2006-10-29 23:00:57 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Back then, cameras had extremely slow shutter speeds. The individual or group had to stay motionless for quite a long exposure time. Try holding a genuine smile for a full minute. Can't be done, can it? No, it was easier to keep a straight face when you had to hold still for a long time.
I think people had a different attitude toward photos back then too. It was a special occasion and hence much more formal than today. A similar thing happened to me in Lithuania a couple of years ago. Long story short, I came across a celebration wherein a group of older women was in native costume, talking and laughing. When I asked to take their pcture they readily agreed, but when they actually assembled in front of the camera, they all looked very solemn for this formal occasion!
2006-10-29 23:08:19 · answer #1 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Picture taking wasn't as fast and simple as it was today. People back then had to sit in one position for a VERY long time before the picture was taken. After a while, you just got tired of smiling.
2006-10-30 07:09:15 · answer #2 · answered by BAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because camera exposures were in seconds, and sitters had to stay stock still. The slightest motion would blur, with long exposures. So they assumed a "natural" expression they didn't have to work at all to hold, which is just not a smile.
2006-10-30 07:03:49 · answer #3 · answered by martino 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coz they think being strict and smart are the factors by which they make themselves respected one in the society.You know the oldies they are really serious but they are not that bad too they are kind
2006-10-30 07:06:38 · answer #4 · answered by Serah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you imagine living without Yahoo Answers .... you'd look pretty miserable too
2006-10-30 07:03:28 · answer #5 · answered by deadkelly_1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't have any teeth! Bad diet and no dental hygeine.
2006-10-30 07:09:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they were just fascinated by the camera.
2006-10-30 07:04:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