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:
30 Vintage Pics That Are Worth More Than a Million Words
Enjoy this great collection of rare historical photos.
The Internet's Best Resources of Free e-Books
What's better than books? Free books. Here is our list of the internet's best resources for free e-books.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
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...
These People Should NEVER Be Trusted With Technology
These absurd technology fails will make you howl with laughter!
Eco Tech: Meet the Robot That Collects Trash From Water
The WasteShark is an emission-free aquadrone that collects trash from the water. This cool invention will help keep our planet clean.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
14 Amazing Before-And-After Pics of Our Changing World
These before-and-after pictures show how just how much time changes everything.
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
"Andean Architecture" - The Style That’s Sweeping Bolivia
In El Alto, Bolivia- the fastest growing city in the world in recent years - there's a real architectural revolution happening that you have to see to believe!
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!
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
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.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
These Vintage Celebrity Photos From the Past Are a Delight
Time for some nostalgia! Check out these rarely seen photos of old school celebrities.
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
These Japanese Truck Gardens Are Absolutely Stunning!
Every year, landscapers from across Japan create amazing and whimsical gardens in their trucks to see who can claim to be the best mobile landscaper.
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
These Pictures Look Like They Were Taken In Another World
The pictures you're about to see appear as if they were taken on another planet. Enjoy these 23 amazing extraterrestrial-looking pictures.
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.
Amazing Re-Touched Photos of England Back in the Old Days
1920s England was the not tremendously jolly, civilized and the most important nation in world politics. These colored photos will show you what it was like.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
14 Before & After Cleaning Pics That'll Satisfy Your Eyes
Here is a look at some before and after cleaning photos of everyday things that will make you go on a cleaning spree.
14 Unique and Unconventional Urban Designs That Inspire
Let’s check out some truly amazing examples of smart urban planning designs that every city in the world should take inspiration from.
There's Nothing Quite Like These Perfectly-Timed Photos!
Take a look at these 20 incredible perfectly-timed photos, some of which are outrageously hilarious. Enjoy!
These Stunning Bridges Are Definitely Worth a Visit
There is no doubt that bridges add a special flair to their locations. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful bridges!
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.
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
16 Quirky Garden Designs That Will Make You Chuckle
Gardens aren’t always beautiful and exotic. Some are just straight up bizarre!
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?
See 16 Amazing Pictures Taken On the Island Of Madagascar
Welcome to Madagascar - the most magical island in the world. These beautiful pictures will make you feel like packing a suitcase and flying there right now!
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
15 Photos Showcasing the Beauty of Cities
We collected some amazing photos of 15 big cities around the world, which are simply fun to look at!
These Vintage Photos Shed Light on Life in the Early 1900s
Get a glimpse of life back in the early 1900s.
2022 Wrap-Up: Trends in Interior Design and Architecture
We're wrapping up 2022's hottest trends in architecture, construction, and interior design. Jump in for inspiration!
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
These Amazing Artworks Defy All Logic and It’s Beautiful
Zulkarnain Ismail is a Malaysian digital artist whose artworks are on the verge of realistic photography and fantasy, check out 15 of his best works.
5 Mind-Boggling Japanese Gadgets
In this video, a design expert will attempt to improve five strange Japanese gadgets...
21 Historical Pics That Open a Visceral Window to the Past
Old photographs have a special value to them - they allow us to take a glimpse into the past and experience what life was like long before we came into being.
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
View the Winning Photographs From the Siena Photo Awards
The Siena International Photo Awards is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies anywhere in the world. View the incredible winning entries here.
These Special Wildlife Photos All Have a Special Secret...
A unique take on double exposure, these artistic shots of animals superimposed over Norwegian forests are just stunning.
This Artist Wanted to See What's in Your Fridge...
This fascinating photography project reveals what's in the fridges of different people around the world and what can we can learn from them about their owners.
Have You Ever Seen Such Alluring and Artistic Photography?
What's better than a collection of photographs of stunning locations? Adding models wearing beautiful dresses, of course!
Let These Wonderful Photos Fill Your Day with True Joy
These pictures tell some beautiful stories, and all of them unite to make you feel that life is a joy!