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Life before the digital age has become a distant memory for many who lived it. Thankfully, we have photographs to remind us about those simpler times.
Today, we’re not just doing any other throwback. We’re winding back the clock to the 1890s to give us a glimpse of how massively different things were. These antique snapshots are from a Facebook group aptly named “Photographic Traces from 1890 until 1950.”
If the group name isn’t enough of a giveaway, expect to see historic pictures of a tattoo parlor in the 1930s, a dance class in the 1900s, and a rare image of the ever-stunning Marilyn Monroe in a potato sack dress from the early ‘50s.
Enjoy scrolling, as these vintage photos may also enthrall you.
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#1
Angela Lansbury ('princess Gwendolyn' And Her Hamburger....) Eating With Basil Rathbone ('sir Ravenhurst')
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#3
A Young Berber Girl With Her Traditional Regalia, From The Ouled Nail Tribe, Algeria, North Africa. Photography By Lehnert-Landrock, 1905
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Everyone enjoys a trip down memory lane, even if that journey goes back to a century ago. It’s also why the vintage aesthetic is a popular photography trend, so much so that digital cameras have retro filters.
According to wedding photographer Lena Christine, the use of vintage and film “taps into our yearning for the good old times.”
“The grainy texture, muted tones, and soft focus of images invite us into the past the way we experience an old family album,” she wrote in an article for her website.
#4
On Easter Morning In 1941, A Group Of African American Boys Dressed In Their Finest Clothes Gathered On The South Side Of Chicago, Posing Atop A Parked Car
#6
A Reflection Of Notre Dame Cathedral And A Sitting Dog Photographed In 1958 By Inge Morath In Paris, France
Vintage photography can also be an excellent storytelling tool, which is why Lena uses it for engagement photo shoots. As she explains, the intention is to “create a timeless narrative” and transport the couple back into the moment for each photograph.
“Film aesthetic invites us to slow down, to appreciate simplicity, and to connect with the human experiences that lie within each frame,” she wrote.
#7
Portrait Of A Oilof Family ('oilof' Is An Old Spelling For Wolof), Captured By French Photographer Emile Noal (1868-1903) Between 1890-1900 In St-Louis, Senegal (West Africa)
#9
1890s - Tibetan Lady Ani Chokyi By Photographer Thomas Parr, Darjeeling, India (Albumen Print)
You don’t need to be a seasoned photographer to take awe-inspiring vintage photographs. However, you will need vintage equipment to capture the authenticity.
According to photographer Jennifer Froula Weber, one way to do so is by using point-and-shoot cameras that predate the 1950s. Expired film from decades ago is another great option.
#11
"The Forbidden City." San Francisco's Chinatown's World Famous Nightclub, Mai Tai Sing And Her Chorus-Line Dancers In A Publicity Shot For “Holiday Magazine” In 1948
But of course, we now have technology at our disposal to manipulate images and make them look a certain way. However, overdoing it may ruin the aesthetic you’re looking for.
Photographer Paige Mercer advises sticking to minor adjustments, such as adding a hint of warmth or lowering the dark spots. You can also increase exposure by a small notch to achieve a rustic look with lens flares and light leaks.
#15
The 20's Fabulous Rózsika And Janka Deutsch Aka "The Dolly Sisters" Were Hungarian-American Identical Twin Dancers, Singers And Actresses, Famous Stars Of The World Famous "Ziegfeld Follies" And The "Folies Bergere" In Paris
We’d also like to hear from you, our readers. What about vintage photographs draws you in? Is it about the nostalgia or the different feel that they bring? Let us know in the comments below.
#17
Harriet Hoctor (1905-1977) ♥️ American Ballerina, Choreographer, Actress And Dance Instructor In A Back Bending Pose As A Question Mark For A 1925 Photograph By Bloom Studio Of Chicago
#35
Amy Peterson's Portrait Of A Champagne Inspector, Wearing A Special Mask To Protect Against Accidental Discharges
#44
Dora Kallmus - Arthur Benda Modèles Nus Aux Accessoires (Margot Di Tisoni, Lotte Heurs, Toni Rippel), C. 1925-1935
#59
Peggy Shannon ♥️ (1907-1941) American Film Star Of The Pre-Code Hollywood Era Posing For A 1931 Photograph By Margaret Chute
#61
Ann Pennington ♥️ (1893-1971) American Dancer, Singer And Actress Posing For A 1929 Photograph By Irving Chidnoff
#72
Helena Pickard (1900-1959) ♥️ British Stage, Film And Television Actress Posing For A 1922 Photograph By Butler Of Chicago
#75
Eckersberg, Else, Actrice Allemagne Dans Le Rôle De « Christiane » Dans La Pièce « Das Schwache Geschlecht », 1931
#77
The Sisters Lois Waddell ❤️ And Ruth Waddell ❤️ Who At A Single Sitting Consumed 204 Oysters Between Themselves At The January 1925 Great Oyster Eating Contest
#83
Mrs Amália Helena Mária Róza Putti Aka "Lya De Putti". Silent Movies Era Austro-Hungarian Star
#87
Edward S. Curtis. The German Actress And Suffragette Hedwiga Reicher 1920-1925. Gelatin Silver, Toned
#92
Actress Katharine Cornell ❤️ Posing In A Period Costume As “Mary Fitton” In Clemence Dane’s Stage Production Of Will Shakespeare
#105
Miss Dubois Ferguson ♥️ Posing For Mccullagh Of Berkeley Circa 1918 Which Was Originally Published With The Caption "Who Has Been Judged Physically Perfect!"
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What do you think ?
bart simpson 1 year ago
In your survey, about what aspect of looking at historic photos, you skipped over the most important answer. The history. This is an era when we can have a pictorially accurate vision of the past hundred plus years. We should do the most we can to keep this heritage alive.
bart simpson 1 year ago
In your survey, about what aspect of looking at historic photos, you skipped over the most important answer. The history. This is an era when we can have a pictorially accurate vision of the past hundred plus years. We should do the most we can to keep this heritage alive.
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