Jul 05 2008
Dating
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/s 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 it has a photographer’s name and address on it, go to our list of photographers to see if we have any trade directory information. If so, find out when the photographer advertised as being active at that address
- if it 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 only on this website
- OR - if you prefer – go to our Custom Dating page and ask for our personal estimate of the date of your photograph.
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.
