Eons: View message "Idea for a Challenge " in Better Photography Group

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Idea for a Challenge

I was viewing a member's pictures and there was an old one that was so wonderful, how about a challenge of uploading pictures from the past? I went through some of my mother's REALLY old photos, scanned them, and was amazed at how well they turned out...these were made back in about 1920 with a box camera I am sure.

Just a thought, I would like to hear what others think.

posted by photoone

Wow, sounds kind of cool. Back when I worked in photo labs (pre digital) we made 'copy negs' of tin types degauro (sp) types, old torn and split sepia tone shots of great grandma hanging out with Al Capone and Jimmy Hoffa etc. (some truth to this) What would be our focus, or final goal? How would this be judged?

posted by eagleye
8 months ago

I have no idea about the tin types. My old photos are all prints. The judging would be up to the moderators I think. Perhaps it would just be for fun and no judging....more of an exhibition of days long ago.

posted by photoone
8 months ago

I have a tin type of my hubby's great great grandfather. My hubby is 68 so this is an old picture. It is something to see the picture is etched into the tin.

posted by BunnyfartsLynda
8 months ago

I have a photo of my great grandmother and great grandfather, but I'm not sure I will post them. They were Polish immigrants and to be honest, as I child I was scared to death of them. If I post the photo you will know why. lol We posted some photos of our 'younger' selves a couple months ago and it was a riot.

posted by PhaedrasGate
8 months ago

I have a neat one of my Dad :)

posted by gardenlady110
8 months ago

I have a lot of old photos from generations back. I was scanning some of them last week. Notice how everyone looks so stern in all of those portraits? It was quite a different time back then. Sometimes I wonder if they EVER smiled.

posted by CokiCola
8 months ago

Smiles of yesteryear. I think they all looked into the sun for picture taking and there were lots of squints. When I visited the Amish country in Pennsylvania I was caught by the somber faces of the women. It is easy to think that since they do not take advantage of the easier way of life the smiles were hard to come by. The same might be said of the people of yesteryear. But....are we really any happier today? Not a subject for Photography I guess, but could be a study of the faces of our ancesters.

posted by photoone
8 months ago

I think some of the reason is the hardships of the day....also being photographed was a big 'to do', something that didn't occur that often and was considered pretty formal. I also wonder if it was because of the lack of good dental hygiene back then which would leave people with less than beautiful smiles.

ahhhh nothing like something to 'wonder' about.

I think it's a great idea for either a challenge or just a really neat thread to open.

posted by gmawkc
8 months ago

Okay everyone, I just posted a new thread called "Very Old Pictures" and began with a family picture.

I am really looking forward to seeing pictures from your family's past.

posted by photoone
8 months ago

Bringing back pictures of nastolga, what and idea. I have so many and will try to find a good one.