License Historical Imagery
The Slides Project offers access to a growing archive of mid-century travel and everyday life photography, sourced from original 35mm color slides dating primarily from the 1930s–1970s.
Our collection includes street scenes, architecture, cultural moments, landscapes, and candid snapshots from around the world—most never previously published.
Licensing is available for editorial, commercial, creative, and institutional use.
What Makes This Archive Different
Unlike most stock photography libraries, The Slides Project is built from a living archive of rescued, curated, and preserved original slides. Each image reflects a real moment in time—captured by travelers, hobbyists, and photographers long before the digital era.
These images are valued not for perfection, but for authenticity, atmosphere, and historical texture.
What truly sets this archive apart is the story embedded within each frame. These photographs were never created to follow trends, satisfy algorithms, or serve marketing objectives. They were made out of curiosity, wonder, and the simple human desire to remember a place, a journey, or a fleeting moment. That intent—often invisible in modern imagery—is what gives these photographs their lasting power.
Editorial Licensing
For use in:
Books and publications
Editorial articles and features
Academic or educational materials
Museums, archives, and exhibitions
Documentaries and non-fiction projects
Editorial licenses are typically limited to contextual or informational use and may require photographer credit when available.
Commercial Licensing
For use in:
Advertising and brand campaigns
Websites and digital media
Album covers and packaging
Film, television, and streaming projects
Hospitality, lifestyle, and creative branding
Commercial licensing is priced based on usage scope, distribution, duration, and audience size.
Creative Licensing
For use in:
Interior design projects
Hospitality Spaces
Offices, restaurants, and retail
Film and set decoration
Short-term installations or long-term display
This option is ideal for designers and creatives seeking historically rich imagery with character and mood..
Rights & Context
Most images in The Slides Project originate from anonymous or private photographers and are preserved as historical artifacts. In many cases, original authorship is unknown.
Licensing is granted for the use of the digitized image file and does not imply transfer of copyright or ownership of the original slide.
When known, photographer names and contextual notes are provided and encouraged to be credited.
Custom Research & Image Sourcing
Looking for something specific? We can assist with custom archive searches based on:
Location or country
Decade or era
Themes (travel, street life, architecture, leisure, etc.)
Mood or aesthetic
Custom research requests are available for editorial teams, designers, and production companies.
Request Licensing Access
To inquire about licensing, please include:
Intended use (editorial, commercial, etc.)
Distribution platform(s)
Duration of use
Estimated audience or circulation
Any specific image requests or themes
Additional benefits of working with our archive.
Unrepeatable imagery — one-of-a-kind photographs that cannot be recreated or AI-generated
Strong narrative value — images that naturally support storytelling, context, and depth
Cultural and historical credibility — ideal for editorial, documentary, and institutional use
Emotional resonance — photographs that feel lived-in, human, and grounded in reality
Curated selection — images chosen for meaning and visual strength, not volume