Perhaps you have a mystery photo and you’re wondering what a photo consult is like. 

During the course of a photo consultation, I look at your photos and discuss what you know about the pictures in question.  It’s often a deep dive into your family history.Together we discover and discuss the clues in the photograph and look at connections to your family history.

Frankly, I never know where a photo consult 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. It’s possible that the answers to those questions add up to a reveal about why your ancestors posed for that picture.  

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. 

There are three consultation options: a single photo consult, one for three photos, or if you want to discuss all of your mystery photos in one extended session you can take advantage of a volume discount. 

How Does it Work

First select the option you want–one, three, or many.  If it is 1 to 6 images you’ll be prompted to upload images and to add what you know about the picture/s.  

• Single image consults are conducted via phone on Wednesday mornings ET
• Three or more image consults are either via phone or video chat. You choose when you sign up.  Friday mornings are for these consults ET.  On video calls, I share your images on my screen.

If you have a high-resolution digital scan that’s best, that way I can see all the details. But if all you have is a scan of a photocopy you can upload that. I have tools that can sometimes enhance images to make them more visible. 

Next add what you know about the image referring to them as image 1, 2, or 3.  

If you have an online family tree it’s helpful to invite me to see it by sending me an email invitation to view it through the site you use. There are usually instructions on the major genealogy sites about how to share links. Once I receive your images, I’ll start on the research using my entire library of resources plus my 40years of experience. I like to see the back of the image as well if there is additional information on it. The front and back of the same image count as one picture. It’s best if you email the scans of the back to me directly rather than use the uploader. Once you’ve signed up for a slot, uploaded your images, and paid you will receive a confirmation email for the consultation. Check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive a confirmation. The confirmation email will have call-in details for telephone consults. Video links are sent separately. .

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 talk through the photo problems and discuss a list of additional questions that need answers. I often share a list of people and resources to help.  Together we’ll develop a

I'm thrilled to be offering something new. Photo investigations. These collaborative one-on-one sessions. Look at your family photos then you and I meet to discuss your mystery images. And find out how each clue and hint might contribute to your family history. Find out more by going to maureentaylor.com and clicking on family photo investigations. 

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