Portraits of individuals and families in front of their rural homes was a frequent subject matter of photographer Chansonetta Stanley Emmons. Emmons photographed throughout New England, specifically rural Maine and Vermont.

Born in Kingfield in 1858, Emmons was the younger sister of Francis and Freelan (F.O.) Stanley who patented a dry plate photographic system in the late 19th century. The brothers later sold the invention to Eastman Kodak, investing their funds in the Stanley Steamer automobile.

Their financial success helped support their sister Chansonetta in her itinerant photographic career.