Historical Photos From The Side Of The Frame People Rarely See

Ever since photography was invented back in 1839 (nearly 200 years ago!), it basically changed the world as it is. The possibility of capturing a moment in time became possible. It has become an integral part of how we view the world and interact with it. 

Now, there was no need to rely on painters to depict a person, an item, or a moment — it all can be done with a photo camera. It gave a chance for common people — not only rich ones who could afford the paintings — to be remembered.

It opened a window to the lives of the people who came before us and gave us a chance to empathize with them better — after all, it’s way easier to put yourself in someone’s shoes when you can see them, rather than just imagine. 

Basically, there was nothing that could not be captured in a photo. Historical moments are no exception. Nowadays, there’s a whole genre of photography that lets us get a glimpse into the past, and into the events that shaped the way the world is. 

Bored Panda's interviewee historian Laura Fitzachary said that "Historical photographs can serve as one of the most potent reminders of significant events."

She explained "Such visual reminders can evoke emotional responses, inspire social change or even add a layer to collective understanding. Very quickly after photography's invention in 1838/9, photographic images were adopted as aides to memory and provide a snapshot or a story of what has happened in the world to help those who have not observed such events directly to understand."

Here, Wikipedia even has a whole page dedicated to “photographs considered the most important.” In there, you can find such gems as the famous Abraham Lincoln photo, an atomic cloud rising over Nagasaki, and even the first cell phone picture. And these are just a few of plenty — a lot has happened since photography was invented. 

The thing is that, most of the time, when any of these important historical pictures were taken, there was more than one. Yet, usually just one of them becomes popular, while the extras are forgotten by history. Or, at least forgotten by many, but not all. 

Our interviewee noted that relying on a single image for historical context can be quite dangerous, as it leaves very little room for nuance: "Even from the early years of photography, photographers themselves acknowledge that their images are not fixed statements of fact - rather that their work may be read and interpreted in many different ways."

She explained further: "The photographer's intention should be taken into consideration, the content itself should be open to interpretation, as well as how the image was taken. Is it a posed shot to allow for exposure on an older camera, is there staging at play? Or is it taken quickly on a phone camera to try and capture a fleeting moment in time?"

So, from time to time, someone brings up another angle of an already famous historical photo, which oftentimes adds more context to the situation, shows it from an alternative perspective, and just basically enriches the experience of its more popular counterpart, makes it more nuanced.

As you might have understood from the title, today’s list is made up of photos like this — alternative angles to popular shots. 

Without spoiling too much, we’re going to say that, on this list, you’ll find a plethora of various historical events shown in a way you likely never saw before. From the way the Lincoln Memorial looked before the reflecting pool to the airing of the last episode of the hit sitcom “The Office.” You know, no matter what kind of historical moments you’re into, you’re likely to find something you like here.

Do these pictures enhance your historical knowledge? Do you think these moments needed this extra context the pics provided? Share these and all your other take in the comments!

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