10 Types of Family Photos You Only See in Albums from the 1970s
Flipping through a family photo album from the 1970s is like stepping into a time capsule of questionable fashion, groovy décor, and delightfully awkward poses.
Every snapshot tells a story—whether it’s a kid buried under shag carpeting, a painfully staged holiday portrait, or an entire family rocking matching bell-bottoms with zero shame. Unlike today’s perfectly curated Instagram photos, these images were raw, unfiltered, and often downright hilarious.
They captured real moments of joy, chaos, and the occasional fashion disaster, making them all the more priceless. So, dust off that old album and get ready to relive 10 types of family photos that could only exist in the ’70s!
1. The Matching Outfits Extravaganza
Nothing screamed family unity in the ’70s quite like everyone wearing identical polyester outfits. Whether it was bright floral prints, plaid suits, or painfully loud turtlenecks, these coordinated ensembles were equal parts adorable and mildly unsettling.
Parents beamed with pride while kids grimaced, forever immortalized in a moment they’d later wish never existed. Matching outfits were a staple in family photo albums, serving as both a symbol of togetherness and a source of future embarrassment.
These photos are now a nostalgic reminder of a time when style meant cohesion at any cost.
2. The Proudly Displayed Wood Paneling Background
Every family had that one room in the house with floor-to-ceiling wood paneling, and naturally, it became the go-to backdrop for countless family photos. The warm, brown tones made everything look a little extra ’70s, ensuring that even a simple birthday snapshot looked like a Sears catalog ad.
These photos are quintessential representations of the decade’s interior design, capturing both mundane moments and significant milestones. The wood paneling served as a canvas for cherished memories, now reminiscent of a time when such decor was the height of sophistication.
3. The Chaotic Birthday Party Snapshot
Before party planners and Pinterest-worthy themes, kids’ birthday parties in the ’70s were a chaotic mix of paper hats, store-bought cake, and sugar-induced mayhem.
Photos captured wide-eyed kids ripping through presents, frosting-covered faces, and at least one younger sibling in the background looking deeply betrayed for not being the birthday star.
These snapshots encapsulate the raw joy and chaos of childhood celebrations, free from modern-day embellishments. The innocence and spontaneity in these images make them timeless treasures of unfettered childhood bliss.
4. The Sitting on the Giant Station Wagon Photo
If your family had a station wagon, it was practically a rule that you’d take a picture sitting on or near it. These cars were massive, so there was plenty of room for multiple siblings to pile on while parents snapped photos proudly, as if the car itself was a family member.
These images not only showcase the era’s automobile pride but also reflect family unity and the nostalgia of road trips. The station wagon photos are emblematic of a time when family vehicles were more than just transport—they were part of the family identity.
5. The Mysteriously Blurry Action Shot
Since instant replay wasn’t an option, action shots in the ’70s usually meant a blurry mess. Whether it was kids running through sprinklers, dad attempting a cartwheel, or someone just taking the photo the completely wrong way, the result was often more abstract art than an actual memory.
These blurry captures are treasured for their spontaneity and the joyous chaos they convey. Despite the lack of clarity, they evoke memories of vibrant summer days, endless play, and the carefree spirit of childhood.
6. The Retro Swimwear Beach Day Photo
Every beach trip involved matching terry-cloth cover-ups, oversized sunglasses, and swimsuits with absurdly high-cut legs or questionable patterns. These photos are iconic not only for the classic beachside poses but also for the inevitable sunburns and sand-covered feet that made their way into every shot.
Beach day images from the ’70s capture the essence of carefree summer escapades and fashion choices that are both nostalgic and amusing. They serve as a reminder of sun-drenched adventures and the timeless joy of seaside fun.
7. The Unintentionally Creepy Easter Bunny Photo
It was a rite of passage for ’70s kids to sit on the lap of an Easter Bunny that looked more like a horror movie character than a friendly mascot. The resulting photos ranged from mild discomfort to full-on terror, with at least one child visibly contemplating their life choices as the bunny loomed ominously behind them.
These photos are both hilarious and heartwarming, capturing the odd traditions that become cherished memories despite their initial fright. They offer a humorous glimpse into the quirky customs of holiday celebrations past.
8. The Overloaded Thanksgiving Table Picture
No ’70s family album is complete without a photo of an overcrowded dining table covered in questionable Jell-O molds, canned cranberry sauce, and brown-toned casseroles. The family sat proudly around the feast, smiling as if they hadn’t just spent the last two hours arguing over who got the wishbone.
These photos capture the essence of traditional family gatherings and the culinary adventures of the past. They remind us of the warmth and connection shared over holiday meals, encapsulating cherished memories of togetherness.
9. The Overly Staged Holiday Card Photo
Long before digital holiday greetings, families went all out for printed Christmas and Thanksgiving cards. This meant setting up a painfully forced, overly formal pose, usually in front of the fireplace or an artificial Christmas tree.
Bonus points if someone’s wearing a Santa hat and one child is visibly fed up with the whole experience. These staged photos were a hallmark of the ’70s, capturing the essence of family togetherness amidst the chaos of holiday preparations.
Despite the strained smiles, these images hold a special place in memory lanes.
10. The Shag Carpet Baby Photo
No ’70s baby album is complete without at least one picture of a baby (or children) lying on an ocean of shag carpeting. The deeper the carpet, the more dramatic the photo.
The baby’s expression usually hovered between delight and absolute confusion, while the parents were blissfully unaware that their stylish flooring was probably swallowing dust and Cheerios for decades.
These photos are a testament to the era’s unique interior design choices and the innocent charm of capturing a child’s early years amidst such surroundings.