Sydney Police Mug Shots from 1912-1930

A Time To Get showcases what is undoubtedly the coolest set of mug shots you will ever see. Taken in Australia in the early 20th century, the accused are generally shown photographed twice, once from roughly the chest up (for facial detail) and again as an off-center full portrait. Dressed in their own clothing, the subjects project an air of casualness and confidence, some with arms around another, many with satisfied postures, and all accentuated by the variety of backgrounds—including a trees, plants, and other people. Similar to Richard Avedon’s American West series, the pictures highlight a peculiar mixture of hard-times and informality. For a fascinating in-depth explanation of these photographs and how they were rediscovered, visit Scan.Net.

More images after the jump.

Source: A Time To Get / Scan.Net