The most notable studio of its day was the Reutlinger Studio. Known for their portrayal of the rich and famous, in the most lavish settings which included palm trees, tapestries, and a great variety of other valuable decorations, the fashionable Paris based studio was founded in 1850 by Charles Reutlinger, of German descent.

Charles Reutlinger, a member of the "Society of French Photographers, 1862, photographed many of the best-known artists, scientists, musicians and writers of his time. He belonged to an elite group of photographers who had studios on the boulevards à.la.mode and whose photographs were featured in the most prestigious newspapers and magazines, including the first society of "La Illustration", a weekly journal that catered to the concerns of the upper echelon of society. Among these photographers were Gustave Gray, Eugene Disdéri, and the studio of Bertsch and Arnaud.

In 1880, Charles became ill and decided to turn his studio over to his brother Emile. Prior to his death in 1881, Charles Reutlinger was awarded many credits during his life. His brother, Emile, ran the studio until 1890, with little credits to his name.

In 1883, after only 3 years of running the Reutlinger Studios, Emile summoned his first-born son, Leopold born, March 17, 1863, and raised in Callao, Peru, to come to Paris to begin working with his father in the family photography business.

Leopold Reutlinger had a well-established socialite clientele and a very elaborate studio given to him upon his arrival in Paris, although officially, the Reutlinger Studio was given to him in 1890. The young Reutlinger adapted quickly to the upper echelon of society photography Charles had established many years before his arrival.

Léopold Reutlinger produced a vast number of images, ranging from portraits, performers, showgirls, and theatre stars. He photographed for advertising purposes, as well as, for magazines and newspapers. By the early 1900's, Leopold had far surpassed his Uncle Charles accomplishments. The rich and famous held Leopold Reutlinger in the highest esteem, requesting him whenever a professional photograph was needed.

He frequently held exhibitions of his work in the offices of the newspapers and magazines where he was employed. Announcements of his works were published in the newspapers and magazines. Of course, all the socialites attended these showings.

To his credit, Reutlinger introduced a very distinctive style of merging photographic images with art nouveau fantasy overlays. He added to that process exceptionally well-done hand tinting. The Reutlinger Studio became known for their unusual art nouveau styles of postcard designs, especially for portraits of actresses. These postcards were not cheaply produced, nor were they cheaply sold. This part of his business was very successful and sought-after, as thousands of his art nouveau postcards were produced.

By the age of 30, Leopold Reutlinger was a man of great reputation. Now, wealthy, successful, and having the best of everything money could buy, Leopold could pick and choose photographic projects.

Léopold continued in a very successful business until 1930, when he lost an eye in an accident with a champagne cork, forcing him into retirement, ending the reign of the Reutlinger Studios. He died in Paris at the age of 74 on 16 March, 1937.

Although, Leopold Reutlinger had an inherited life, never having to struggle in establishing his business, he worked very hard to maintain the high standards of his forefathers and is highly accredited for the advancement of new styles in postcard design, all the while, photographing the most beautiful and famous people in the world.