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Irina Werning is a freelance photojournalist from Buenos Aires, Argentina who specializes in personal long-term projects. Her journey into the world of photography began in her 30s when she got her first camera. Since then, she has passionately captured stories through her lens.

In 2011, Werning started a photography project "Back to the Future" which focused on recreating old photographs of people in their current lives. The photographer asked her subjects to find old photos of themselves and then replicate the same scene, pose, and clothing as closely as possible. She captured these images side by side, showing the contrast between the past and the present.

"I love old photos. I admit being a nosey photographer. As soon as I step into someone else’s house, I start sniffing for them. Most of us are fascinated by their retro look but to me, it’s imagining how people would feel and look like if they were to reenact them today… In 2011, I decided to actually do this. So, with my camera, I started inviting people to go back to their future," Werning writes on her website.

More info: irinawerning.com | Instagram

#1

Christoph, 1990-2011, Berlin

Christoph, 1990-2011, Berlin

Irina Werning Report

We reached out to Werning to learn more about her creative process and herself. "Back to the Future" started in 2011 and gained widespread attention, leading to exhibitions and publications around the world. The photographer shared that it was an exciting project. "I shot 600 pictures in 43 countries. It was like a crash course in fashion, history, culture, anatomy, and the art of making friends."

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    #2

    Rosana, Marcela And Rodrigo, 1982-2012, Rio De Janeiro

    Rosana, Marcela And Rodrigo, 1982-2012, Rio De Janeiro

    Irina Werning Report

    Michael None
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The mother's beauty hasn't changed a bit. Wow!

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    #3

    Lukas, 1980-2012, Berlin

    Lukas, 1980-2012, Berlin

    Irina Werning Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mommy was training for this recreation picture during the last 30 years so she can still lift him just like that.

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    Werning told us that the idea for this project struck her while strolling through the streets of Buenos Aires with a friend. "He had tasked me with scanning his mother's wedding negatives, and as we walked, he pointed out the exact spot where one of my favorite pictures had been taken. It was this peculiar accidental shot of his mother beside a trash heap on her way to the church for her wedding. Standing there, I thought, 'What if I recreate this moment? Same location, lighting, and clothes.' Her response? A resounding 'No, thanks.'"

    #4

    Javier And Jaime, 1976-2012, Madrid

    Javier And Jaime, 1976-2012, Madrid

    Irina Werning Report

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    #5

    Duquesa De Alba, 1931-2012, Madrid

    Duquesa De Alba, 1931-2012, Madrid

    Irina Werning Report

    Some pictures require bravery and a desire to revisit old childhood days. Looking at all the shots, we were wondering how Werning found her subjects. The photographer explained, "I used my website as a platform to announce the countries I planned to visit, prompting people to send me their pictures via email."

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    #6

    Zubrano Family, 1999-2011, Buenos Aires

    Zubrano Family, 1999-2011, Buenos Aires

    Irina Werning Report

    #7

    Snorri, 1991-2012, Reykjavik

    Snorri, 1991-2012, Reykjavik

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    right down to the scuffs on the toes of the shoes - well done!

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    Werning shared that she's still in touch with the people she photographed and is waiting for some years to go by to shoot the third picture.

    At the moment, the photographer is in the final stages of a long-term project focusing on women with long hair in Latin America. "It’s a story about culture and tradition and the beauty of my country and the whole region." For further exploration of Werning's portfolio, visit her website!

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    #8

    Mechi, 1990-2012, Buenos Aires

    Mechi, 1990-2012, Buenos Aires

    Irina Werning Report

    #9

    Leanne, 1982-2011, New York

    Leanne, 1982-2011, New York

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this one is really well done - love the joy on the baby's face!

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    #10

    Orna And Sharon, 1985-2012, Tel Aviv

    Orna And Sharon, 1985-2012, Tel Aviv

    Irina Werning Report

    Papa
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Up vote for the pay phone. I haven't seen one of those in years.

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    #11

    Mickey Mouse, 1989-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Mickey Mouse, 1989-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Irina Werning Report

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    #12

    Edwin, 1990-2012, Accra

    Edwin, 1990-2012, Accra

    Irina Werning Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "It feels like forever, but I still don't get it. Could you explain it one more time?"

