as we attain new experiences.”

#4

I Saw The Apron While Shopping, And Decided To Do A Remake Of My Mother’s Favorite Picture For Christmas. 23 Years Apart

I Saw The Apron While Shopping, And Decided To Do A Remake Of My Mother’s Favorite Picture For Christmas. 23 Years Apart

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Trisha Howson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute I got to say I love the first one that baby's face is for real like terrified lol

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#5

We Recreated One Of My Favorite Photos A Few Years Later

We Recreated One Of My Favorite Photos A Few Years Later

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#6

The World Needs More Fathers Who Stick Around Like This

The World Needs More Fathers Who Stick Around Like This

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Trisha Howson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay I'm sorry but I cracked up but yes he is great dad and I love the concept.

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“In adulthood, the way we view a memory or a photo of ourselves as a child shifts, for example, depending on whether or not we have had a child in adulthood. We have associations to that photo depending on our evolving life experiences and through our current stage of development including expanded or diminished insight and empathy,” the clinical psychologist explained.

Moreover, Marlo argues that “as much as we may view memories as static and defined, the concept of ‘deferred action’ affirms how memory is dynamic and it is influenced by our past and our future.”

#7

We Had To Put My Dog Of 16 Years Down Yesterday, But Before We Did We Recreated Our Favourite Photo With Him

We Had To Put My Dog Of 16 Years Down Yesterday, But Before We Did We Recreated Our Favourite Photo With Him

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#8

18 Years Later We're Back On The Beach

18 Years Later We're Back On The Beach

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#9

My Parents Always Told Me I Looked Like My Dad's Mom But I Never Got To Meet Her. Here's My Grandmother Holding My Dad vs. Me Holding My Son, Taken Exactly 63 Years Apart

My Parents Always Told Me I Looked Like My Dad's Mom But I Never Got To Meet Her. Here's My Grandmother Holding My Dad vs. Me Holding My Son, Taken Exactly 63 Years Apart

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We previously also spoke with photographer Dominic Sberna who shared some insights into why people love then-and-now photographs so much. According to him, there's such a large amount of then-and-now photos of celebrities that he thinks the desire to see a comparison as to how people have changed trickles down to the everyday person.

"I believe that social media and the humor of recreating a photo from childhood is also a major driving force. It's funny to see a grown adult recreating a situation from their childhood because it's so out of place and makes for a really funny photo," Sberna explained.

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#10

These Pictures Were Taken At The Same Restaurant, But About 2 Years Apart. He’s Lost 90 Lbs And I’ve Lost 135 Lbs

These Pictures Were Taken At The Same Restaurant, But About 2 Years Apart. He’s Lost 90 Lbs And I’ve Lost 135 Lbs

We wanted to be healthy so we could grow old gracefully together, and be around as long as possible for our kids. So grateful for this journey with my best friend!

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#11

Then And Now: Couple Recreates Wedding Photos After 50 Years Of Being Married

Then And Now: Couple Recreates Wedding Photos After 50 Years Of Being Married

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#12

My Sister And I Graduating Headstart vs. Us Graduating College

My Sister And I Graduating Headstart vs. Us Graduating College

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When it comes to making a perfect recreation of an old family photograph, there are a couple of elements that need to be considered. First, it’s all about combining the posing and angles just right. "This can be difficult for recreating any image, let alone with people involved," he said.

Moreover, you have to take some steps to prepare for a recreation. You want to print out your photos and keep physical copies of them. This may be challenging today when more and more people opt for digital formats that they keep online.“It's important to have printed copies of your memories, so that you can have them to pass down to future generations. Plus, by doing so, maybe your future children will one day recreate a photo of you," Sberna said.

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#13

This Man Waits Years To Recreate This Pic

This Man Waits Years To Recreate This Pic

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#14

First Flight With Dad. So Special. 12 Years Difference

First Flight With Dad. So Special. 12 Years Difference

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#15

My Parents Recreated Their Honeymoon Picture 40 Years Later

My Parents Recreated Their Honeymoon Picture 40 Years Later

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In the end, remaking childhood photos may be an excellent way to gather all the family members together. While dwelling on our past nostalgia, we connect in these shared memories and experiences, and relive the past in a new light. This is something that gains a value like no other in times when life is so fast, and we struggle to find time for each other.

#16

Me And My Dad. 1982 And 2021. Both Age 20, 39 Years Apart

Me And My Dad. 1982 And 2021. Both Age 20, 39 Years Apart

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#18

From Having One To Being One Happy Father's Day

From Having One To Being One Happy Father's Day

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#19

A Lot Can Change In 22 Years. Some Things Never Do

A Lot Can Change In 22 Years. Some Things Never Do

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#20

My Aunt And Uncle Just Celebrated Their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Top Photo 1967 Bottom 2022

My Aunt And Uncle Just Celebrated Their 55th Wedding Anniversary. Top Photo 1967 Bottom 2022

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#21

My Grandparents' 53rd Anniversary Is Today

My Grandparents' 53rd Anniversary Is Today

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Gemma jones
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow they look so fun. When I see these happy families it makes me happy that they’re close and sad as everyone in my family hates each other

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#22

We Were Destined To Get This Titanic Set (1998 vs. 2022)

We Were Destined To Get This Titanic Set (1998 vs. 2022)

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#23

Me And My Great Uncle 24 Years Apart

Me And My Great Uncle 24 Years Apart

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#24

Me Holding My Son At My HS Graduation vs. Me Holding My Son At His HS Graduation

Me Holding My Son At My HS Graduation vs. Me Holding My Son At His HS Graduation

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#25

Bindi Irwin And Her Husband Recreate Her Mom And Dad's Pregnancy Photo

Bindi Irwin And Her Husband Recreate Her Mom And Dad's Pregnancy Photo

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#26

I Remade This Picture Of My Grandma From 1945 For My Dad For Father's Day. I Didn't Realize How Much I Looked Like Her

I Remade This Picture Of My Grandma From 1945 For My Dad For Father's Day. I Didn't Realize How Much I Looked Like Her

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Kim Smith
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow that is so fascinating how much you resemble each other.Both beautiful woman,with same sassiness in the smile!

