The Photo Detective

Queries and Answers: Prints from Slides

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:29:00 +0000

T.J. emailed me to ask, "Where can I have prints made from slides?"

It's one of those modern picture problems. Just about every family has boxes and carousel's full of slides. Now that slide projectors are difficult to find, what a family to do with all those slides?

You can scan them yourself if you own a scanner with a slide attachment. Scan at a high resolution (at least 600 dpi) and save as tif files. That's an uncompressed format.
You can pay someone to scan all your slides at once. ScanDigital offers a reasonable price for scanning slides and other photographic medium. There customer interface on their website is very easy to follow. What I really like about this company is the follow through. You end up with all your images on a website so you can share the link with family. Instead of having to coordinate who wants what print, they can select images from the site then order reprints through ScanDigital's printing partner, Qoop. It's an effortless process!

Trends in Gift Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:33:00 +0000

VoiceQuilt, a company that create unique keepsake gifts personalized with a lasting collection of voice message and memories that commemorate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other special occasions, recently surveyed women's gift giving habits in this economy. According to Hope Flamer, Chief Executive Officer and founder of VoiceQuilt, "Instead of giving fewer gifts as one might expect, women are presenting the same quantity of gifts as in precious years, but are focusing on personal, sentimental and unique gifts rather than extravagance."

For centuries women have worked together to create hand sewn quilts but imagine having a quilt talk to you about the story behind the creation. That's what VoiceQuilt is all about. "Especially during difficult times, women search for unique and sentimental gifts that strengthen ties with family and friends," said Flammer. "A group gift supports those connections while enabling women to reduce their spending."

To create a voicequilt is so easy. All you do is pick a keepsake box and have folks call the toll-free number you give them. All that's left is to talk into the phone. VoiceQuilt will package the voice for you. A couple of years ago I created one for my parent's. When they opened the lid and heard all of us wishing them well they cried! It's a powerful gift. Try one today.

There is a special offer available on their website.

Queries and Answers: Photo Reunions

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Patience wrote: I found a stack of quite good portrait photos from the late 1800's - mostly from California but also from NY, Minnesota, Indiana. Only a very few have names of whose photo it is - but almost all of them have the name of the photography studio. What would be the best way for me to seek out family members who may have lost them?

One of my favorite websites is DeadFred.com. Individuals post images on the site hoping to connect with family or to find missing family photos. Over 5,000 a week search this online archive. You can read success stories in the Dead Fred blog, Relatively Speaking. The site is easy to navigate and it's free!

If you want to facilitate the reunion, then join the ranks of genealogists who research the names on these abandoned photos like they're members of their own family. It's a wonderful feeling to reunite these photo treasures with their descendants.

Queries and Answers: Scanning Surprises

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:56:00 +0000

On a recent trip, a client showed me black and white scans of some tintypes. Recently he emailed me to say he'd scanned the images in color. To his surprise the scanning highlighted the fact that the photographer had colored some of the details. He wrote to ask if that was possible.

The answer is yes! Photographers often added color to images, including tintypes. Watch for color in eyes, cheeks, lips and jewelry. Those little details make the pictures look more realistic.

I recently wrote about hand colored daguerreotypes in my Family Tree Magazine blog.

Queries and Answers: Faded Handwritten Captions

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Jim wrote: "I have an 1884 photo of my gg grandfather and grandmother with 2 of their children. On the back of the photo I can see some written impressions of names possibly. The pencil marks have long since worn away. Can you suggest a process that I might highlight the pencil impressions so that I might read them? I want to be careful, because it is the only know picture of them."

Without seeing the photo I can't say for sure but there are at least a couple of techniques that could work. I'd try scanning the image then converting it to black and white. By playing with the contrast/brightness and then using zoom to enlarge the impression you should be able to decipher some details. I'd also print out an enlargement of that area and then tracing it with a pencil.

Civil War Women

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:58:00 +0000

There is a new book on women in the Civil War and this one doesn't talk about their contributions on the home front. Anita Silvey's I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War(Clarion, 2008), explores how some women dressed as men and joined the war effort. It's meant for children, but it was so fascinating I couldn't put it down. I've seen occasional pictures of nineteenth century female soldiers but had no idea the practice was so widespread. This one is a must for anyone (kid or adult) who's interested in the Civil War. You can read more about the book and see Anita's speaking schedule on her website.

Queries and Answers: Foreign Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Mel wrote: I have a photo that I believe is European, do you analyze non-US images?

Actually, I do. I receive photographs from clients that live as far away as New Zealand. Family collections in the United States are a mix of images taken here and overseas. I maintain a large collection of foreign images for comparison purposes.

Queries and Answers: Storing Photographs

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Catherine wrote: I have several old paper photos that date between the late 1860s and the early 1900s. I am worried about how to store these. Is it o.k. to put these in a plastic zip-loc bag or are there other alternatives.