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    #13

    Margot, 1980-2012, Reykjavik

    Margot, 1980-2012, Reykjavik

    Irina Werning Report

    #14

    Cristina, 1993-2012, Caracas

    Cristina, 1993-2012, Caracas

    Irina Werning Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great job getting all the people in the background to recreate their outfits

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    #15

    Sarah And Jim, 1988-2011, Boston

    Sarah And Jim, 1988-2011, Boston

    Irina Werning Report

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    #16

    Mazarine, 1976-2012, Paris

    Mazarine, 1976-2012, Paris

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, this one is really spot on! Totally love the facial expressions!

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    #17

    Carol, 1988-2012, Berlin

    Carol, 1988-2012, Berlin

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the facial expression in the recreation is perfect!

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    #18

    Domenica, 1985-2012, Mexico

    Domenica, 1985-2012, Mexico

    Irina Werning Report

    #19

    Ben, 1980-2012, Berlin

    Ben, 1980-2012, Berlin

    Irina Werning Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope after 32 years that's just a pose, rather than a normal day at home.

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    #20

    Devoto, 1990-2011, Buenos Aires

    Devoto, 1990-2011, Buenos Aires

    Irina Werning Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like he still hasn't made up his mind about the book. But at least the one on the right is a fan.

    #21

    Nelhe, 1980-2012, Hamburg

    Nelhe, 1980-2012, Hamburg

    Irina Werning Report

    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how the goat grew as well 😂

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    #22

    Shahar And Mor, 1992-2011, Jerusalem

    Shahar And Mor, 1992-2011, Jerusalem

    Irina Werning Report

    Madster
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do they all get clothes the same!

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    #23

    Giorgio, 1982-2011, Paris

    Giorgio, 1982-2011, Paris

    Irina Werning Report

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    #24

    Kristin And Birta, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

    Kristin And Birta, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

    Irina Werning Report

    #25

    Rikke, 1972-2011, Copenhagen

    Rikke, 1972-2011, Copenhagen

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome recreation of the clothing!

    #26

    Vietinghoff Sisters, 1982-2012, Berlin

    Vietinghoff Sisters, 1982-2012, Berlin

    Irina Werning Report

    #27

    Isaac, 1991-2011, New York

    Isaac, 1991-2011, New York

    Irina Werning Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the pedestals grew!

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    #28

    Ismael And Cindy, 1994-2012, Santiago De Chile

    Ismael And Cindy, 1994-2012, Santiago De Chile

    Irina Werning Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great timing for the ball position.

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    #29

    Valy, Herdis And Gudny, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

    Valy, Herdis And Gudny, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

    Irina Werning Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The angles make it appear that the tower grew more than they did.

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    #30

    Malu And Simone, 1997-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Malu And Simone, 1997-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Irina Werning Report

    JM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the expression on the one on the right.

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    #31

    Sucharita, 1981-2011, Mumbai

    Sucharita, 1981-2011, Mumbai

    Irina Werning Report

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    #32

    Cayetano, 1965-2013, Madrid

    Cayetano, 1965-2013, Madrid

    Irina Werning Report

    Fall F.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No way, the dude on the second pc is more than 50 years old

    #33

    Mariane, 1985-2012, San Paulo

    Mariane, 1985-2012, San Paulo

    Irina Werning Report

    #34

    Yiking Li, 1994-2011, Connecticut

    Yiking Li, 1994-2011, Connecticut

    Irina Werning Report

    #35

    Parents, 1970-2012, Buenos Aires

    Parents, 1970-2012, Buenos Aires

    Irina Werning Report

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    #36

    Ran, 1988-2012, Tel Aviv

    Ran, 1988-2012, Tel Aviv

    Irina Werning Report

    🇫🇮 Goth Nurse 🇫🇮
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love to see how the background has changed, I compare them in many of these pics. Like on this one, how the trees have grown over the years.

    #37

    Lali, 1978-2012, Buenos Aires

    Lali, 1978-2012, Buenos Aires

    Irina Werning Report

    #38

    Nadal, 2012, Paris

    Nadal, 2012, Paris

    Irina Werning Report

    fan of phish
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rafa! Best clay court player EVER!!!!! Love this guy

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    #39

    Damian And Athis, 1992-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Damian And Athis, 1992-2012, Disneyland Paris

    Irina Werning Report

    Tara Moov
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not sure those numbers add up. This looks 10 years apart, not 20.

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    #40

    Emi, 1992-2012, Tel Aviv

    Emi, 1992-2012, Tel Aviv

    Irina Werning Report

    ewa
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Second one looks rather scary