the hidden mother

‘This was a practice where the mother, often disguised or hiding, often under a spread, holds her baby tightly for the photographer to insure a sharply focused image.’ - The Hidden Mother.

Fascinating but creepy! I suppose it was the only way a mother could ensure getting a good image of her baby in a time when making a photograph was a laborious process, but weren't they concerned about the lumps kind of spoiling the effect somewhat? Not to mention being totally sinister.

via A Cup of Jo and the Retronaut