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  • How to analyze old family photos for finding context
    • Main contributor: Lisa Lisson
    black and white family photo from 1909
    1909 Family Photo

    Family photographs function as significant historical artifacts, offering a direct link to one's ancestors and their lives. Just as a genealogy researcher analyzes a birth or a death record, a family photograph should be analyzed for it's historical significance, too. Old family photographs capture not only the image of individuals but also provide insight into family traits, relationships, social dynamics and even personalities. By closely examining these images, researchers and historians can find valuable clues to an ancestor's life.

    Often the most informative photographs of ancestors are the candid photos. These casual photographs capture individuals in informal poses and relaxed moments in life revealing more of their personalities and way of life.

    Prepare to analyze family photographs

    If possible, digitize the photograph(s) of interest first. A digitized photograph is easier to analyze for the smaller details and clues.

    If the photograph has minor damage such as creasing or fading, use a photo editor app such as MyHeritage's Reimagine app to enhance and/or repair the photograph. Digitized photographs can also be easily enlarged bringing out out details in the analysis process that might otherwise be overlooked.

    Date the old family photograph

    Once digitized (and enhanced if needed), the next step is to date the photograph.

    Determining a date (or approximate date range) an old family photograph was taken is crucial in identifying the individuals in the photo. It is also crucial for interpreting the family history clues correctly. The MyHeritage photo dater makes the dating process quick and easy.

    Once an approximate date has been determined, it's time to take a close look at the details for stories and connections.

    Look first at the individual(s) in the photograph

    Start your analysis of the photograph with the individual(s) themselves. Take note of any family resemblances you see. Starting with the facial features, note:

    • Shape of the face
    • Tilt of the head
    • Shape of the eyes
    • Symmetry or asymmetry of any facial features
    • Scars or birthmarks
    • Demeanor of the individual - This is less obvious, but if more than one photo of an individual is available, notice if a pattern of expressions emerges across them.

    Next, pay attention to:

    • The pose and positioning of the people in the photograph. Are they close together or standing apart? Are they touching? Are their arms crossed or open in a more relaxed position. Poses can indicate the closeness of the individuals.
    • The posture of the individuals. Are they fully upright or seem to be slumped? Is it full of tension or relaxed?
    • The clothing. Are they in their finest outfits or dressed more casually? Do the clothes indicate a specific occupation or a specific culture? Do the clothes match what you know about the family's socio-economic status? Clothing provides insights into an ancestor's daily life.

    The Backgrounds

    Once a study of the individuals is completed, turn your attention to the background details. The background of a photograph is often overlooked, yet it provides valuable clues to a family's socioeconomic status and daily life.

    Analyze the presence and scale of residential or commercial structures within the photograph. Pay particular attention to details on the buildings, such as ornamentation or materials used. Assess the overall condition of the structures, noting any signs of disrepair. The presence or absence of utilities, such as power lines, can also be informative. By considering these elements, it may be possible to glean insights into the socioeconomic status of the depicted family. Additionally, such details can be used to further research the property through historical records, potentially including property deeds.

    Notice what the terrain looks like? Can you identify any crops, trees or other vegetation? These clues can help identify a general region or location of your ancestors for that time. For photographs in the city, what stores do you see? Are there signs in a different language that provide clues to the area? If so, add learning about that street/neighborhood to your research plan.

    Take a close look at any food that is present. Photographs of the food table at family gatherings reveal a family's culinary heritage!

    Do not overlook other people in the background of a photograph. They may not be the main focus of the photograph, but their presence tells you who interacted with whom. Candid photographs taken at family celebrations and gatherings are particularly important here. Notice who shows up at these gatherings and who is talking to whom. These family members are important to each other.

    By closely examining the details in old family photographs, an ancestor's life begins to come into focus.  The family traits, clothing styles, and even the background details can offer clues about the time period, social status, and even the photograph's location. With this newfound context, these photographs provide a connection to ancestors on a deeper level and an understanding of the world they inhabited.

    See also

    Explore more about how to analyze old family photos for finding context

    MyHeritage has a many helpful photo tools and articles to help the user get the most out of old family photographs.

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