When I meet new people, invariably, the conversation turns to work. When I mention that I’m known as the Photo Detective, a puzzled look is the response.
“What do you do?”
I explain.
Your grandmother (or other relative) gives you a box of family photos some with names and others unlabeled. I help you tell the story of your family using those pictures. It’s the connection between pictures and family history that can reveal clues hidden in plain sight.
I usually share this simple message about pictures and stories. See the picture. Study the clues. Insert the family history. Tell the story.
I’ve been told by those watching that it looks like magic! Unfortunately, it isn’t.
It’s a lifetime of picture knowledge and decades of family history expertise.
Pictures are my passion, and history my hobby.
Together they make Family Photo Investigations!
If you have a single photo or a box-load of unidentified images, I would love to help you unravel your photo mysteries and family genealogy!
Family Photo Investigations
For years I’ve used “consultation” as a one-word descriptor for private meetings with clients to discuss their mystery pictures. In fact, these consultations are a lot more than a conversation. They’re part photo analysis and part forensic family history, thus a photo investigation.
Knowing what questions to ask and how to utilize forensic techniques means that I’m extremely well-suited for solving these mysteries. And I love helping clients to solve their mysteries!
Picture interpretation and analysis consist of more than costume clues and photographer’s evidence.
Here’s why:
Photo sessions almost always include my suggestions about other types of research avenues worth considering. Picture evidence often extends into unexplored family history. I’ll provide real details and concrete suggestions to push your genealogical research forward.
Frankly, I never know where a session is going to go. It depends on the pictures. The pictures drive the inquiry. The clues of who, what, when, and where direct our research. The answers to those questions may add up to reveal why your ancestors posed for that picture.
Why sign up for a photo investigation session?
Those fifteen minutes can change your research. Literally. Here are stories from my client files.
- Your grandmother told you who was in a picture, BUT the picture clues add up differently. Suddenly you realize that picture is of a great-great-grandparent you don’t know, and it was taken overseas! I’ll discuss the clues and action steps for finding out new information.
- A cousin told you that the family photo they found online is definitely a certain relative. The evidence suggests otherwise. Life dates for that relative don’t add up to the photo evidence. I’ll double-check your research, study the photo and provide guidance on who might be depicted.
- The box of pictures you inherited came from your mother, but what side of the family posed for all these pictures, and who are they? We’ll work on them one by one.
- The pictures are just the beginning. Learn more here. More in-depth coaching is available by request. (If you have more than three pictures, ask about my discount package.)
You Pick When and How We Meet
You pick a time slot that works for your schedule on my website, AND every consultation is recorded.
Zoom: We chat via Zoom, and Maureen shares her screen for a more in-depth photo investigation. These sessions will be recorded – however – it is the client’s responsibility to download and store the recording.
The Cost
- One image: $45 (Wednesday mornings)
- Up to Three images: (Save $26) $99 (Friday mornings)
- Custom discount: Depends on the number of images. Email for details.
- Can’t meet on a Wednesday or Friday? Email Maureen.
Not available on a Wednesday or Friday, email Maureen at photodetective@maureentaylor.com.
Want to offer this to your friends or organization as a Photo Detective Roadshow email Maureen at photodetective@maureentaylor.com
How It Works
Once I receive your images, I’ll start the research using my entire library of resources plus my 40 years of experience.
As part of your consultation, I often make suggestions about further research. While it’s possible to date a picture, there is always information not known about the people, places, or family connections. It’s necessary to track down that missing information to tell the story of the image.
We will discuss the photo problems and a list of additional questions that need answers. I often share a list of people and resources to help. Together we’ll develop a research plan.
“The combination of Maureen’s photo identification expertise and genealogy experience make her a valuable resource. Add to this her enthusiasm to help and it makes working with her a pleasure.”
– Joe Chabot, Waltham, Massachusetts
I’d love to help you solve your photo mysteries.
As a former curator and a photo-focused genealogist, there are people I’ve met who might have that one bit of information you need to answer a question. As a family historian and former reference librarian that works on photos from all over the world, it’s necessary for me to know how to dig up data. A colleague once called me a creative problem solver.
[pricing_table columns=”3″ alignment=”center”][pricing_column id=”60160″ title=”1 Photo” features=”1 Photo|Audio Recording” image=”true” highlight=”false”][pricing_column id=”10625″ title=”3 Photos” highlight=”true” features=”3 Photos|Video or Audio Recording” image=”true”][pricing_column id=”63857″ title=”7+ Photos” highlight=”false” features=”More than 6 Photos|Video or Audio Recording|Volume Discount” image=”true”][/pricing_table]About Maureen
I love photos! That’s no secret. I’ve spent my career looking at family pictures and studying their details. Each one is a piece of your genealogical story. I’ve never met a picture I didn’t love. They are all special in their own way. I’ve been recognized for my expertise by the New York Times, Better Homes and Gardens, The Boston Globe, and The Wall Street Journal, who claimed I was the “nation’s foremost historical photo detective.” I’ve written or contributed to more than 30 books. When I tell you that photographs are my passion, I have proof.
FAQs
Do I need to take notes?
All consults are recorded. Single photo consults are audio only. Consults of three or more images can be shared via video call. Maureen uses Zoom.
Can another relative join me?
Absolutely! You can share your confirmation information with them. I suggest it not be more than 2 other people live on the call though.
Can I share a consult?
Yes, as long as you’ve worked out how to split the time. It is o.k for you and another relative/friend to sign up for a consult.
What Do I Need?
On the day of the consult, be ready to discuss your family history with group sheets or your genealogy software.
What equipment do I need?
A phone for the call (you’ll be provided with a call-in number) or a stable internet connection for video calls (you’ll be sent a link). Since during video calls, you’ll be chatting face to face, a webcam is a bonus.
What about international images?
Maureen has expertise working with images taken around the world.
Will I be able to ask questions?
Absolutely! Questions are encouraged.
