How to Date Old Family Photos
Old family photographs are enjoyable to look at and can reveal important information about heritage and history. Dating vintage photos can prove difficult, particularly to those who lack historical knowledge of fashion, portrait trends and photography mediums. Spending some time in the library and enlisting professional assistance can help you learn about more about your family and develop a new hobby. Read on to learn more.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Examine the clothing and accessories worn by those in the photograph. Fashion trends are not a new phenomenon, and you can tell much about an old picture by examining the length of women's dresses, the hairstyles of men and women, the hat styles portrayed and the jewelry and accessories worn by your distant relatives.
-
2
Note the poses and props in the photograph. Seemingly inconsequential factors such as positioning of hands, sitting versus standing poses and smiling versus holding a straight face are important for dating photographs. Props such as chairs, draperies and desks are also crucial dating clues.
-
-
3
Pay attention to the material of the photograph. Whether a photograph is on paper, cardboard glass or metal can reveal much about when it was taken. Portrait style is also important for dating . For example, in the early and mid 19th century, most family portraits were taken in studios with plain backdrops and placed in family albums, much like people keep today.
-
4
Look for candid shots. It wasn't until the mid 20th century that amateur photography became popular. One can often further narrow a candid shot by paying attention to background details in the shot. Look for car models, anything with a date, business signs and the like.
-
5
Hire a genealogist or other historian. If you cannot date valuable family photos, enlist the services of a professional. Ask her to explain her findings in detail so you can learn how to date photographs in the future.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the name of the photographer is on the back of an image, this can help narrow down a time frame. Look carefully for signatures or studio names on old photos.
