25 Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By


Time is a powerful force—quiet yet unstoppable. It shapes lives, landscapes, and memories, often without us noticing until we look back. That’s what makes « then and now » photography so moving. In this collection of 25 amazing photos, we see side-by-side comparisons that capture just how much has changed—and what has stayed the same.

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

From childhood friends reunited decades later to old city streets transformed by modern architecture, each image tells a unique story. These photos don’t just reflect the physical passage of time; they highlight growth, resilience, and the bittersweet beauty of nostalgia. A woman returns to the same garden bench she sat on as a child. A war veteran stands in the exact spot where he once posed with his fellow soldiers. A family recreates a long-forgotten portrait, complete with matching expressions and outfits.

These powerful images stir emotion because they remind us that while the world moves on, memories remain rooted. The contrast between past and present is often funny, touching, or even dramatic, but always real.

What makes this type of photography so compelling is its simplicity. It doesn’t need words—just two moments in time placed side by side. Whether you’re inspired to recreate your own childhood photo or reflect on how far you’ve come, these images are a beautiful reminder of life’s journey.

These 25 photos aren’t just nostalgic—they’re proof that every moment, no matter how small, becomes part of a larger story.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.

#1 My Japanese Grandma Who Survived World War 2

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: AdGrouchy8078

#2 2022 Chemo vs. Now 2024

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: crymyself2sleep3000

#3 My Wife And Me At Age 20 And At Age 58 – Still Having A Blast With Each Other

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: doublecowboy

#4 First And Last Photos With My Dad

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Seviernurse

#5 Mojo And I In 2005 And 2024. This Year, He Turns 20 And I Turn 50

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Dr_Ponzu

#6 Decided I Needed A Shift From The Same Ol’ Body – 350lbs Down To 194

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Moobygriller

#7 My Parents, 1966 To 2023

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: baccgirl

#8 1972, The Year We Met And 2024

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Ancient_Timer2053

#9 Mother And Son

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Jamescovey

#10 Grandad 1959 First Pub Visit When He Was 18 – Now In The Pub 84

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: oli10play

#11 My Wife And Daughter. Not Sure That I Contributed Anything Genetically

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Tristan_Leger

#12 My Husband And His Dad, And My Husband And Our Son

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Severe_Ad336

#13 My Parents In 1987 vs. Now. They’ve Been Married For 36 Years.

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: No-Director-9650

#14 My 95 Year Old Grandmother In Front Of Her Portrait

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: GiveMeTheYeetBoys

#15 August 2005 – Christmas Eve 2024

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: DecaffinatedSquirrel

#16 My Beautiful Mom. 32 And 93

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: saveitforthedisco

#17 I Just Lost My Gram This Week At 94. Always A Babe ♥️

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: shell_raiser

#18 13 vs. 45

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Plenty-Log6688

#19 Girls Trip, 2007 And 2024

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: ginger_wahine

#20 Grandpa At 15 And 79

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: James_Tiberius

#21 2004-2024 Kindergarten To Married

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Amore_vitae1

#22 My Grandma’s Turning 101 In April 2025

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: AbductedByAliens8

#23 My Mum And Me (1990) Me And My Daughter (2023)

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Severe-Marsupial-727

#24 My Husband And I 31 Years Ago And Last Week

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Psychica-Bilities

#25 2006 To Now, My Girl Wolverine Is 18.5 Years Old!

Amazing Then and Now Photos That Reflect the Years Gone By

Image source: Lenaiscool__

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