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.
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.