How to Identify Photos for Genealogy

The person who provided the photograph is the first clue to identification of individuals in the picture.

Genealogists use a special naming system, called a pedigree, to identify individuals according to ancestry. Different pedigree systems exist, such as Ahnentafel, Henry, Register and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ). When identifying family photographs, use of a pedigree system ensures that other genealogists and future generations clearly understand who the photo represents. This is especially important since families tend to carry family names forward, with several generations having a member with the same name. Using a consistent system will greatly help in identifying photos for future generations.

Instructions

1. Select a pedigree chart system. The important thing is to select a system that works well for you. Use the same system for all your genealogy work.

2. Identify the time period of the photograph. The first permanent image was taken in 1826. The types of materials on which photographs were printed and the styles of the photographs changed rapidly, making it possible to date a photograph based upon the qualities of the photograph. Consult a guide for help with this process.

3. Use known information to form hypotheses regarding identification of individuals in the photograph. When identifying individuals in a group photo, it is most helpful when at least one of the individuals is already identifiable. Other individuals in the photograph may then be identified based upon their position in the photograph - such as a woman sitting next to a man with children standing around them, their approximate age in relation to the known individual and any other known information.

4. Ask other family members, especially older family members, for identification of individuals in a photograph. Compare the photograph being identified with other photographs of the same ancestral family.

5. Review your genealogical notes, family history and other historical data to place an individual in time and location.

6. Label the individuals in the photograph using your pedigree chart naming system. When possible, name at least three generations in the pedigree label. Use the full name of the individual and in parentheses provide ancestral information on father and grandfather whenever possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a computer-based pedigree system that allows inclusion of photographs when possible.

• The NGSQ system works well with photo identification.

References

• Genealogy One-on-One: Step 1 - Pedigree Chart
• Ancestors: Pedigree Chart
• Family Tree Magazine: Photo Detective: Mistaken Identity
• National Geographic: History of Photography

Resources

• Olive Tree Genealogy: Types of Early Photographs
• Genealogy One-on-One: Example NGSQ Ancestor Naming System
• Pieces of Science: The History of Photography
• "Care and Identification of 19th-Century Photographic Prints"; James M. Reilly; March 1, 1998