Date help - family on a rock

[captain_jim1]

Part 2 of my grandmother's mystery box of photos. There's a wide variety of clothing which might help date this one. For some reason I really like this photo. It has been suggested it might be a wedding picture, but I don't know if I agree with that idea. My favorite part is the woman in the background who appears to be talking on a cell-phone.

[AJ100]

Like you, captain jim, I'm not convinced about the wedding theory. It does look like an occasion of some kind as they're all dressed up.
I would guess it was taken 1900 - 1910 by the clothes.

Regards

AJ

[jim1]

I think the assumption is that because they are in white it must be a wedding.
These were normal summer clothes 1908-12 when this was taken.
I think the lady on the mobile actually has an ear trumpet.

jim

[captain_jim1]

Thanks for the info! Not that I doubt anyone's knowledge, I'm just curious how you dated the clothes? Are the hats of a particular style, the type of dress was limited to certain years, etc?

Thanks again -- it's very appreciated!

[jim1]

The first noticeable item is the arms.
Women didn't go bare armed in public until late decade.
Skirt length is shorter another late decade style.
Putting those 2 together could date this from pre WW1 until v.early 20's.
However she has a neck collar typical of pre WW1 which lost favour with younger women just before the war as did this very small waistline & hip-padding.
Hat chap has a 2 1/2" starched collar which was short lived over the dates given.
The girl with the large bow would've had a tantrum if she had to wear it any later.
Ear trumpet lady has a hairstyle known as a pompadour which lost favour even with older women by WW1.

[captain_jim1]

Great! Thanks for the extra information!