Category Archives: portraits

People Posing With Their Cars in the 1950s

The post-World War II era brought a wide range of new technologies to the automobile consumer, and a host of problems for the independent automobile manufacturers. The industry was maturing in an era of rapid technological change; mass production and the benefits from economies of scale led to innovative designs and greater profits, but stiffContinue reading “People Posing With Their Cars in the 1950s”

Czech Classic Beauty: 40 Fabulous Photos of Olga Schoberová in the 1960s

Born 1943 in Prague, Czech actress Olga Schoberová, also known as Olinka Bérová worked as a clerk at the Technomat, for CZK 500 per month. Her older sister Eva was a model. Since Eva was quite busy as a model, Eva once sent Olga, who looked very similar to her, to a modeling job. OlgaContinue reading “Czech Classic Beauty: 40 Fabulous Photos of Olga Schoberová in the 1960s”

30 Old Portrait Photos of Manila Ladies From the Early 20th Century

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and its second most populous city. It is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon. The Pasig River flows through the middle of the city, dividing it into the north and south sections. Manila became autonomous with the passage of Republic ActContinue reading “30 Old Portrait Photos of Manila Ladies From the Early 20th Century”

Mug Shots of Criminals in Calgary, 1920

A mug shot is a photographic portrait of a person from the shoulders up, typically taken after a person is arrested. The original purpose of the mug shot was to allow law enforcement to have a photographic record of an arrested individual to allow for identification by victims, the public and investigators. After the defeatContinue reading “Mug Shots of Criminals in Calgary, 1920”

22 Vintage Photos of Marilyn Monroe’s Wardrobe Tests as Lorelei Lee in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953)

Increased press coverage of Marilyn brought headaches, but it also contributed to an improvement in her status at Twentieth Century-Fox throughout the production of Niagara. On June 1, 1952, Fox gave Marilyn a surprise birthday present — the news that she would star as Lorelei Lee in the film version of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. AContinue reading “22 Vintage Photos of Marilyn Monroe’s Wardrobe Tests as Lorelei Lee in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953)”

16 Vintage Portraits of a Beautiful Mary “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher

Te Ata Thompson Fisher, whose name means “Bearer of the Morning,” was born Dec. 3, 1895, near Emet, Oklahoma. A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Te Ata was an accomplished actor and teller of Native American stories. She received her early education in Tishomingo, and eventually went to the Oklahoma College for Women. While there,Continue reading “16 Vintage Portraits of a Beautiful Mary “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher”

Portrait Photos of Louise Brooks During the Filming of ‘Now We’re in the Air’ (1927)

Now We’re in the Air is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Frank R. Strayer, starring the late-1920s intermittent comedy team of Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton. In a supporting role, Louise Brooks plays twins, one raised French and the other raised German. Wallace Beery and Louise Brooks worked together the following yearContinue reading “Portrait Photos of Louise Brooks During the Filming of ‘Now We’re in the Air’ (1927)”

Beautiful Photos of Australian Actress Mae Busch in the Early 20th Century

Born 1891 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australian actress Mae Busch had her first film appearances in The Agitator and The Water Nymph, both released in 1912. She worked in both silent and sound films in early Hollywood. At the pinnacle of her film career, Busch was known as the versatile vamp. She starred in such featureContinue reading “Beautiful Photos of Australian Actress Mae Busch in the Early 20th Century”

The First Photograph of a Woman Smoking: Lola Montez 1852

Considered to be the first photograph of a woman smoking, this is Lola Montez’s portrait by Southworth & Hawes. A savvy self-promoter, Lola Montez is the first woman ever to be photographed smoking. She made sure the cigarette is the focus of the picture. (Metropolitan Museum of Art) This is Lola’s third and most provocativeContinue reading “The First Photograph of a Woman Smoking: Lola Montez 1852”