You're right to question the use of ordinary plastic bags. They are not suitable for long-term storage of photographs. For instance, Hollinger Corporation sells a wide variety of non-pvc sleeves and storage materials for pictures. Creative Memories has a fairly new organizing system called Sort It!

I've written several online articles on photographic storage and preservation. For additional information read "Four Destructive Habits" and "One Step at a Time."

Queries and Answers: Faded Document Fixes

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Alex wrote: A friend of mine has her forebear's original certificate of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati signed by George Washington. Washington's signature is so faded, it is almost gone. How can his signature be restored and preserved?

There are several steps you can take to enhance the signature on a document. In the March/April 2008 issue of the Digital Genealogist, I wrote an article, "Improving the Readability of Digital Documents." One of the things you can do is scan the document. I actually recommend scanning it in color as a high resolution TIFF file then converting it to black and white in a photo editing program. Using the sharpen feature combined with contrast tweaks and zooming in for delicate fixes should enable you to enhance the signature.

If you would like to stabilize the writing so that it doesn't continue to fade, the best route is to hire a professional paper conservator. You can locate one in your area by contacting the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works.

Ask the Photo Detective: Photocopying Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:54:00 +0000

In this regular installment on my blog, I'll answer questions submitted by visitors to my website. Topics include photo identification, preservation, picture history and photo sharing.

Barbara asked: Does photocopying recent photographs damage the pictures? Is there an alternative for our library patrons who want to copy materials from our small collection?

Photocopying exposes all types of images to intense light, heat, and chemicals. A single photocopy shouldn't cause noticeable damage. I would not advise repeat copying of any image. There is also the stress of repeatedly handling the picture for duplication.

A better solution is to scan the images and create a database using a simple program like Picasa, then letting patrons select the photographs they want to print.

Photo Books--Inkubook

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:52:00 +0000

As a picture person I'm completely in love with those do-it-yourself photo books. I can't think of a nicer gift.

There are plenty of sites that let you create personalized picture books, but there is another one I just found out about. It's called Inkubook. Like it's competitors it's a web-based program with easy-to-use layouts, and text and photo editing tools. They also offer collaboration tools that enable you to invite friends and family to contribute additional photos and text. I get goose bumps thinking about all the great family history applications for that sharing feature.

Softcover books start at $13.95 and hardcovers at $24.95. A variety of sizes are available from 7 x 5 inch landscapes to 11 x 11 inch square format. All books are produced using archival quality 100 lb weight silk paper.

New Oral History Center ...at West Point

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:40:00 +0000

The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY is gathering tales. The motto of their new Center for Oral History is "Every soldier has a story. Here's where the story is told." This online research center is collecting the personal stories of American service men and women of all ranks beginning with those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and going back to the veterans of Vietnam.

It's an educational mission. Teach today's cadets using the stories of the service men and women who preceded them. Scholars and historians are sure to benefit from this project. It's open to all users. The Center for Oral History is primarily online and features high-definition video and digital audio files. A preview of what's to come is on their website including a 12 minute video with excerpts of soldier interviews.

Video Podcast:: Jesse Tyler Sturm

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:40:00 +0000

The big day is here! My e-newsletter in finally ready to launch ( you can sign up on my website). In it I've linked to my new video podcast available on both YouTube and Vimeo. It's so exciting to have my own channels even if it makes my children roll their eyes.

As mentioned in the piece on Civil War Veterans at Mount Vernon, Jesse Tyler Sturm's wartime memories are in print. You can buy From a "whirlpool of death...to victory" Civil War Remembrances of Jesse Tyler Sturm 14th West Virginia Infantry from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. It's a fascinating account of one soldier's experiences.

Thank you to Elaine Clark for sharing her photo and family story.

Fun with Wordle

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Word play is so much fun. Once you've tried Wordle you won't be able to stop. The only downside is that when you save the image it becomes public and is licensed by Wordle. Here's what I made to represent my work.

Personality in a Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:24:00 +0000

I just love a picture with personality! This woman wears a velvet cape and a dark colored feather boa. Both would be perfect for going out in the 1890s. The hat on her head really stands out because it's suitable for sportswear. This c. 1897 accessory doesn't match the rest of her attire. Did the photographer dress her up or did she go to the studio that way. In either case, it's a lovely picture. Too bad the owner, Ann Short, doesn't know who this is. She thinks she's either a member of the Childs, Brewer, Easter, Simpson, Duncan or Wigginton family who lived in the southeastern U.S.

If anyone recognizes her, send me an email at mtaylor@taylorandstrong.com. Ann would appreciate it.

A Veteran's Day Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:46:00 +0000

My Dad, James William Taylor, Jr., was a man of few words. When you’d ask him a direct question you’d rarely get a full answer. Towards the end of his life he spent a day mentioning 1943. I don't know why. He really didn’t want to talk about it.

Like so many of his generation, Dad enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. From October 22, 1942 to February 5, 1946 he served his country as a member of Company D of the 389th Infantry regiment as a Heavy Machine Gunner. He spent 18 months in Hawaii and several more in Japan. As kids we heard about the geishas of Japan and the pineapples of Hawaii, but never anything about his military service. He died on September 21, 2007.

