Clues in Old Photographs

Old photographs can be quite revealing if you look at them carefully.

Firstly ask yourself why they were taken.

Until the advent of mass produced easy to use cameras in the 1950's photos were expensive items and usually only taken on special occasions.

Was it a birthday, wedding , engagement etc.

When you have identified someone in a photo check others of similar vintage to see if they appear in any other unidentified picture.

Look carefully to see if any house numbers are displayed or if there is any print signs that may help identify the location.

Scan a photograph at a very high setting and save onto a computer. This will produce an image that is much more detailed than the small print and often allows signs to be read or previously unseen data to become visible.

Look at hairstyles and dresses on the ladies. Fashion changes throughout the ages can help provide an approximate date. There are several good books on dating photos through dress and hairstyles. Robert Pols is a specially good author.

Look at the format of the photo and the processing. There was a continuing period of improvement in printing so the method used and any marks on the rear may once again date the photo,

Mounting was also fashionable with changes through the years in fashions which can indicate a period.

Often photographers printed their names on the rear of the photo. Local checks will tell you the period that the photographer operated.

The last but best suggestion is to take the photo to your surviving older relatives and ask them.

Even if they don't recognise the people it is a great chance for them to get out their old photos which may  contains images of people you recognise with people that they recognise.