Phyllis Brown
Throughout history, certain family photos have captured more than just memories—they’ve immortalized moments that send chills down the spine.
In the 1800s, photography was a new and challenging art. Photographers struggled with exposure and image quality, often resulting in eerie and unsettling images.
Among the hundreds of creepy photos, one titled “A Family Photo, Late 1800s” intrigues viewers. Despite their elegant and formal attire, their expressions are very peculiar. We’d like you to join us as we explore this photo and the theories surrounding it.
What the photo featured
The man on the left, elegantly dressed in a suit and bow tie, exudes sophistication and grace. He could be a prominent community leader or perhaps a mysterious figure with many untold stories.
The child in the middle, clad in a striped dress or long shirt, stands comfortably between his lap. Son or daughter?
Adorned in a dark dress and a light shawl, the woman on the right adds an intriguing element. Was she a mother, a sister, or perhaps a close friend? The dynamics between these individuals spark curiosity about their relationships and the stories they hold.
Those are the first questions that come to mind when viewers see this photo.
Some sources claim that genealogy experts consult genealogy specialists and archivists, meticulously examining census records, birth certificates, and old newspaper clippings.
They embark on a mission to uncover names and dates, bringing life to the faces captured in old photos. Once the research is complete, the identities of the people in the photographs are finally revealed.
On the left stands Reginald Sterling, a notable figure from the late 1800s. He was well-known for his work in local businesses and charities. His bow tie and suit reflect his high status and the societal norms of that time.
In the middle is his daughter, Abigail Sterling, whose name has largely been forgotten. Her simple striped dress contrasts with her father’s formal attire, hinting at the different roles within the Sterling family.
On the right is Eliza Mayfield, a close family friend. Though not related by blood, her dark dress and shawl suggest a more reserved nature.
Of course, these pieces of information are just a reference, not a confirmation.
Theories around the image
Plenty of people admit feeling scared when looking at the picture for the first time. And the main reason seemingly comes from their eyes.
Many people admit to feeling uneasy when first seeing the picture, and their eyes seem to be the main reason.
A Reddit user explains that in the 1800s, long exposure times made it difficult to capture everyone with open eyes. Photographers often had the group close their eyes and later etched them open with a sharp instrument during processing.
This technique made the eyes appear quite realistic but also gave them a uniform and sometimes eerie look, which explains why many find the image a bit creepy.
What’s more curious is that a person believes that the man in the photo was already dead when it was taken, while the child and woman were alive.
Surprisingly, many agree with this idea, with one person noting, “This was actually a thing. People rarely had photos made, so when a person died it was seen as a last chance to take a photograph like this.”
Many people argue against this idea, saying it’s ridiculous because dead people can’t make such facial expressions.
