Occupational Photographs

What are Occupational Photographs? Photographic images of people performing their job or posing with the tools of their trades. Occupational photography was a very popular feature of 19th century and early 20th century traveling photographers. There were photography studios in larger towns and cities featuring static decorated sets for posing. Even traveling photographers had drop sheet sets to dress up what would have been a mundane image. For how to identify period photographs, visit Prism Specialities: How To Identify Old Photography Methods. For in-depth conservation information, visit University of Illinois 

• AM = Ambrotype
• TT = Tintype
• CC = Cabinet Card
• CDV = Carte de Visage
• PP = 20th Century Photographic Print
• CT = Cyanotype
• GP = Glass Plate Negative
• RPPC = Real Photo Post Card

Occupational photographs from my personal collection, arranged by category.

• Automotive
• Ford Doctor Shop CC
• Cabinet & Furniture Making
• Cabinetmaker & Plow Plane AM
• Carriage & Wagon: Wheelwrights & Carriage Makers
• Carpentry: House & Timber Framing
• Carpenter & Hinged Tool Box AM
• Oliver & Strong Carpenters GP
• 2 Finish Carpenters CC
• Brothers Carpenter TT
• Coopers
• 7 Coopers RPPC
• Farming & Agriculture
• Glass Workers: Stained & Engraved
• Hardware Stores
• Leather Workers & Shoe Makers
• Lumber Industry
• The Webber Co., B. B Chapman CC
• Yard Man & Board Rule
• Machine Shops
• Scale Model Railroad Steam Engine CC
• Miscellaneous
• Musicians
• Pattern Making & Foundries
• Wood Turner, Cat & Dog Lathe CC
• Personal Portraits
• Printers
• Ship Building
• New England Schooner Hull CC
• Smithing: Blacksmith, Sheet Metal & Tinsmith
• Textiles: Weavers & Spinners
• Rag Rug Weavers CC
• Tool Makers
• Christiansen Workbench Co. CC
• Mill Saw Doctors RRPC
• Atkins Saw Window Display CC
• Wood Turners
• Wood Turner, Cat & Dog Lathe CC
• Turner, Belt Driven Lathe CC