Rephotography

Rephotography refers to the method of taking pictures of the same subject at different points in time to produce a “then” versus “now” spectrum. Depending on the intention behind taking such photos, the photographer may (or may not) want to coordinate the dimensions (such as camera angle, lighting, time of season, lens, etc.) of the second shot with those used in the original.

Because the subject may be remarkable different during the second shoot, a photographer should try to include some landmark that was in the original in the second shot to outline the continuity of the subject.

Similarly, if the photographer is taking a picture of a subject that had been photographed a considerable time ago, he should take into account the model of camera and lens that was used in the original. Knowing this will help him capture the subject in the manner as the original.

By keeping the dimensions of the shot similar, if not the same, as the original, the photographer can effectively highlight how time has changed the subject, rather than having the dimensions make the difference in the subject.