At UIG we eye-scan an immense amount of images every day and as content editors we think about them not only for the subjects they depict and the categories they fall under, but also for the type and nature of the images. There are many that we could define as beautiful, balanced, technical, etc. Others instead simply allow us to open a window to the past, of particular historical moments or with important characters: politicians, actors, entertainers etc. These candid photographs portray the intermediate moments captured in fractions of a second between one pose and another. These are the images that offer us authentic moments that can be less official, studied or posed.
It is on this thought of authenticity that I deem it appropriate to dwell, especially when speaking of historic and vintage photography. Seeking the artificial reproduction of those moments not arising from a human mind is something unthinkable! Indeed, those intermediate moments are born from an escaped shot, moreover, not thought out but let go with the heart, spontaneously, humanly. As it may seem the past has a direct line with us and forms a bond of human strength and inspiration. UIG editors love the authenticity of informality!
Gladys Nguy. Carroll Baker. Naivasha. Kenya. 1964. Photo: Marka/UIG
Los Angeles, California: c. 1922. A flapper in a bathing suit, scarf, and footwear plays in the surf on a rock at the beach. Photo: Underwood Archives/UIG
Ella Fitzgerald. Lill Babs. 1962. Photo: Marka/UIG
Swiss Guard At The Vatican Barber. 1957. Photo: Touring Club Italiano/UIG
Man standing on Sidewalk with one hand on baby carriage, New York City, New York, USA, Angelo Rizzuto, Anthony Angel Collection, November 1953. Photo: Glasshouse Images/UIG
Sophia Loren. Rome 1967. Photo: Marka/UIG
China/Burma/Myanmar: Chinese Nationalist pilots enjoy ice cream cones at a canteen during the Burma Campaign following the Allied recapture of the Ledo Road (renamed the Stilwell Road) from the Japanese. Near Myitkyina, Kachin State, January 1945. Photo: Pictures from History/UIG
Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher. 60s. Photo: Marka/UIG
Louis Amstrong. Photo: Marka/UIG
Italy. Venice Lido. On The Beach Of The Excelsior Hotel In Lido Di Venezia. 1926. Photo: Touring Club Italiano/UIG
Half-Length Portrait of Woman lighting a Match, New York City, New York, USA, Angelo Rizzuto, Anthony Angel Collection, October 1953. Photo: Glasshouse Images/UIG
Two Teen Boys walking along Street, New York City, New York, USA, Angelo Rizzuto, Anthony Angel Collection, October 1953. Glasshouse Images/UIG
Two sailors in main waiting room waiting for train, Union Station, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Jack Delano, U.S. Office of War Information/U.S. Farm Security Administration, January 1943. Glasshouse Images/UIG
Woman sitting on Luggage, Main Concourse, Grand Central Terminal, New York City, New York, USA, Angelo Rizzuto, Anthony Angel Collection, September 1958. Glasshouse Images/UIG
Bowery man on the Bread Line at the Knickerbocker Hotel, New York City, New York, USA, Bain News Service, February 1915. Glasshouse Images/UIG
Yawning Man sitting in Union Square Park, New York City, New York, USA, Angelo Rizzuto, Anthony Angel Collection, October 1953. Glasshouse Images/UIG
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