Dating Early Photographs

Abstract

The purpose of this poster is to assist those who wish to use reliable methods to date early photographs. Most modern photographs are easier to date as digital photos often have associated metadata that includes the creation date, or we are able to recall the event within a few years. While the image itself offers valuable clues in the form of hair styles, clothing and props, the back of the photograph and the card mount itself offers valuable & reliable evidence of age. I have my own small archive of antique photos which I have used to demonstrate dating techniques. Researchers have made charts to assist with the dating of photographs by comparing photos of known, dated photographs, to those that are undetermined.