Clues in Group Portraits and Photo Albums

The Photo Detective

I’ve been delving into my family history a little more than usual and perhaps you are too. I’m also taking another look at my pictures. Examining them more closely and trying to tell the story of them. Even I have a photo mystery, one that’s bothered me for years. I’ve managed to tease out a few new identifications but the problem persists. It could be a group of friends mixed with some of my family. The issue is the number of images in my family collection. I don’t own many images of this side of my family and neither do my relatives. Comparing images to each other could result in an identification.

I believe that persistence will pay off. I’ll be using crowdsourcing as well. If someone can identify the place where this group of men and boys posed it might help.

A long time ago I dated that image. That’s the first step in any photo mystery. I’ve named a few folks but who are the rest? I know that you know this dilemma: big group portraits are a mystery for many people.

I’ve developed techniques to help you figure out who’s who. These images are perfect for a single photo consult. See the show notes for the link.

A New Workshop

In a few weeks, I’ll be announcing a special class. It’s an interactive live workshop on Reading Clues in Photo Albums. I LOVE working on photo albums telling the family story visible in those pages and teaching you how to do it too. This small class is for those with photo albums who want to know more. It’s either going to be a long workshop or a series of classes where we can talk about your albums and find out more about them. It will be limited to 25.

With albums, it’s all about that first photo. Who is it? Why are they there? My signature five approach of who, what, where, when and why applied to albums often reveals hidden relationships of family and friends of your ancestors. I hope you’ll be able to join me. Can’t wait to see who and what are in your albums. Everyone is unique. Sure there are similarities with format and size, but the contents are special to your family. Someone put those pages together with intent and purpose. Doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny tintype album or an oversize black paper one or even one of those toxic magnetic ones, each and every one tells a story and I’d love to help you reveal it. Your family will love you for it. Stay tuned. Subscribers to my newsletter will get the first chance to sign up. If you’re not on my list, you can sign up on my website.

What will I do in 2021? I’m planning a series of webinars and workshops to deepen your understanding of photographs. Wait and see!

New Things on Social

I’ll be wrapping up my around the world in 80 photos social media campaign. Hope you’ve been watching on Facebook and Instagram. I thought it was timely for this year. We really aren’t traveling, but our photographs can take us around the world. Thank you for sharing related images with me too.

On social I’m considering posting a lot of unnamed photos and seeing if anyone recognizes the places in them. I’m taking my cues from the Library Of Congress. They pick images from their collection and let us all weigh in on the mysteries. Some require research while others need particular time period knowledge. Obviously, I’m a fan.

Houses and Photos

By now you’ve listened to the podcast feat

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations.

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