There are several reasons why people in photographs from the 1800s tended to look serious:
1. Technical limitations: Early cameras had long exposure times, often requiring subjects to remain still for several minutes. Because of this, it was challenging for people to maintain a natural smile, especially when it is physically straining to hold a smile for an extended period.
2. Cultural norms: The concept of smiling in photographs was not a common practice in the 1800s. It was believed that a serious expression reflected a more dignified and respectable demeanor. Smiling was often associated with frivolity or lack of seriousness, and formal portraits aimed to project a certain level of formality and seriousness.
3. Proliferation of post-mortem photography: In the 19th century, it was quite common to take photographs of deceased loved ones as a way to preserve their memory. These post-mortem photographs often depicted the deceased with a serious expression, contributing to the overall perception of seriousness in 19th-century photography.
4. Long exposure times: As mentioned earlier, early cameras had long exposure times, making it impractical for subjects to hold a smile for such extended periods. It was simpler to maintain a neutral expression or adopt a serious pose.
However, it is important to note that not all photographs from the 1800s feature serious expressions. There are instances of people smiling or adopting more relaxed poses, particularly in informal snapshots or candid photographs.
Which best explains why people in photographs from the 1800s tended to look so serious
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