Too bad these children couldn’t see their mothers. Wonder if they even have a picture of their mother.
Photography is a great way to document our ancestors and to learn more about who they are, even just from their portraits.
Since the late-19th century, photography has become much more accessible and affordable for middle class families, yet taking a photo back then was a very different experience from today’s.
A 19th-century photographer
Two centuries ago, there were no “instant” photos. Those posing for photographs had to remain in position – patiently – for five minutes to get the perfect image.
For infants and small children, the “sitting still” requirement proved difficult as photographers had to find ways to keep them quiet while taking their portrait.
How did they solve this predicament? Understanding that infants feel comfortable next to their mothers, photographers brought them into the photo, but camouflaged!
A child rests in the arms of its "hidden" mother
A relatively common practice, these “hidden” mothers held their babies tight, so the photographer could record a sharper image.
A mother was covered beneath a beautiful fabric, while the child was placed on her lap for the photograph.
A child posing on the lap of its mother
What do you think of these “hidden” photographs? Do you have any similar photos in your family? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter and on Google +.
Piers C Goodwin
July 6, 2013
Great. Sure wish my family had left me some photos of my family, it would be great to know where you’ve come from.
Thank you for these.