Two pretty teenage girls pose for their portrait at the studio of J. O. Booen, in Austin, Minnesota. The seated girl is holding a photograph on her lap. The girls appear to be wearing identical long dark dresses and are likely sisters. Research has revealed little about Booen. He apparently operated out of Sanborn and Austin, Minnesota, and later, out of Winnebago City, Minnesota. He may have been a traveling photographer at one point and did some work in British Columbia, Canada. Booen has a panoramic photograph in the Library of Congress.
TWO TEENAGE GIRLS POSE FOR THEIR PORTRAIT IN AUSTIN, MINNESOTA
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THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
What fascinates me is that the dresses the girls are wearing is the most common pattern I have found to date. It is a pattern. There are too many versions of the dress, but it is usually in black. I suspect it was something quick and “easy” that could be put together for schools and clubs. I’ve found the same pattern in group photos. I must have at least a dozen photos for my book with the dress. I think I have a sub chapter on it.
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
I have this photograph in my collection of family ancestry stuff I just inherited. Do you know who the girls are?. Due to location I can narrow down a branch but not lock in to exact names. I have a few others from the same studio as well, also without names on them. TIA
I wish I had more information to share with you regard to identification of the girls in the photograph. Perhaps the historical society in Austin, Minnesota has some useful information for you. I wish you the best in your search to identify these two lovely teenagers.