Old Photographs

Were they happy?

from JoeUser Forums
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?

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1,333 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
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.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Some were, some seemed like family gatherings. It's just that everyone looks so serious.

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Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

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.