I love collecting old photographs. I usually go for the candid or amateur types of pictures and not professional or studio photos (although I will make an exception now and then). There is something very compelling about getting a glimpse into someone’s long ago life. There has to be something in the picture that captures my attention.
Here is one that I particularly like. Just a woman sitting on her porch on a hot summer day with her dog by her side. I like how she isn’t necessary the main focus of the picture. The photographer wanted to capture the setting as well. I can’t quite place the era this photo was taken in – but by looking at her dress and the fact there is an sign on the door for the iceman to deliver ice I’m guessing it is in the 30’s. Date your photos people, and put a little explanation on the back for your ancestors. The writing at the top of the photo has been cut off but I think it says ‘mother.’
Click on the picture for a larger image:
Now this next picture is a tintype. With that small clue I place the time between 1850-1900 when tintype photography was popular. This picture really illicites an emotional response from me even though I have no clue to who the people are or what their story is. The man looks smug and self satisfied and I don’t like him. The poor woman looks bone tired weary. And just a little put out that she had to be dragged away from her unending number of chores in order to have her picture taken. She is probably sitting there thinking that the oaf sitting next to her is going to expect that she have dinner on the table at the normal time even though she has had her routine totally disrupted with this folly of an outing.
Click in the picture for a close up:
