Genealogy 4 Beginners

Search Nearly 2 Billion Names





Monday, October 16, 2006

Dating Pictures

George Eastman introduced the Kodak camera in the late 1880s. During that period the snapshot became in vogue, as amateurs shot pictures. By the 1920s most families purchased their own simple cameras and started snapping shots.

If you have some old photos, how can you date the photos? Here are some tips.

If there are houses or buildings in the background, check out the type of fencing used to mark the boundaries of properties. In the 1920s wooden paling fences were popular in marking boundaries. Take note of any buildings. Check your local library for old newspapers that report new constructions, demolitions or fires in the neighborhood.

Look at the clothing worn by people. Look particularly at women’s hats and dresses. For example, deep crowns and narrow brim hats were popular in the 1920’s. Swim suits during that era was ankle length and covered their arms. The man’s suit is important. Styles can vary over different generations. For example, in the 19th century men wore baggy lounge jackets, light pants and dark wait coats with a white shirt and tie. Long moustaches were popular in the 1890s to about 1920. Women often wore their hair in a loose bun on the top of their head.

Sailor suits were popular to little boys and girls during this time period. They also wore petticoats but little boy’s petticoats were tucked into their trousers and they had short hair cuts like men.

When dating pictures you should take into account all aspects of the photo. Consider the background, buildings, fences, environment, people’s dress and style. Sometimes you could be lucky and find a date on the back of the photograph, or the dates could be mentioned in a letter or diary. Finally, check the print on the back of the photo. it may indicate the type of development used and the studio. With a little further digging you may be able to contact photo labs such as Kodak and get an approximate date when the film was developed.

Visit my website: Genealogy 4 Beginners


 

URL.biz - where people find experts
Education

Ancestry.com FREE 14 Day Trial Subscription