Dmitry Iskhakov, photographer, professor at the photography school and co-founder of the BestMemories photo studio, tells the story.
Gathering as a family around the tree for Christmas and New Years is an ancient custom. But the tradition of vacation photography appeared just under 150 years ago. And this was requested by the Englishman Sir Henry Cole, who had many friends and relatives, but very little time to write holiday greetings to everyone. Artist John Horsley helped him get out of this situation, depicting the entire Cole family at a set table on a postcard. Yes, it was not yet a photograph, but only its harbinger. But it was she who became the ancestor of these traditional Christmas photographs now shared on social networks by royalty, celebrities and ordinary people.
I invite you to plunge into the pre-New Year atmosphere and see how holiday images have changed over the past hundred years.
1890-1910
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography was not as widespread as it was in the digital age. It was not a quick and tedious task, and only wealthy families could afford to invite a photographer to capture the moments of a joyful holiday. Take a closer look, there is nothing superfluous in these photographs – composition, outfits, poses. It seems that everything has been thought out to the smallest detail. In the center, there is always a Christmas tree which, moreover, is not always decorated. In the Russian Empire, the Christmas tree was abolished by decree of Nicholas II after the October Revolution in 1917. In Christmas photographs that have come down to us from that time, the royal family poses against a background of flowers.
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1920-1930
In the early years of Soviet Russia, the tradition of dancing around the Christmas tree returned. That’s right, not for long. In 1926, secular New Year and Christmas celebrations were canceled for bourgeois reasons. Meanwhile, in Europe and America, the pictures on the Christmas tree are slowly but surely becoming part of the holiday. By the way, these photographs clearly show the fashion of that time.
1940-1950
The tradition of sending Christmas cards had a second life during World War II. The greeting cards included photos of the heroes, often with a Christmas tree in hand, and the caption “New Year’s Greetings from the Front!” ” And in 1938, the first Christmas tree was held in the column hall of the House of Unions. A five-meter beauty, decorated with a garland and a round dance of boys and girls dressed in shock worker costumes – these photographs have survived to this day thanks to the photojournalists of that time.
As for personal photographs, shots of the Christmas tree are still not as popular in the Soviet Union. But this trend is already visible in poses that can be called “decorating the Christmas tree”.
1960-1970
Color photographs appear, and at New Year and Christmas, the traditional shades of red and green finally appear. This is particularly visible in photographs where American families pose by the fireplace.
1980-1990
Photographs are becoming more and more accessible, firstly thanks to the variety of film cameras that are appearing in many homes. Then, thanks to Polaroid, which replaced it. Don’t wait any longer for the fake, click and the photo is ready. Photography, including Christmas photography, is close to everyday photography.
Years 2000-2020
The 2000s brought us digital photography. And the advent of social networks has made Christmas photos not only a pleasant memory that will remain for posterity, but also a necessity for personal promotion. Today, everyone is sharing vacation photos – from the royal family to the most popular reality TV clan, the Kardashian-Jenners. In addition, vacation paraphernalia is not always present in these photographs. For example, a recent Christmas card released by Kensington Palace shows Charles III and his wife Camilla on their coronation day. And Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a laconic black and white photo, in which only an armchair is present among the surroundings.
Source: The Voice Mag
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
