The Timeless Art of Press Stills: Capturing Cinema’s Golden Moments

Press stills have always been at the heart of film promotion — a vital bridge between cinema and its audience. From the early 1900s to today’s digital age, these iconic images have chronicled the evolution of movie marketing and the glamour of Hollywood itself.

The Birth of Film Publicity

In the silent film era, studios quickly discovered that movies needed compelling visuals to attract audiences. Skilled photographers were hired to create press stills — striking, posed images of actors, directors, and key moments from film sets. These photos were distributed to newspapers and magazines, giving audiences a glimpse into the magic of moviemaking. Even then, the goal was clear: sell not just the film, but the allure of the movie industry itself.

Hollywood’s Golden Age of Press Stills

During the 1920s and 1930s, press stills reached their artistic and commercial zenith. Studios like MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. built entire publicity departments dedicated to producing and managing these glamorous portraits. Renowned photographers such as George Hurrell transformed publicity photography into a true art form, capturing the essence of stars like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Clark Gable.

Each movie was accompanied by a press kit filled with glossy eight-by-ten-inch stills, story summaries, and production credits. These images helped shape the world’s perception of Hollywood — elegant, dramatic, and larger than life.

The Studio Era and the Power of Image

By the 1940s and 1950s, press stills had become an indispensable marketing tool. Every major production produced hundreds of carefully curated images — from staged scenes to stylized portraits — all meticulously controlled by studio publicists. Stamped captions and production codes on the back of each print tied them directly to promotional campaigns, reinforcing the myth and glamour of Hollywood worldwide.

A New Realism in the 1960s and 1970s

As filmmaking evolved, so did the aesthetic of press stills. Directors and photographers embraced realism, capturing candid behind-the-scenes shots that reflected the energy and authenticity of the era. Publications like Life and Look began featuring these photographs in immersive spreads, turning film publicity into visual storytelling.

The Digital Revolution in the 1990s

With the rise of digital photography and Electronic Press Kits (EPKs), the way studios distributed press stills changed forever. Instead of printed glossies sent to editors, high-resolution digital images became instantly accessible to journalists and online media outlets — setting the stage for modern film marketing.

Press Stills in the Modern Era

Today, press stills remain a cornerstone of movie promotion. High-quality digital photos accompany trailers, interviews, and social media campaigns — optimized for sharing across platforms like Instagram, entertainment news sites, and fan communities. While the format has evolved, the essence remains unchanged: a single powerful image that captures the spirit of a film and draws audiences in.

Rediscover Vintage Film Magic with Orson & Welles

At Orson & Welles, we celebrate the timeless charm of vintage press stills. We simply adore the slightly imperfect, Polaroid-like aesthetic, a glimpse of  pre-digital cinema and our curated collection of authentic film stills and lobby cards lets you own a piece of cinematic history.

Explore the drama, artistry, and nostalgia of Hollywood’s most unforgettable eras — each photograph a snapshot of storytelling, style, and stardom.

Shop our collection today and rediscover the beauty of classic movie photography.