Vintage photos

How sweet is this? Notice the mother's hand resting on the baby's lap "just in case"... Is that her beautiful hat lying on the ground?

The original size of this tintype is 3.5" x 2.5", which is considered one of the larger sizes of this type of photography. Tintypes, which actually aren't made of tin at all {some other form of metal}, were first introduced around 1850 and became wildly popular. Mostly because the process was cheap, fast, and did not require a negative being made. They are often referred to as the first version of the instant Polaroid photo, if you will. Hence, many amateur photographers entered the marketplace setting up their businesses on street corners and such. During the Civil War these itinerant photographers were known to visit the soldiers' encampments and take photos for the soldiers to send home to their loved ones. One can only imagine how it felt to open that letter and find one of these photos tucked inside.

Additionally, given that little skill was needed to produce these as well as being very cheap to make, tintypes opened up photography to the "common man." No longer was photography something that only rich people could afford.

For some reason, I include myself in the company of collectors who are drawn to these photos. While some have not withstood the test of time and have almost faded into oblivion, others have held up remarkably well. {Please feel free to copy these tintype photos and save them to your computer for your own personal use!}

I've scanned in a few more for your viewing pleasure. As shown in two of the scans below, the little cardboard frames, with their ornate embossing were often used to showcase the photo.

 

Notice the little rosy cheeks on the photo above and below. I imagine they were handtinted in order to add some color to the portraits.

  Look at the detail work in this dress. Don't you wonder if she sewed this herself? How long did it take? Was it her plan as she sewed by candlelight or a kerosene lamp to one day have her portrait taken in it?

  

Again, another classic example of the ornate embossing on the paper matting. No doubt she's wearing her finest hat and clothes.

One day I hope to use these in a few projects that have been percolating in my imagination. Finding the time is all that is standing between me and those projects. The age old story, isn't it?

Which brings me to my last photo...a little side excursion of something I'm just starting to put together. I've found that as I continue to sort items, paint furniture, and all the other tasks of getting my art room put together, if I allow myself a little time to "play" now and then, it renews my motivation to continue with this overwhelming task.

 

I hope your day includes some time to devote to the things that matter most to you.

Comments

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Oh Sue. These images are just wonderful to me....so very old and they speak volumes don't they??? Thank you for giving them as well ~ your personal message in the printer's drawer is so wonderful....we do need to remind ourselves to each of these...beautiful sweet friend!! xxoo, Dawn

[Beverly]

Sue, I have a few of these old photos, too. I need to be get motivated and do something with them.

I am taking time tomorrow to enjoy my husband. It is our wedding anniversary.

[~*~ Patty Szymkowicz]

I had some catching up to do Sue. Your posts are visually and verbally SO pleasing. I enjoy your style and creativity very much!!! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous tintypes, rosey cheeks and all (Love that!)
I'll be having a 2nd blogaversary the first week of Oct, hope you can pop by for a chance to win my giveaway!
Happy Weekend to you and yours!