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#27

My Dad And His Siblings In 1969. Then They Recreated It 50 Years Later

My Dad And His Siblings In 1969. Then They Recreated It 50 Years Later

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#28

My Daughter And My Wife Wearing The Same Dress 28 Years Apart. Made Me Smile

My Daughter And My Wife Wearing The Same Dress 28 Years Apart. Made Me Smile

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Kim Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all ADORABLE! Second,how was the dress stored to still look so good?

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#29

My Grandmother At A Homecoming Football Game In 1957, And Me In The Same Dress 60 Years Later

My Grandmother At A Homecoming Football Game In 1957, And Me In The Same Dress 60 Years Later

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#30

Our Baby Came Home For The Weekend Before College Starts Tomorrow. Not Much Has Changed

Our Baby Came Home For The Weekend Before College Starts Tomorrow. Not Much Has Changed

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#31

Arnold Schwarzenegger And His Son. Some Things Never Change

Arnold Schwarzenegger And His Son. Some Things Never Change

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Kim Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha,as a child he can't do much if Dad messes up,but the look on Arnold's face with his adult son looks like he's praying he doesn't mess it up...love it!

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#32

My Husband And His Two Older Brothers

My Husband And His Two Older Brothers

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#33

The Day We Got Our Puppy, And 11 Years Later

The Day We Got Our Puppy, And 11 Years Later

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#34

My Nana And My Little Sister, 64 Years Apart. They're Nearly Identical

My Nana And My Little Sister, 64 Years Apart. They're Nearly Identical

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#35

Not On Wilkerson Street, But I Grabbed A Photo For A "Then And Now" While I Had A Chance. 61 Years Apart And Still In Love. Life Goals If I’ve Ever Seen Them

Not On Wilkerson Street, But I Grabbed A Photo For A "Then And Now" While I Had A Chance. 61 Years Apart And Still In Love. Life Goals If I’ve Ever Seen Them

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#36

My Dad And I (Right 1993) And My Son And I (Left 2016)

My Dad And I (Right 1993) And My Son And I (Left 2016)

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#37

My Family Christmas Photo Recreated 20 Years Later

My Family Christmas Photo Recreated 20 Years Later

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#38

Side By Side Of My Grandfather At His Wedding And Myself

Side By Side Of My Grandfather At His Wedding And Myself

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#39

Cousins In 1998 vs. Now. Not Much Has Changed

Cousins In 1998 vs. Now. Not Much Has Changed

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Sophia Atkinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm, now I’m questioning if I should suggest this to my grandma and my cousins, recreating the proud grandma with all her grandchildren photo. Would be cool to see how we all changed in the past 12 years

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#41

2008 Picture Recreation 13 Years Later. For Context, The Boys Were 4 And 6. Now They Are Both Well Over 6 Feet Tall

2008 Picture Recreation 13 Years Later. For Context, The Boys Were 4 And 6. Now They Are Both Well Over 6 Feet Tall

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#42

Family Visits Are About Quality Time & Recreating Photos

Family Visits Are About Quality Time & Recreating Photos

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#43

I Wonder What My Grandchildren Will Experience 100 Years From Now? One Thing I Know, Is My Sisters And I Are Creating A Legacy For Them. Even 20 Years Apart We Still Have It

I Wonder What My Grandchildren Will Experience 100 Years From Now? One Thing I Know, Is My Sisters And I Are Creating A Legacy For Them. Even 20 Years Apart We Still Have It

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Natalie Phipps
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe that's 20 years apart! None of you have aged a day! Great photos.

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#44

My Mom And I Getting “Called To The Bar” As Lawyers 35 Years Apart. 1981 To 2016

My Mom And I Getting “Called To The Bar” As Lawyers 35 Years Apart. 1981 To 2016

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#45

So We Did A Thing Yesterday. It May Have Taken Us All Day Be We Had So Much Fun Doing It. Happy Father’s Day Dad

So We Did A Thing Yesterday. It May Have Taken Us All Day Be We Had So Much Fun Doing It. Happy Father’s Day Dad

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#46

My Father And His Father, In Kiev When He Was A Baby In 1920, And Then In Poland In 1941 Shortly Before He Was Picked Up And Put In Labor Camp

My Father And His Father, In Kiev When He Was A Baby In 1920, And Then In Poland In 1941 Shortly Before He Was Picked Up And Put In Labor Camp

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#47

We're The Wikipedia "High Five" Couple, Now We're Married And Teaching It To Our Kids. Up High

We're The Wikipedia "High Five" Couple, Now We're Married And Teaching It To Our Kids. Up High

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#49

2000 To 2022

2000 To 2022

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Pille P
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The smallest looks older, the others look exactly the same - again vampires :D

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#50

Every Graduation From UG-PhD We Have Managed To Recreate The Original "Awkward Family Photo". Last Night Was No Exception

Every Graduation From UG-PhD We Have Managed To Recreate The Original "Awkward Family Photo". Last Night Was No Exception

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Note: this post originally had 115 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.