The world has seen lots of talented and capable photographers throughout history. But not everyone’s work gets as much time in the spotlight as it should. But if you spend time digging through the historical archives looking for iconic snapshots, it’s well worth the effort.
‘Utterly Unique Photos’ is a fantastic history and photography-oriented online community that shares vintage (mostly but not always) black-and-white historical photos. We’ve collected some of the most interesting ones, recently featured by members of the group, to give you a glimpse into the past from a fresh perspective. Scroll down for a trip through time.
Meanwhile, Bored Panda reached out to Daniel Holland, the founder of ‘Utterly Unique Photos’ and the ‘Utterly Interesting’ brand, for a friendly chat about his projects and iconic photography. You’ll find our interview with him below.
#41 January 1941. A Textile Mill Working All Night In New Bedford, Massachusetts
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48points
#42 On This Day In 1977, Park Ranger Roy Sullivan Was Struck By Lightning For The Seventh Time, He Survived All Seven Strikes Over 35 Years, Setting A World Record
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48points
#43 This Is An Example Of The Tradition Of Skull Elongation Among The Mangbetu People Of The Democratic Republic Of The Congo
This ancient beauty custom, known as Lipombo, shaped identity, status and art until its colonial prohibition in the 1950s.
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48points
#45 Barack Obama, 10, And His Father, Also Named Barack Obama. Obama’s Father Left The Family To Study At Harvard When Barack Was Just Two, Returning Only Once
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43points
#47 Ota Benga (1904-1906) — A Mbuti Pygmy, Born In Congo Free State In 1885
He was sold to an American explorer for display at the 1904 World’s Fair. He was then housed in the Bronx Zoo primate house. He settled in Lynchburg, VA, but never returned home again. He [ended his own life] in 1916.
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42points
#48 Last Known Photos Of Extreme Cave Diver Dave Shaw, Moments Before His Final Dive Into South Africa’s “Bushman’s Hole”
He blacked out at a depth of 872 feet while retrieving a fellow diver’s body, his helmet camera recording his demise.
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41points
#49 Four Year-Old Mary, Who Shucks Two Pots Of Oysters A Day At Dunbar
The boss said that next year Mary will work steady as the rest of them. The mother is the fastest shucker in the place. Earns $1.50 a day. Works part of the time with her sick baby in her arms. Dunbar, Louisiana, US. 1911
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41points
#50 Princess Margaret In The Bathtub Wearing Her Tiara, 1962. Tony Armstrong-Jones (Lord Snowdon) Can Be Seen In The Mirror Taking The Photo
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39points
#54 Last Known Photo Of John Allen Chau, An American Missionary Sent To Convert The Isolated People Of North Sentinel Island
In 2018, he bribed Indian fishermen to illegally smuggle him into the island’s protected waters. He was last seen being dragged along the shore, his body shot full of arrows.
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36points
#56 A 1972 Photograph Of Maria Rasputina Holding A Portrait Of Her Father, Grigory Rasputin. She Left Russia In 1920, Became A U.S. Citizen, And Lived In Los Angeles Until Her Passing In 1977
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36points
#57 In 1939, 18-Year-Old Philip Met 13-Year-Old Princess Elizabeth At The Royal Navy College In Dartmouth
Philip, then a cadet, had been assigned to escort the Royal Family during their visit. It was the first time he and Elizabeth spent time together one-on-one.
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35points
#59 King Frederick Ix Of Denmark Showing Off His Tattooed Upper Body. The King Had A Passion For Sailing And Bodybuilding. The Photo Appeared In Life Magazine In 1951
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34points
