Photographs as a Source of Information

Photographs add to the understanding and knowledge we have of the past in similar way to books, newspapers, personal memories, paintings and objects. They can provide an idea of how some things have changed and others have remained the same. Photographs may show how something was made, how a piece of machinery was used, the clothes people wore or the way in which people lived.

Photographs do not give a complete picture of the past. Photographers often photographed what they wanted people to see or what they thought was important. Much about the ordinary life of people was not considered worthwhile enough to photograph. It needs to be remembered too that taking photographs was often a special event and people liked to be shown wearing their best clothes or doing exciting things.

Look at each photograph. Discuss what each shows you about the way of life many years ago.

Some examples will launch an Interactive Exercise which will open into a second browser window. You may also be asked to refer to an Activity Sheet that you will be able to download.