Now it is time to look at those antique family photographs that have in your possession. Labeling them is a bit more of a challenge because they are records of events before your memory. However, you will find clues hidden in the photographs. Dating the photographs is the first thing to do. Photography methods have changed over the years. Understanding this process will help you get a date range.
Next, a close examination of the image will give you clues. Look at the clothing, objects in the picture, buildings, and approximate age of the people. Use a magnifying glass to get a closer view. Don't forget the back of the photograph. Identifying the photographer or studio a formal picture was taken by can help you date them. Each picture is like a mystery waiting to be solved.
Older relatives can be a great resource for identification. But, hold on to your original copy. Make a copy at someplace like Kinko's or your office supply store, and send that to them. Also remember that their memories may be faulty and further proof of identification may be needed.
Here are a couple of sites that will give you further tips on this process:
Your Family Legacy-Researching Old Photos gives some tips on finding clues in the photograph.
Dating Old Photographs is a great site to find further links to solve the mysteries of the family pictures.
Once you have identified the photographs, you need to store them in a safe temporary place. I will write about long time storage in another article. For now, they are stored so I can work with them. I have put mine in a three ring binder, one photograph per archival plastic sleeve (the kind I have my documents and family sheets in). A label can be attached on the outside. This way they are safe for the moment.
Once all your photographs, old and new, are labeled, you will be ready for the next step. Restoring faded and damaged ones. That will be in my next photographic article, in a few weeks.
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