Old Photographs

Were they happy?

Published on November 10, 2004 By InfoGeek In Home & Family

I was just going through my Grandfathers effects and he had a large number of black and white pre-1960 photographs and I noticed something, so I check other old blacka and white pictures, civil war books, etc.

No one smiled.

A few in the family pile, but in general, no one seems happy to be photographed. Am I off on this?

IG
.

Comments

Danny Bassette

on Nov 10, 2004

Might these be the pictures where you had to sit still for half an hour to have them taken? If so, would you want to hold a smile for half an hour, or would a straight face be easier.

InfoGeek

on Nov 10, 2004

Some were, some seemed like family gatherings. It's just that everyone looks so serious.

IG

KarmaGirl

on Nov 10, 2004

Flash photography wasn't even available before 1930. It wasn't until the 60's that electronic flash started showing up.

Without flash, it's hard to stop motion, therefore all the posed pictures were of an easy expression because you had to stay perfectly still.

In general, people don't smile that much, especially in times of general hardship. Look around at work when nothing in particular is happening. People aren't smiling. The typical facial expression is of a straight face or slight frown.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!