Dating
Published by Ron Cosens 
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Dating old photographs
Unfortunately many old family photographs are not annotated with the sitter’s name.
However, an accurate date does help to pinpoint who the subject/s of the photograph might be.
Knowing when a photograph was taken, where it was taken – together with the details of the image itself – often make it possible to decide who the sitter really is. Often it can confirm it is who you think it is. Sometimes it can even confirm that it is NOT who you think it is!
Dating an old photograph is like a detective game. There can be so many clues which, when all taken together, can give you a very accurate result.
Depending on the type of photograph, the sorts of clues that may be available include:
- photographer’s name
- photographer’s address/s
- hairstyles
- clothes and fashion accessories
- studio props
- card mount – shape and size
- card design – including graphic artwork, typography, font size and colour
- card manufacturer and printer
- photographic process
- patrons
- medals awarded
- etc. etc. etc.
To date your family photograph (from 1840 – 1940), try the following approach:
- Get an approximate idea by looking at the different types of photograph produced and when they were available
- If your photograph has a photographer’s name on it, see what information is available from our historical trade directories (addresses/dates etc.) and buy this information instantly on-line - please click here . There is a small charge of £1 per photographer/address
- If you prefer – ask for our personal custom dating service so that we can date your photograph very accurately using a wider range of data sources and techniques. Our charges are £4 a photograph but are reduced if you have 4 or more photos. Please contact us by clicking on custom dating
- If your photograph is a carte de visite or a cabinet card and the trade directory information is not precise enough for you, use our unique dating wizard – coming SOON, and only on this website
You can, of course, try one step at a time or go straight to steps 2, 3 or 4 as appropriate.
For more details, click on the links above or go to one of the sub pages listed below.
