what I really like about all these vintage couple’s portraits is that there is a very certain romaticdecorum kept up – certain themes and poses – which, while of course being the mainstream preferred view of couples repeated throughout many studios, are just… so nice to look at.
this staged affection, a mix of theatricality and intimacy, the couple holding still for a couple of moments and now immortalised in a very set sequence of embraces and kisses. there is a charm to it even when I can’t tell whether this was a genuine couple portait or just actors hired by the photographer.
the kiss on the bare shoulder (eyes perfectly averted), the cheek caress, the piano and the violin, the interrupted embrace, the woman tilted back as in a half-stopped dance…
I simply must torment you a bit with these, let us see some of my personal favourites! (part one due to the image limit)
let us start with the kiss on the cheek (eyes averted! oh the pose! these were taken between 1910-1940)
or the nearly opposite energy (how daring!) of the kiss or caress with direct eye contact(1910-1930)
and then the innocent – yet so flirty – classic of the park encounter!(1890-1920)
and then the famed kissonthebareshoulder – what an idea, what a vibe, such intimacy! (1910-1930)
and oh, I am not done, look at this – theadorationofthewoman! look at this expression, this pose, this decorum! (1910-1940)
and then some of my favourites from the more playfulordirectcategory, enjoy (1910-1930):
and, at last (thank you for still being here and witnessing my recent fascination with vintage polish photography) my three absolute favourites outside of any particular categories (1910-1930)
Hey, kids - I see this post making the rounds again, and I’d like to add some additional thoughts that I’ve gained in the 5+ years since originally making this post:
When I originally made this dumb comic in 2013, I was a Graphic Designer for a Radio Station in Ohio. As of this writing in 2018, I am a Storyboard Artist at Warner Bros. Animation. I am now one of “””the professionals””” referenced in the third image. And let me tell you:
…I am still making things up as I go.
…I still don’t have character turnarounds.
… I have… someworldbuilding done. Not all of it, though. That’s going to be a permanent work in progress.
…Making the comic isthe character study/studies.
…I am still convinced I’m not working hard enough.
…You will never, no matter what you do or how far you go, ever feel like you’re completely ready to do something until you actually do it.
I do know my worth, and yet, people seem to overlook my artworks for some reason. It does discourage me sometimes, but I’ll keep on painting and strive to improve myself even if no one notices my value.
