Student photographs people with hidden spy cam in the 1890s (2018) (boredpanda.com)

Article summary

A 19-year-old student in the 1890s used a hidden spy camera to take secret street photos, capturing people acting naturally. The photos show everyday life in the streets, with people going about their daily business. This type of photography is rare from the era, as most photos from the time are posed and formal. The student's photos provide a unique glimpse into life in the late 19th century.

Main themes

• 19th century street photography
• everyday life in the past
• photography technology
• urban planning and design
• fashion and clothing
• historical preservation and restoration

What commenters say

• Some commenters appreciate the rare glimpse into everyday life in the 19th century provided by the photos.
• The use of AI to colorize and upscale old videos can be problematic and may not accurately represent the original footage.
• The wide streets in old European cities were designed with ventilation and airflow in mind, rather than just for transportation.
• The layers of clothing worn by people in the 19th century were likely designed for functionality and airflow, rather than just for fashion.
• Exposure times for photography were not as long as commonly thought, and people's stiffness in old photos may be due to other factors.
• The photos provide a unique opportunity to compare everyday life in the past with the present, and to observe changes in urban environments over time.