I've inherited several photos of men in military uniform and a few of some Japanese citizens he befriended. It's an ironic twist to my work as The Photo Detective. All the pictures are unidentified. I didn't know they existed until after he died. Now I'm trying to piece together the life he didn't want to discuss.

In a very personal Veteran's Day column I thought I'd feature two of the images of these men in uniform. If you know who the unidentified fellows are please email me at mtaylor@taylorandstrong.com.

My Dad is in the center of this image. On the left is "Uncle Teddy" Hunt who lived in New Bedford after the war. He was no relation, just my Dad's best friend from the service. I don't know the name of the man on the right or where this was taken. Teddy Hunt died when I was just a kid. I'm not sure of his exact first name. Just another mystery to solve!

These three men are unidentified. Anyone want to comment on the significance of the animal heads!

World War II Films Rediscovered

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:57:00 +0000

I just love a story like this. Two brothers rediscover footage shot by their grandfather during World War II. The video story appeared on the MSNBC.com website today. Here it is.

At Home Photo Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:25:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I gave an Ancestry.com webinar on Saving Family Treasures and mentioned a ready-made photo studio. An attendee wrote to tell me that she saw this studio in a box advertised in a recent Brookstone catalog for $99. In case you're interested I also found it on the store's website. This is a great tool for photographing small artifacts at home.

If you're handy, you can make one of these studios yourself. The directions are online at DIY Photography. The instructions seem fairly simple and there are photographs to help you see how the set-up works.

Photos and Global Warming

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:01:00 +0000

This is not a political statement, but I'd like you to take a look at some gorgeous photos taken by Bradford Washburn in 1937 and then compare them to images taken recently of the same areas. David Arnold and Gabriela Romanow have brought together these photographs in an online exhibit about global warming. It doesn't matter how you feel about the climate change issue, just take a peak at Doubleexposure.net. The pictures are beautiful!

Here's the Living Statue!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:41:00 +0000

Turns out the image wasn't in my collection after all! The owner has given permission for me to publish it here. It's a wonderful tableau of a mother and two children dressed in white and covered in white makeup. Enjoy! Thanks to Larry Depetrillo for letting me use it.

Philip H. Rose had a studio in Providence, Rhode Island from 1886 to 1910. I wrote a short biographical sketch of him for an as yet unpublished work on Rhode Island photographers.

Living Statues are Nothing New

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:16:00 +0000

While I sat at the car dealership waiting for my car to be repaired I saw Martha Stewart's Halloween Show. It was a fantastic assortment of holiday crafts, food and costumes. The show featured Martha as Medusa with living statues in the background. The comedian Serge Dulac was on. It was wonderful to see his collection called the Imaginum. But the moment I saw it I thought, oh no, I've seen something like it before.

Somewhere in my collection of images is a portrait of a woman wearing white clothes and makeup looking like a statue. It dates from the 1880s. I'm going to dig around and see if I can find it. It's missing in my digital archive, so I'm wondering where it is. When I find it..Well you be the judge. It's an example of how history repeats itself.

Happy Halloween!

Piecing Together a Photographer's Collection in El Paso

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:07:00 +0000

There is a great story on the front page of today's Wall Street Journal. "This Detective Story in Old El Paso is Written in Photos" by Stephanie Simon tells how a librarian named Claudia Rivers is trying to identify the 50,000 unidentified portraits in photographs taken by the Casasola photography studio. It's a great story that won't be online for long. There is an accompanying video but I couldn 't get the link to work.

Sign Up for a Free Webinar!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Next Wednesday night I'm the featured speaker on an Ancestry.com sponsored webinar on preserving family treasures. I hope you'll join me for this event. It's FREE. Register following the link and you'll receive a confirmation of your registration.

See you then!

What's New Is Old and Old is New? Women and the Presidency

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:11:00 +0000

Hilary Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Sarah Palin, and Victoria Woodhull. Woodhull?? You might not know that way back in 1872, The Equal Rights Party nominated her for President on May 10, 1872. That's about half a century before women were awarded the right to vote. According to a Wikepedia article on Woodhull, former slave Frederick Douglass was the choice for Vice-President, but he never acknowledged the nod.

Born in 1838, Woodhull was an outspoken advocate of sex education, free love, short skirts, and women's rights. For six years (1870-1876) she co-published with her sister Tennessee Claflin, Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly. You can read an archive of the papers online. The two sisters were the first female stockbrokers on Wall Street and amassed a fortune.

Victoria Woodhull's name never appeared on the presidential ballot and she didn't receive any electoral votes, but it appears that she did receive a few popular votes.

In 1876 Woodhull moved to England where she died on June 9, 1927. The thrice married Woodhull retired from public life around 1901.

Today Show Video

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen A. Taylor) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000

I'm back from New York. What a whirlwind visit it was! Here are the two segments from the Today Show of Friday August 29th.