These photos dating back to the late 1800s were collected by Connecticut College art history and anthrolopology professor Christopher B. Steiner, and were created using a photo-multigraph or 'trick mirror' technique. This photo-multigraph was invented by James B. Shaw in Atlantic City, New Jersey during the early 1890s. It is created by placing the sitter between two mirrors which are angled to produce four reflections of the subject. As it exposed a person's face from every angle, the photo-multigraph was touted as a system which would enable the person to see themselves as others see them.
By the 1920s this piece of equipment was perceived to be a common novelty attraction, particularly at the seaside, the arcade and broadwalk photo studios throughout America and Europe. In fact, many onlookers, would often part with a dollar and a half, or two dollars for a half dozen of these unusual five-in-one portraits. As impressive as this technology was for it's time, it had all but vanished by the 1950s. What is left are thousands of multi-photographs commissioned by portrait-sitters, see some of these intriguing images below:
A Slice of History – 20 Powerful Images of Yesteryear
This collection of rare historical photos will give you a fascinating glimpse of our past.
15 Amazing Items of the Past People Found in Their Homes
The nooks and crannies of our homes may contain some really fascinating vintage items...
15 Poignant Pics That Prove How Time Affects Everything
Take a look at these before and after pictures that show how much time affects everything in the world.
What's so Exciting About James Webb Space Telescope?
Why the new James Webb space telescope is much, much better than Hubble.
7 Beloved Grand Cars Reimagined as Today's Cars
Here’s how some discontinued car models would look if they made a comeback in 2021.
15 Candid Snapshots of the Past That Feel Surreal Now
Let's take a look at some fascinating vintage photos that give us a fascinating glimpse of what life used to be in the past.
These Vintage Photos Left an Indelible Mark on History
Ever seen Einstein in a leather jacket or the Lincoln Memorial half-finished? These historical photos will show you famous faces and places in a new light
Behold the Majestically Built Castles of Old France!
The beautiful castles of old France take me back to a different time...
Now That's What I Call Perfect Timing!
Each of these photos was taken with perfect - almost supernatural - timing!
These Homeowners Take Interior Decorating to Another Level
Everyone decorates in their own way. These homeowners have let their imaginations go wild with surreal interiors unlike anything you've ever seen.
19 Pictures That Prove Your Eyes and Brain Are Lying to You
Each of these 19 pictures will cause you to linger in front of it for a few seconds trying to figure out what it is that’s really going on in them!
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
Drop Everything and Take a Look at These Incredible Photos
You've simply got to check out these 20 powerful photographs that really do say a thousand words each!
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
The Stunning Beach Art of Jon Foreman
Here is a series of some photos showing unique beach art that has been created by Jon Foreman
24 Photos Highlight the Beauty of Buildings in the World
This fascinating photo contest celebrates some of the most outstanding architectural marvels worldwide, both ancient and modern...
Welcome to the Most Beautiful Library in the World
I would give a lot to be able to spend a few hours in this amazing place.
Time Stood Still for These 21 Stunning Photographs
Time is a series of present moments that elapse and leave us with beautiful memories, so here are 21 such photographed moments never to be forgotten.
A Different Look at the Moments that Changed the World
Incredible photos of historical events, shot from a different angl, showing a different view of the events.
What Did Our Favorite Brands Look Like a 100 Years Ago?
While the Big Mac hasn't changed in 50 years, these big brands are virtually unrecognizable.
Masters of Wood: 15 Stunning Handcrafted Designs
Some people are just born with extra talent!
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.
These Images Are Among the Most Powerful Ever Seen
Images can provoke great thought and institute great changes through their power, and these 10 are no exception. Take a look at these powerful images.
Town Reclaims Its Traditional Buildings - Fascinating!
This French town narrowly escaped being turned into just another dilapidated city, but it managed to turn back the clock and reclaim its historic heritage.
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.
Can You Believe Someone Actually Built These? Amazing!
These architects created something a bit difference...
Is a Traditional Japanese House Your Style?
A walk through a large traditional Japanese house with a beautiful garden in Tokyo.
The Gorgeous and Colorful Waves of Adam Duffy
Adam Duffy is a photographer has done something few have been able to: Give justice to the stunning beauty and color of the ocean's waves. His incredible photos will bring joy to your eye and your soul.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice!!
Photography is a medium that allows magic to happen, with spontaneity often producing far more interesting results. View these photos timed to perfection.
In Pictures: Different Cultures, Different Childhoods
Photographer Massimo Bietti captures the innocence of children from all parts of our world through his lens.
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
These Thanksgiving Decorations are a Feast for the Eyes
These delightful Thanksgiving decorations will get you into the holiday spirit.
Ancient Wonders of Archaeology & Architecture – 16 Pics
These fascinating things from the past continue to inspire wonder and awe.
Showstopping Aerial Photos From 22 Famous Places Worldwide
Agora Images is back with another astonishing competition, and this time, we'll be soaring in the sky above 22 iconic locations around the world
A Collection of Ancient Trees 14 Years in the Making...
This beautiful project took a decade and a half to complete, but what beauty was captured will live on forever. Take a look for yourself.
This Artist Has Managed to Capture Moments of Innocence
These photos truly let the innocence of this amazing photographer's subjects shine through in all their glory
20 Cool X-Rays of People, Animals & Objects Explained
Seeing how various animals, objects, and even human body parts look in an X-ray scan reveals many fascinating hidden details about them!
Taj Falaknuma Palace: The Most Opulent Oriental Beauty
Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the most fabulous gems in all of India, with plenty of fascinating stories to tell from the age of the British Empire.
What An Unbelievable Work of Art by This Talented Builder
This video shows you, with the help of a time lapse, all the efforts that went into rebuilding a miniature but exact model of the infamous ship, The Titanic.
You Won't Believe These 15 Photos Weren't Photo-shopped!
Some beautiful moments are just meant to be shared, that's why I have to show you these incredible photographs. Take a look!
16 Seriously Confusing Pics You Need To See Twice
Did these optical illusions make you confused as well?
A 100 Year Old Window to Another New York City
These beautiful and educational late 19th and early 20th century photos of New York City were released recently by the NYC municipal archives...
Is Modern Architecture Uglier Than Historical Buildings?
Why do buildings made of concrete, steel and glass intimidate us and often make us feel so out of place? This funny video explains why
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
These Photos of Myanmar Are Absolutely Stunning
Kyaw Kyaw Winn is a very talented photographer from Myanmar. Here is a selection of some of his best shots.
Ten Most Impressive Castles in the Far East
We're going to introduce you to 10 of the most fascinating and spectacular palaces built in East Asia, each with a captivating backstory.
120 Years of the Most Popular Wedding Dresses...
If we look at the last 120-150 years of wedding dress styles, what would we see?