The People From the Past Had an Upside Down Smile in Old Photos, No Teeth Allowed — Say Prunes, Not Cheese

Why Nobody Smiled In Old Photographs?

In this 1893 multiple-exposure trick photo, the photographer appears to be photographing himself. It satirizes studio equipment and procedures that were nearly obsolete by then. (Note the clamp to hold the sitter’s head still) — image from WIKIMEDIA

In the 19th century, photography was invented.

And the new expensive luxury crashed with the cultural norms at the time. That crash is why nobody smiled in 99% of old photographs.

If you are puzzled to know why no one seemed happy to take a picture during the Victorian era, you are not alone. I was, too.

That’s what led me to dig deep into what really happened.

Photography in an Era of Rigid Social Conduct

The influencers wouldn’t have had the freedom to pose with duck faces.

A wide smile in public was viewed with suspicion in the 19th century. People associated big smiles with mental instability.

Back then, one’s public presentation was taken very seriously. When someone stepped out into the public eye, they were expected to be serious and composed, with little room for emotional outbursts.

And those who smiled too much in public were considered foolish, drunk, dangerous, etc.