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Looking at old pics can be nostalgic. Enough to want to recreate the photo… Sadly, it is impossible, but what you can do is recreate the photo of it. And that’s what folks on the subreddit r/PastAndPresentPics do!

Whether it’s a man posting a pic of himself in the same place at 1, 27 and 57 years young, or a woman with her dog gracefully entering each year, this group is bound to bring back some sweet memories. We’ve curated a selection of our favorite posts, so hop on this time machine and let the scrolling begin!

#1 My Wife And I In 1973 And In 2019. I’d Just Turned 16 In The First One, She Was A Month Away From 16. It Was The First Pic Of Us Together, Taken In A Mall Photobooth

Image credits: QtheM

The group is 78.9k members strong and they share some precious now-and-then pics put side by side. The term for the phenomenon is called retrophotography. It might give you feelings of nostalgia and it is important because it allows us to relive past moments, remember loved ones, and share stories.

#2 Real Friendship

Image credits: NazliNazNazli

#3 Truly Man’s Best Friend!

Image credits: marrana_brainz

But what is nostalgia? And how does it influence us? According to Oxford Dictionary, “It is a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.” People who experience feelings of nostalgia endure a sense of belonging, compare the past and the future, and generally feel like their lives are more meaningful, boosting their self-esteem.

#4 My Grandfather With His Mini, And Me With Mine

Image credits: XTDVMini

#5 Same Drama

Image credits: NazliNazNazli

#6 Same Mom, Same Me, Same Teddy Bear Some 55 Years Apart

Image credits: knirkle

Rephotography is definitely a way to induce nostalgia and it is cool because it allows you to find your creative outlet in a personal way and share it with others. A lot of people are visual creatures and showing a pic sometimes might be the best way to share memories.

#7 A Cowboy And His Tree At 4 And 63 Years Old

Image credits: SquidLee

#8 Me & My Bff, Taken 20 Years Apart

Image credits: ilikeyourswatch

#9 Giving My Boys A Ride / And My Boys Giving Me A Ride

Image credits: VisibleRace7849

While many people fret at old photos and find it hard to grasp how their style or haircut could have looked like that, others embrace it. After all, you’re not wearing that outfit or haircut now, and you probably look completely different. This way, the photo could be treated as a sweet memory. Many people like old pictures because they pause time and allow us to remember things. And because a long time ago, it used to be them.

#10 LEGO

Image credits: markshure

#11 We Recreated A Childhood Photo… From Blue’s Clues Birthday Party To 20 Years Later At Thanksgiving!

Image credits: madiissuun

#12 Me And My Siblings Recreated This For My Parents As A Gift For Their 50th Anniversary. 1985-2019

Image credits: CatchResponsible1261

There was a study in Britain carried out by CEWE, an award-winning printing company. The findings showed that looking at old photos might be more relaxing than meditating: “Studies show that when people review photos on their phones, this not only triggers feelings of primary and positive emotions such as joy and love, but it also strengthens our memory and relationships. Our photos remind us of people, pets, places and activities that we love as well as helping us to remember the past. This has been shown to reduce our stress and enhance our mood and overall wellbeing.”

#13 My Mom And I Getting “Called To The Bar” As Lawyers 35 Years Apart. 1981 —- 2016

Image credits: lannart123

#14 Happy Father’s Day

Image credits: beerdidtrev

#15 My Parents, Still Tired

Image credits: mattybgcg

It’s surprising in a nice way. Meditation might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but knowing that looking at old photos makes you relaxed in the same way is a game changer. Just imagine, it’s a rainy day, sadly you don’t have a fireplace to curl up against, but what you have is a nice cup of tea and an arsenal of cute nostalgic pics. Sounds awesome and it’s good for mental health!

#16 Thanksgiving 2011-2021

Image credits: KolaDesi

#17 Me In My Parents Backyard Less Than A Year After We Moved In And Me Almost 30 Years Later When They Sold The House

Image credits: Redgreen82

#18 Throwback Thursday, 1991 -> 2021, Back At The House I Grew Up In (Queens, NY)

Image credits: StatandMelo

So the next time you see your old photo, don’t be quick to cringe, instead embrace the past and remember how things used to be. Check out the rest of the guys who recreated their precious memories on the r/PastAndPresentPics subreddit through photos and if you’re keen for more, we have some previous publications on the topic.