Bowdoin College
Library / George J. Mitchell Dept. of Special Collections & Archives

Shoot, Snap, Instagram: A History of Photography

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Tintype miniature photo album, circa 1881.

Tintype miniature photo album, circa 1881.
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This photo album from the Rowland Bailey Howard Papers captures the essence of intimate viewing of photography that characterized early photographs. The size of the object allows one to hold it in two hands and forces one to look closely at each image. One can imagine sitting in a chair, looking at the photos of loved ones and associating memories with each person. The red leather and adornment of the album also add to its aesthetic value and suggest it contains important content.

From the Rowland Bailey Howard Papers.

George J. Mitchell Department of
Special Collection & Archives
Bowdoin College Library
3000 College Station · Brunswick ME 04011-8421
207-725-3288 · scaref@bowdoin.edu