People in old photos are never smiling. Just think of those generational black and white and fading photos. Well dressed, carefully groomed very formal looking folks – but not a smile in the bunch.

I have very distinct memories of an old photo that my grandmother had on her dresser of her mother. Given that my grandmother was born in the very late 1800s, that photo was likely earlier than that. There was not even the hint of a smile on her face, or even in her eyes. The photo set such a serious tone.

Anyone know why the seriousness – and when it changed?