Why Didn’t People Smile in Old Photographs? Unpacking the Serious Expressions in Vintage Photography
November 12, 2024
When we look at old photographs from the 19th and early 20th centuries, one thing is striking: nearly everyone has a serious expression. Modern viewers often wonder why people didn’t smile, imagining it was simply because they had to sit still for long exposure times. While that was a contributing factor, the absence of smiles has more to do with cultural, societal, and technological influences than simply avoiding movement.
Understanding the context around why people didn’t smile in old photographs requires a look at the world they lived in. From social customs and class distinctions to the evolution of photography technology, many aspects of life influenced how people approached being photographed. Here’s a closer look at why those serious expressions weren’t just the result of exposure times, but rather an intricate mix of cultural norms, beliefs, and the value placed on images.
For much of the 19th century, getting your photograph taken was a rare event. Early photography required a complicated setup, with large cameras and delicate glass plates. Consequently, photographs were costly and not something done casually. In many ways, people approached photography in the same way they would a painted portrait. Just as painted portraits captured subjects in a dignified, serious pose, photographs were seen as a formal affair meant to convey composure, dignity, and respectability. This mindset was reflected in the expressions people chose, with serious faces being the norm.
People viewed photographs as lasting records—an image that could be cherished for generations. With this in mind, subjects wanted to present a respectable and composed appearance, which meant refraining from what was seen as “casual” or “lighthearted” behavior like smiling. A serious look conveyed strength, seriousness, and self-discipline, qualities valued in the social norms of the time. Smiling, on the other hand, was seen as informal and frivolous, not appropriate for a lasting memento that could be passed down within the family.
The Victorian era was marked by strict social codes, with a strong emphasis on modesty, decorum, and self-restraint. Smiling openly or laughing in public was sometimes perceived as undignified or even improper. A wide, toothy smile might suggest foolishness or lack of control, qualities that were looked down upon in formal settings. Because people took photographs very seriously, they wanted to convey their “best selves,” which in Victorian terms meant a reserved, somber expression.
In Victorian culture, the idea of the “inner life” was also prevalent. People believed that a dignified exterior reflected a person’s character and moral fiber. Displaying too much emotion, including joy or amusement, might be interpreted as shallow or unserious. Thus, in keeping with the ideals of the time, people would adopt a solemn look that they felt best represented the qualities they valued.
While it isn’t the only reason, the technology of early photography did indeed play a role in the lack of smiles. Daguerreotype photography, one of the earliest forms of photography, required exposure times of several minutes. Even as technology improved, exposure times were still much longer than the fraction of a second needed in today’s photography. To remain still for that long without blurring the image, subjects had to hold a steady pose, which is much easier to do with a neutral or serious expression than with a wide smile.
Smiling for a long period can be surprisingly difficult to maintain, especially when trying to hold the mouth in a natural or comfortable position. A neutral expression, on the other hand, was easier to hold. It minimized the risk of slight movements that could ruin a photograph after several minutes of exposure. Though photographers eventually found ways to reduce exposure times, the habit of posing with a serious face persisted due to cultural norms, even when technological limitations eased.
Another factor that may have contributed to the lack of smiles was the state of dental health during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Dental hygiene and cosmetic dentistry weren’t nearly as advanced as they are today, and it was common for people to have missing, decayed, or misaligned teeth. In fact, many people were self-conscious about their teeth, and smiling with a closed mouth was a way to avoid revealing any imperfections.
With dental care being less accessible and cosmetic improvements rare, people didn’t necessarily want to show their teeth in formal settings. Unlike today, where a bright, toothy smile is seen as attractive and desirable, people in the past often preferred a closed-mouth or neutral expression. This cultural perception contributed to the habit of not smiling in photographs.
Class distinctions also played a role in how people approached their photographs. In the 19th century, social class was a significant part of one’s identity, and projecting a respectable image was important, particularly for the middle and upper classes. A composed, serious expression conveyed a sense of stability, decorum, and respectability—traits valued in these social circles.
For the working class, photographs were even more precious because they were less affordable, so people were more likely to present themselves in a way they felt was dignified and “worthy” of preservation. The solemn expressions reflected a sense of importance tied to the occasion, underscoring that getting a photograph taken was an event to be respected, not treated lightly.
As technology advanced and photography became more accessible, the social norms around smiling began to change. By the early 20th century, cameras had improved significantly, and exposure times shortened to mere seconds. Photography became more affordable, leading to an increase in family photos, candid shots, and eventually, the rise of casual photography. With the advent of Kodak’s “Brownie” camera in 1900, ordinary people could take their own photographs, and the idea of posing informally began to take hold.
Simultaneously, Western culture’s attitude toward smiling shifted as smiling became more widely associated with happiness, friendliness, and warmth. Hollywood’s influence and the rise of the advertising industry also played a role, popularizing the idea of the smile as a sign of sociability and charm. By the 1920s and 1930s, smiles became common in photographs, reflecting a more relaxed and informal approach to self-presentation. The cultural shift toward smiling in photos became a hallmark of the 20th century and remains a social norm today.
The lack of smiles in old photographs tells us a lot about the people of the time, their values, and their culture. These solemn expressions preserved in black-and-white photographs offer a glimpse into the past, reflecting a society that valued composure, dignity, and restraint. Today, these serious expressions provide historical context, helping us understand how different societal expectations were and how much our norms around self-expression have evolved.
In many ways, those neutral, serious expressions lend an air of mystery to vintage photographs, inviting viewers to imagine the lives and personalities behind the faces. These images remind us that even as technology changes, social conventions and cultural values profoundly shape how we see and present ourselves.
The absence of smiles in old photographs was more than a technical limitation; it was a reflection of the values, social norms, and practical considerations of the time. From the seriousness with which people approached photography to Victorian ideals of dignity and self-restraint, there were many reasons behind those unsmiling faces. Although the trend shifted with technological advancements and cultural changes, those serious expressions remain a fascinating reminder of a bygone era. Today, they stand as snapshots of history, capturing the solemn dignity with which people once approached the art of being photographed.
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