A long, long time ago getting your photograph taken was serious business. You made an appointment with the photographer and awaited the big day.
The men slicked back their hair and put on their best suit coat, the ladies fixed their hair and always wore their best dress. The photograph would be sent to relatives far away..often so that they could see how well you were doing in America.
In early photography, the exposure time was such that the people had to hold really still. Sometimes the photographer would place a wooden posing stand behind you to help you hold your pose. They never smiled because a smile could not be held for the 30 to 60 seconds that was required for an exposure. They also did not have access to dental care.
Photography years ago was boring, stiff and showed no personality. Having your photo taken was a very serious solemn occasion. After all your parents and possibly even your grandparents would be showing it off to all their friends.
My youngest smiling grandson Adam..these photos remain favorites of mine. Every time I look at them I smile, sometimes I laugh out loud. Adam smiles like no one else.
I took these photographs last fall, when Jen and I went through the photos..she was discouraged..then I began to laugh and so did she. I am so glad I did not delete the real smiley ones:)
Well, the boy can smile. So cute. Lovely family
ReplyDeleteGreat photos all, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos ! This is why I never got into portraits because to me they are boring . I even did photography before digital. I had a Minolta 35mm with all the fancy lenses and developed my own film , even then I prefered the natural shots of people and nature not the sit and stiff pretend your enjoying this kind of photography lol . I do find digital amazing and am still learning all it and I can do ! I dont use any programs to enhance or adjust my photos I'm the what ya see is what ya get kind of person up to me to capture nature and my subjects beauty as it is ! Have a great day !
DeleteThese days taking a photo is almost too easy. Adam's smile is definitely smile producing! Thanks for sharing these. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe has a smile like my grandson; makes me laugh every time I see it. Lovely family!
ReplyDeleteHe does make me smile too. I bet he is really a great boy to be around.
DeleteHe cracks me up, too! What fun!
ReplyDeleteI always wondered why those old photos looked so stiff, thanks for that simple (and obvious if I had really thought about it) explanation!
ReplyDeleteAdam's smile makes those photo's extra precious.
These pics make my heart happy! Great looking family and Adam sure has a great personality!
ReplyDeleteThat smile is just wonderful - lights up a whole room! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteYour handsome Adam has quite the infectious smile! He's got me grinnin' from ear to ear!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you didn't delete 'em either.
So that's why everyone looked like they hadn't had a good 'sit~down' for a week...their backs were boarded up! Heeehehhehe!
Have a wonderfully blessed day sweetie!!! :o)
Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!
ReplyDeleteHeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com
Very good photos. I treasure the ones where the kids act up. When they grow up they generally lose that spontaneity, and worry about how they will look. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteSo that's why people aren't smiling in those old photos... Some people are pretty slow on the trigger finger still today and the smiles get a bit stiff and faky. The best are the heat of the moment full spontaneous smile.
ReplyDeleteHe must take after his fun loving Grammy!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
The fun photos are always the best....gosh old time photography really would be so boring :) Thanks for stopping on over -
ReplyDeleteThey are a very good-looking family! My girls would love these. They say I take too many posed photos.
ReplyDeleteI love the smiley ones too! I always wondered why people didn't smile back in the day. I didn't realize it was because they couldn't hold the pose for that long of time. Learn something every day on blogs.
ReplyDeleteWas serious business. A luxury. And expensive.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore digital cameras. I am so glad I lived long enough for the computer-digital-techie age. It is truly like the science fiction of my youth. I am happy as a pig in mud! :):)
Not only you will like this photo ...Adam will like it when he is older and so will his children. Other than that it's a good shot with the way the light was used.
ReplyDeleteOne day Adam will have these precious photos to look back on and remember those goofy smiling moments. You have a great looking family - even that silly Adam.
ReplyDelete