Old time photographers are all over the world and can be found at a fixed location like an amusement park, tourist destination, a fair, or a studio or they may even come to your event or party. Our industry provides quality costumes of days gone by for customers to wear and have a professional photo taken, either an individual portrait, or with a friend or family. Most old time photos are sepia (brown tone), but many studios offer antique color, full color and black & white. The most popular costumes throughout the years have been Western, Roaring 20’s, Civil War Era, Victorian and Pirate. Independent studio owners also choose costumes that will be popular in their specific geographic area.
A.A.P.I. (Antique and Amusement Photographers International) is a not-for-profit organization. In 1990, a group of old time photographers met and decided to form AAPI to help each other become more successful in this fun industry. Their idea was a good one. Some people thought old time photography was a fad that would quickly pass, but the many families that have annual old time photos taken over the generations or on vacations won’t let that happen. The industry has changed tremendously since AAPI’s inception, especially with the introduction of digital photography. To learn more about the history of old time photography and the history of AAPI, go to OLD TIME PHOTOGRAPHY & AAPI HISTORY. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is that the members of AAPI continue to help each other grow their business and stay successful in the industry.
If you would like to have an old time photograph taken in your area or while on vacation, you can find a worldwide listing of our member studios under the STUDIO LOCATOR tab.
If you would like to become part of our industry, whether you are looking to open a studio or sell your products to our membership, please see our MEMBER BENEFITS section as well as our CONVENTION section.
AAPI prides itself on the role we have played in helping our industry to continue to grow and improve over the years. Whether it is the quality of the photos taken, the costumes used, or the finished product, we are committed to providing the best.