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The History of Family Photography

Grandfather and grandson watching old photographies together
The History of Family Photography
Roisin Gregory
July 4, 2023

Family photography has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of photography itself. In the 19th century, family portraits were a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. However, as photography became more affordable and accessible, family photos became more commonplace.

Photo development. Darkroom, Ambrotype.

One of the earliest forms of family photography was the daguerreotype. Daguerreotypes were created by exposing a silver-plated copper plate to light. The resulting image was a unique and permanent record of the subject. Daguerreotypes were famous for family portraits because they could be readily displayed in homes.

In the mid-19th century, another popular form of family photography emerged: the tintype. Tintypes were created by coating a thin iron sheet with a light-sensitive emulsion layer. The resulting image was less durable than a daguerreotype, but it was also less expensive. Tintypes were often used for informal family portraits or souvenirs of special occasions.

In the late 19th century, the introduction of roll film made photography even more affordable and accessible. This led to a boom in family photography, as more and more people could afford to take pictures of their loved ones.

In the early 20th century, new photographic techniques, such as flash and colour photography, further revolutionised family photography. Families could now capture more candid and natural moments, and they could also choose to have their photos taken in a variety of settings.

Today, family photography is more popular than ever. With the advent of digital cameras and smartphones, everyone can easily take and share family photos. Family photos are a special way to document our lives and preserve memories for future generations.

At In The Frame Photography, we believe that family photography is a meaningful way to capture the love and laughter of our families. We offer various family photography services, from traditional studio portraits to candid outdoor shoots. We would love to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

The rise of smartphone photography has significantly impacted the family photography industry. On the one hand, it has made photography more accessible to amateur photographers and has changed how people consume and share photos. On the other hand, it has also led to a decline in the perceived value of professional family photography.

One of the main reasons for this is that we are now so used to seeing images taken with smartphones. We take hundreds or even thousands of photos with our phones every year, most of which are never shared or printed. As a result, we have become desensitised to the value of good photography.

Another reason is that smartphone cameras are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They can now take high-res photos in various conditions and offer amateur features and editing tools. This means amateur photographers can easily take photos as simple to display as those taken by professional photographers.

As a result of these factors, many people now put little effort into hiring a professional family photographer. They can take their own good-enough photos with their smartphones, and they can share them online or print them out at home. This has led to a decline in the demand for professional family photography, and it has put a strain on the family photography industry.

However, there are still many reasons why professional family photography is valuable. Professional photographers have the skills and experience to take beautiful and meaningful photos of your family. They can also help you to capture special moments in your family’s life, and they can provide you with high-quality prints that you can cherish for years to come.

If you are looking for a way to capture your family’s memories in a professional way, then I encourage you to consider coming to In The Frame. It may be a little more expensive than taking your own photos with your smartphone, but it is worth it in the long run. You will have beautiful photos that you can cherish for generations to come.

A family session from In The Frame Photography is a great way to create a new and exciting family history. The photographer, Roz, will work with you to create a personalised session that captures your family’s unique bonds and relationships. She will take the time to get to know you and your family to create photos that truly reflect your personality and story.

In addition to capturing the everyday moments of your family life, Roz can also help you to create more creative and timeless photos. She can pose you in interesting ways or use props and scenery to create a unique look and feel for your photos. She can also help you to choose the right wardrobe and location for your session so your photos look their best.

No matter your family’s interests or style, Roz can help you create a family session that you will cherish for years to come. Her photos will become a part of your family history and help you remember the special moments of your life together.

Here are some specific examples of how a family session from In The Frame Photography can create new and exciting family history:

  • A family with young children can have a session in their backyard, playing with their toys or enjoying a picnic. These photos will capture the carefree joy of childhood and the love between parents and children.
  • Families with older children can have a session at a local park or playground. These photos will capture the energy and excitement of adolescence and the bonds of friendship and siblinghood.
  • A multigenerational family can have a session at a family member’s home or a historical site. These photos will capture the love and history that spans generations and become an heirloom for future generations.

No matter your family’s story, Roz can help you create a family session that will preserve your memories for years to come.

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All our blogs and the information they contain are accurate at the time of publishing. However, over time our methods, prices and packages are likely to change – so if you have any queries please confirm with us when booking.
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