15 Vintage Family Photos That Will Make You Feel ‘Normal’

Awkward and weird family photos are always fun to see, but if you dig back a little further you can get into some REALLY weird stuff. The staff over at the BackgroundChecks.org decided to do some digging and found some really bizarre and strange vintage family photos.

Turning the pages of an old family photo album can be quite embarrassing at times. It can spawn thoughts like, “Why did I ever think that crimping my hair was cool?” and “Whoa! Look at dad’s curly mustache!” Well, you’re not alone in thinking your family is weird, crazy or goofy — we all feel that way from time to time! And if you’re like us and ever thought your family looked especially odd in old family photos, we’ve found 15 awkward vintage family portraits that will make your own family seem (fairly) normal!

1.) King of Pool with Cue Ball Kid & 8 Ball Kid Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This Russian family portrait was taken back in 1886. The father had an obvious obsession with the game of pool…and dressing his children like billiard balls.

2.) Twin Girls & Sibling Ghost Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
In the Victorian era, spirit photography was quite common…and quite creepy.

3.) The Family Who Faced Certain Death While Posing on the Edge of a Cliff Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This family is quite possibly the craziest (and bravest!) of them all. We only hope they lived to see this incredible shot!

4.) Family of a Girl with Hair for a Face Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Once upon a time there was a girl that went by the name of Alice Elizabeth Doherty — an American Werewolf. Apparently, Alice is the only American to have ever been born with a condition called hypertrichosis lanuginosa. The qualities of this rarity left her growing up with a fine mane and blonde, silky hair.

5.) “Boooooo! I’m a Ghoooost!” …Oh, Wait, That’s Just Mom Hiding Under a Sheet Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
When kids had their pictures taken in the 19th century, their mothers would be disguised as pieces of furniture or rugs while holding their wiggly babies still due to slow camera shutter speeds.

6.) Family Portrait with Creepy Tombstones
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This post mortem photo shows us that this family’s twin babies had died, sadly, at a very young age. Photos of this type were snapped quite often back then.

7.) The Most Painful Family Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
We’re not quite sure what’s happening in this photo from the 1950s, but mom and dad sure seem to be having a great time watching their children suffer.

8.) Circus Sideshow Family Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This tattooed family was likely a sideshow act at the circus during the Great Depression. Sadly, some families had to resort to work of this type due to the lack of available jobs.
(Note: Those really are some bitchin’ tattoos!)

9.) Albino Family Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This interesting photo of an albino family was taken in 1870. It’s truly one of a kind!

10.) The Family Portrait with a Faceless Man
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Okay, so, this guy isn’t really faceless. But he was likely made to turn the other way to signify that a brothel was nearby.

11.) The Family Portrait Where Everyone is Faceless
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Some say that this photo from 1880 was snapped this way because the ladies were in mourning. Or perhaps they just wanted to show off their lovely hairstyles.

12.) The Family Portrait Showing It’s Okay to (Really) Kiss Your Sister
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
This kid just LOVES his sister. A lot. (Awkward..)

13.) The Very Surprised Baby Family Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Actually, that isn’t a surprised baby. This little one is quite sadly, deceased; made to pose for a portrait with his eyes painted on. Yet another strange, yet common family portrait trend of the Victorian era.

14.) “There’s a Dude in the Tree!” Family Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Hey, everyone has a crazy uncle in the family. And this one just happens to like posing in trees.

And last, but not least….

15.) A Family Beheading Portrait
Creepy and strange vintage family photo
Back then, it was also common to rip the heads off your family members. Just kidding! But Victorians went crazy over this trend that was achieved using multiple negatives.

Though strange, it’s pretty amazing how these old family photos have been preserved over the years. Learn about the benefits of digitally preserving your own family pictures.

Via: Crestleaf.com Blog – NOTE: Creastleaf has been deactivated. For similar content please visit BackgroundCheck.org

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