This is a lovely family photograph taken by H. R. Troopman of Chicago. The girls look to be 10 years old or so. I think the photo is from the 1880s, but what is tricking me is the slight purple tint it has. The collodion process was not widely used until the 1890s. I found another site with a Troopman photograph showing a soldier in about 1868. The date of this photograph is difficult to nail down.
UPDATE: Thanks to Iggy we now know this photographer was H. R. Koopman, thanks Iggy!!
From the Pullman (Railcar) State Historic Site:
“1884 — 1914: H. R. Koopman
Henry R. Koopman was the Pullman photographer of the town and workers.
In 1893 he published a book on the town called “The City of Brick”. His studio was located at 11106 S. Michigan Avenue in Roseland. From 1918-19, he worked in the Pullman Shops in the shell division. We have many original photographs, studio cards, postcards, etc. by Koopman as well as images of his studio in Roseland.”
Who Were They? 
I found the picture you mentioned (the soldier) and the date on the page “1868” refers to the year his rifle was first made – not the date of the photo which appears to be of Spanish-American war vintage (1898).
I think its safe to say this photo is from 1890 or later. H. R. Troopman has been very elusive. There aren’t even census records for “Troopman” in Illinois during this time period.
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Ahh… the name is Henry Ralph Koopman.
:)
From the Pullman (Railcar) State Historic Site:
“1884 — 1914: H. R. Koopman
Henry R. Koopman was the Pullman photographer of the town and workers.
In 1893 he published a book on the town called “The City of Brick”. His studio was located at 11106 S. Michigan Avenue in Roseland. From 1918-19, he worked in the Pullman Shops in the shell division. We have many original photographs, studio cards, postcards, etc. by Koopman as well as images of his studio in Roseland.”
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United States Census, 1900 for Henry R Koopman
Residence: Chicago city, Cook, Illinois
Birth Date: Jul 1865
Birthplace: Holland
Spouse Name: Katie Koopman
Spouse Birth Place: Illinois
Father Birthplace: Holland
Mother Birthplace: Holland
Race or Color (expanded): White
Marital Status: Married
Years Married: 11
Estimated Marriage Year: 1889
Immigration Year: 1866
Occupation: Photographer
He had a son he named Henry Raplh Koopman Jr.
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