Every family has a photo keeper—sometimes several. If you’re trying to identify the people in your collection, start by reaching out to relatives. You might be surprised at what’s tucked away in an attic, stored on a phone, or neatly arranged in an album across the country.
Ask Before You Assume
Don’t assume that someone doesn’t have photos just because they’ve never mentioned them. Ask every family member you meet—yes, even distant cousins—if they have a photograph collection. Many people have a box or album inherited from a grandparent or tucked away in a closet that hasn’t been opened in years. Those hidden treasures might hold the answers you’ve been searching for. A distant relative was sure she didn’t have any old photos. There was an oversized wedding portrait of her parents on the living room wall. “Oh, I forgot about that one,” she exclaimed.
One Pose Was Never Enough
Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, it was common for individuals to sit for multiple poses. Studios offered packages or encouraged people to try different looks—standing, seated, with props, or with family members. That means there may be duplicate or similar images in another branch of your family. A photo of your great-grandmother in your cousin’s album may have been taken on the same day as the one in yours.
Compare and Collaborate
What’s unidentified in your collection may be labeled in theirs. A quick message or shared scan might solve a long-standing mystery. I always recommend comparing notes—and metadata—when possible. Sometimes a small detail, like a photographer’s imprint or a handwritten name on the back, can unlock an entire family line.
Who Inherits the Photos?
One of the most fascinating (and sometimes contentious) questions in family history is: How are photos inherited in your family? Do they pass down through the eldest child? The one who shows the most interest? Or are they scattered among siblings and cousins? Understanding this pattern can help you trace where missing photographs might have gone—and where to look next. My Mom, the youngest, and her oldest sister inherited the photos. Her sister then gave them to her second daughter, who, in turn, gave them to her third child until they made their way to me.
Keep the Conversation Going
Photographs don’t just document family history—they are family history. Each one tells a story that’s waiting to be rediscovered and shared.
Join Me for Google Images and Beyond: Finding Family Photographs
If this topic intrigues you, you’ll love my talk “Google Images and Beyond: Finding Family Photographs.” I’ll show you how to locate images of your ancestors online—whether they’re hiding in digitized archives, social media posts, or unexpected corners of the internet.
Don’t miss out on new techniques, search tips, and ethical best practices for uncovering your family’s visual legacy.
Find booking information here