The Charm of Vintage Photos

Photographs are meant to be enjoyed not only by those who are in it, but more so by the coming generations. These preserve memories but also tell stories to the younger generation of how the past generations lived. Old faded sepia-tone photographs have a certain nostalgic charm to them. These are wonderful pieces of art that gives you a sense of what happened in the past. Somehow, these photographs also make you feel calm and relaxed as you think about the stories that these vintage photos are telling you.

Vintage photos can be anything that is taken and printed in old style photography. While you can recreate this style today, it would be difficult to get the same charm and feeling without the important elements that are telling of the photographs’ age. Although a few clicks is all it takes to age photos using the latest photo editing software, it would be quite difficult to convincingly age a group jump shot even if it is done in a castle setting.

Lavender Wall, I took this at the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg

You can decorate your own home with old vintage photos. But, you have to take time to search for the right photographs. If your grandmother has a scrapbook or a picture box, you will find a treasure of photographs to frame for your home. If not, you will have to make more of an effort to collect photographs from the older members of your family.

When you get hold of pictures, you have to be careful about handling them. Some of them could have tattered or torn edges – hey, that’s actually part of their vintage charm. You would also have to take them to professional framers. The materials used for framing old photographs should effectively protect them from the elements. Some of the DIY frames available in the local bookstores or home decorating shops might have materials or contain substances that can further degrade old photographs.

What is important to think about when choosing photos to frame is the story behind the photographs. You do not want to choose a random photograph that is insignificant to the family’s history; or worse, bring back bad memories. Your search for photographs will be an interesting journey in itself. This will be more than just any other home decorating project. It will be a meaningful journey into the past. The next time you have guests in the house, you can entertain them with all the stories you learned about your family through these vintage photographs.

Old City charm, Old photo look. I’d definitely want to visit Venice again and take more photos like this. Probably Barcelona too. :)

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