Christmas Exposure
A family and their Christmas tree, probably Michigan ca. 1900.
Merry does not describe the facial expressions of the family in this Christmastime photograph from around the year 1900. The long exposures needed for film to record images probably explains the dour looks: holding a facial expression for a length of time is difficult, leading to vacant expressions. However, merriness is evident in the un-pruned natural tree with blown-glass ornaments, a wax angel, and pine cones; and the guitar poised for a holiday song. Whether the older man and woman are parents or grandparents is not recorded, but children and tree are the focus of this Christmas scene, as they continue to be today.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
23 December 2011 | 3 Comments |
3 Comments
27 December 2011
10:59 pm
Digital photography has been a game changer for natural family shots. My parents still pose like statues, as if I was using film! I would have loved to see this group seconds after the picture. I imagine great pickin’ and boisterous children!
27 December 2011
11:28 pm
Yes, you dare not smile and simply could not sneeze. Must have been nearly impossible as waiting for Santa for these little children.
12 January 2012
12:23 am
Great photo! Check out my blog when you get a chance…