Post Mortem Photography

Definition of post mortem (postmortem): Done after death.

Post Mortem photography, as we call it, is taking pictures of someone who passed away.
In the early days of photography a photograph was expensive and only available for the more wealthy men and women and not for the common people.
Sadly, often these people had only the money for one photo and that was when drama hit the family.
When death had taken a loved one the family wanted a last remembrance to be made so they would have something to cherish and keeping it close to their heart.
That’s why most post mortem photo’s are taken with love and care.
Childhood mortality was even higher in the past and parents spend much time at home or the photographer’s studio to make their child look alive or just sleeping and having sweet dreams. Dressed in their finest clothes, laid out on a bed or couch with flowers and/or a toy.

For different reasons these pictures end up in antique shops, auctions, estate and garage sales.
Think about what was written above and read the reason why those pictures were taken and shouldn’t get lost, they need to be preserved.
You can register at www.antiquephotoalbum.nl where you can view more then 2500 post mortem photos.

Who thinks that’s all in the past and we don’t have that custom anymore, might be surprised that it’s still very common.
The only difference is that we all have a camera now and we don’t need a professional photographer anymore.
There are many memorial sites, especially for children and babies, the parents have chosen to share pictures of their ‘angels’ with us.

Visit our site and see the beauty in the photos from the past.
www.antiquephotoalbum.nl

You can view enlargements of the next pictures on the galleries after your registration.

 Little girl laid out on a bed  Small boy laid out on his crib  Baby in a casket surrounded by flowers  Baby girl holding a small doll

7 Responses to “Post Mortem Photography”

  • Boatswain:

    Hello Julie
    You need a valid email adress to receive the activation link.

  • Boatswain:

    Linda B, I hope you read this.
    I tried to mail you back several times but it keeps bouncing back te me. Please empty your mail box and also clear your cache and cookies in your browser.
    Then try to login with the last password you retrieved.
    I can’t help you if I can’t contact you to send passwords etc.

    Boatswain

  • Linda Busby:

    Please help me. I can not log in… Please send me my user name …and password. I thought it was Linda Busby user name ….and Colleen as my password. If this is wrong please send me the correct ones. My e-mail address is lindab54@bellsouth.net

  • Julie Lenzendorf:

    I have not gotton my access code and I would so like to view all the photo’s. please help.

  • Kittygrandma:

    Thankyou for this site. I find most of these pictures so moving and so beautiful. It makes me feel thankful for my own healthy children and grandchildren.

  • Boatswain:

    Dear Shurie,
    Thanks for joining us and welcome.

  • Shurie Southcott:

    I am a new member. Thank you for all of your research and info. I am learning so much about this fascinating piece of Victorian history and how to better spot a fake or even bogus ebay claims. After your thanatos info, I decided to go with you and not them for membership. I appreciate the time and effort in what you are doing.

    Thanks again,
    Lady Bird