The first photographs emerged in the 1820s, but smiles didn’t become commonplace until the 1920s and ’30s. Why the delay? Let’s explore the evolution of smiles in photography.
Several theories attempt to explain the somber faces in early photographs. One popular belief blames long exposure times, requiring subjects to maintain a still pose. While early processes did involve lengthy exposures, advancements by the 1850s and ’60s significantly reduced this time. Technology, therefore, wasn’t the sole deterrent.
Another theory suggests poor dental hygiene discouraged open-mouthed smiles. Though prevalent, bad teeth weren’t considered desirable. The professionalization of dentistry might have contributed to the eventual rise of smiles in photos.
However, the most compelling explanation lies in the influence of painting on early photography. In painting, wide grins were often associated with unrefined behavior and deemed inappropriate for portraits. Photographers, emulating established artistic conventions, directed subjects to adopt serious expressions, reflecting the formality and expense of portraiture.
As photography became more accessible, the range of acceptable expressions broadened. Amateur photographers, unrestricted by formal conventions, captured more spontaneous moments, including smiles. The introduction of user-friendly cameras like the Kodak in 1888 and the Brownie in 1900 further democratized photography, empowering individuals to document everyday life and genuine emotions.
The rise of snapshot photography significantly impacted societal expectations. Informal photographic norms gradually influenced formal portraiture. As people grew accustomed to seeing themselves and others smiling in casual photographs, the stiff formality of earlier portraits began to fade.
By World War II, smiling in photos had become the norm. A study of U.S. high school yearbook photos from 1905 to 2005 confirmed this trend, revealing a gradual increase in average lip curvature over time. Interestingly, women consistently smiled more than men throughout the decades.
The widespread adoption of smiling in photographs wasn’t solely a natural progression. Advertising played a crucial role, particularly in the United States. Kodak’s marketing campaigns emphasized consumer happiness and associated their cameras with joyful moments, subtly promoting smiling as the appropriate response when being photographed.
Ultimately, the evolution of smiling in photographs reflects a shift in cultural norms and societal expectations. It’s important to remember that the absence of smiles in early photos doesn’t equate to a lack of happiness. Rather, it reveals the prevailing social conventions and the influence of artistic traditions on the nascent art of photography. Smiling for a photograph is a learned behavior, a cultural performance rather than a spontaneous expression of joy.
