Most of the photos on this site were extracted from reference images (high-resolution tiffs, 20 to 200 megabytes in size) from the Library of Congress research archive. (To query the database click here.) Many were digitized by LOC contractors using a Sinar studio back. They are adjusted by your webmaster for contrast and color in Photoshop before being downsized and turned into the jpegs you see here.

This is a scan from a 4x5-inch transparency that I recently found. It is, quite frankly, the most beautiful picture of my parents that I have ever seen. Here, James Arthur and Elaine "Sally" Garnand Longmore, relax in the sun, in newlywed happiness, and in vibrant color. The year, I believe, is 1953. The photo was taken somewhere in the Washington, DC area. View full size.
I just saw my parents today and they are still enjoying their long lives together!
Yes. my mother was a looker and her clothes are perfect. We've pinned this down to Easter 1953.
More remarkable than the lady's suit is the fact that both lady and gent are wearing absolutely fabulous shoes.
Had a long and happy life together. Whatever we may think about the '50s, the attire was great. Thanks for posting.
Wonderful shot. Very skillful use of fill flash. You're so lucky to have it. I took the liberty of fiddling with the color a bit, as it shows the kind of fading typical of large format Ektachromes of that vintage.

Today's Top 5