The Photo Detective

In today's solo episode, Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, delves into the essential practice of interviewing relatives for family history research. Following the feedback from newsletter subscribers and podcast listeners, this episode focuses on the collective wisdom and personal insights shared on this topic. We will explore the nuances of conducting effective interviews, the importance of capturing oral histories, and how these personal accounts enrich our understanding of family lineage and heritage.

• Introduction to the importance of interviewing relatives for family history research.
• Summary of listener and subscriber advice on conducting interviews.
• Tips for preparing for an interview, including researching and creating a conducive environment.
• Discussion of the best practices for recording interviews and preserving oral histories.
• Insights on starting with elder relatives and verifying family information.
• Techniques for encouraging relatives to share stories and memories.
• Overview of resources for developing effective interview questions, such as AmericanAncestors.org.
• Personal anecdotes and advice from other listeners on the value of capturing family stories.
• Preview of the next episode focusing on advice for one’s younger self in family history research.

Related Episodes: 

Episode 228: Joseph Quaderer: Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.com

Episode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie King

Links: 

• Conducting a Family History Interview from AmericanAncestors.org
• 100 Questions to Ask Your Mother from Today.com 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveTM helps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

Today, we dive into the flavorful world of Andrew Scrivani, a renowned food photographer and author of “That Photo Makes Me Hungry”. Andrew shares his extensive experience spanning over two decades, revealing insights into the evolution of food photography, his creative process, and the broader implications of visual storytelling in our culinary experiences. As we explore his journey from capturing the essence of food to coaching emerging creatives, Andrew illuminates the intricate relationship between art, life, and the ever-changing digital landscape of photography.

• Discussion on the evolution of food photography and its cultural significance
• Insights into the impact of social media and technology on the photography industry
• Exploration of food photography’s role in documenting cultural and temporal changes
• The importance of storytelling and personal connection in creating memorable images
• His involvement with the Content Authentication Initiative
• Future trends in photography, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AI

Related Episodes:

Episode 209: Seeing Double: Talking Look-Alikes with Francois Brunnelle 

Episode 196: Early Color Photos and the American Museum of Photography 

Links:

• Content Authenticity 
• Andrew Scrivani’s website 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Andrew is a photographer, director, and producer who has worked on editorial, publishing, advertising, content creation, documentary, and feature film projects. He is also the producer and co-host of The Chef John Podcast. 

Andrew launched his online learning platform in April of 2022 called the Andrew Scrivani Academy.  His first book, That Photo Makes Me Hungry by Countryman Press was released in 2019. He is also involved on the advisory board of the Content Authenticity Initiative, which was organized through Adobe and some other big tech companies. 

About Maureen Taylor:
Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

Mitch Goldstone, from ScanMyPhotos.com, returned to the Photo Detective Podcast to discuss the growth and evolution of his photo-scanning business. Having preserved over a billion pictures, the company specializes in digitizing old photographs, slides, and films, thus safeguarding personal and historical memories. Mitch shared the journey of adapting from traditional photo labs to digital scanning, fueled by shifts in technology and public events. He highlighted the emotional impact of rediscovering and sharing old photos, especially through their ScanFast service for urgent needs. The conversation also touched on the future of photo archiving, including AI and virtual reality enhancements.

• Mitch Goldstone of ScanMyPhotos.com discusses surpassing a billion scanned photos.
• Technological shifts and events like 9/11 influenced the transition from traditional photo labs to digital scanning.
• The importance of digitizing photos to preserve memories and prevent loss due to deterioration or disasters.
• Introduction of ScanFast service for same-day scanning, aiding in immediate needs like memorial services.
• The role of digital archiving in preserving family history and cultural heritage.
• The impact of AI and virtual reality in enhancing photo viewing experiences.

Note: This is an affiliate promotion, meaning we may earn a commission if you take advantage of this fantastic deal. Act fast, preserve your history, and save big with 'GoDigital' at ScanMyPhotos.com!

Related Episodes: 

Episode 50: Scan My Photos with Mitch Goldstone   

Episode 162: Preserving Your Life with Gaylord Archival

Links: 

• ScanMyPhotos.com 
• USA Today Tech Tips
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Mitch Goldstone is co-founder and CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com which has professionally preserved one billion happy memories, family milestones, and special events for its customers since 1990. Mitch is a well-known leader in the photo imaging and tech industry who is regularly profiled by the national news media for his innovations and advocacy issues. 

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please 

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. 

Support the show

In this solo episode, Maureen shares invaluable advice from her listeners, guiding beginner genealogists on their journey to trace their ancestry. From the critical importance of verification to the joy of discovering untold family stories, Maureen navigates through the collective wisdom of her audience, offering a treasure trove of tips and insights for anyone embarking on their genealogical quest.

• Overview of the episode’s theme: collecting advice for beginner genealogists from experienced listeners.
• Discussion on the importance of documenting family history accurately and avoiding assumptions.
• Insights into the challenges and rewards of genealogical research, including unexpected discoveries and the depth of family history.
• Tips for organizing genealogical research, including the use of timelines and careful documentation.
• Emphasis on the collaborative nature of genealogy and respecting the ownership of research findings.
• Exploration of the evolving career opportunities in genealogy and the importance of education in the field.
• Importance of skepticism towards online information and the value of primary sources in genealogical research.

Related Episodes:

Episode 160: Ask Maureen December 2021 edition 

Episode 147: Ask Maureen September 2021 Edition 

Links:

• Submit Your Ask Maureen Question 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal discusses the popular Relatives at Rootstech feature, which allows conference registrants to connect with family. It’s free to sign up, easy to participate in, and only available until March 31, 2024. Elizabeth shares her strategies for using it.  

• Register for RootsTech to access recorded content and participate in “Relatives at RootsTech” for family tree connections.
• Opt-in to participate in “Relatives at RootsTech” and ensure you have an updated family tree on FamilySearch.
• Use the FamilySearch family tree mobile app to find relatives and actively engage with the genealogical community.
• Experience sharing reveals the potential to connect with distant relatives and gain new insights into family history.
• New features like saving contacts on RootsTech improve long-term communication possibilities with newfound relatives.

Related Episodes:

Episode 205: Numbers to Names: A Holocaust Photo Database 

Episode 24: Civil War Photo Sleuth

Links:

• 5 Things to Do With Relatives at Rootstech
• Heart of the Family 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal is a professional genealogist, writer, educator, and national genealogical speaker. She is the author of the family history lifestyle website, Heart of the Family™ where her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of Joseph Quaderer, founder of StorySavor.com. Learn how this unique company is changing the landscape of biography writing, making it accessible to everyone.

Joseph shares his transition from a finance professional to a passionate writer and entrepreneur. He discusses his experiences, from writing novels to starting a successful blog, and how these experiences led to the birth of StorySavor. Discover how StorySavor is democratizing the biography writing process, allowing anyone to have their stories artfully captured and preserved for generations. Joseph explains the streamlined process StorySaver uses to connect clients with professional writers, ensuring personal stories are told with authenticity and depth.

Learn about the growth of StorySavor, its network of professional writers, and its impact on the writing community. Joseph reflects on the importance of storytelling, the therapeutic nature of sharing life stories, and his vision for the future of StorySavor.

Related Episodes:

Episode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie King 

Bonus Episode: Katherine Howe on Writing–from the Salem Witches to Gloria Vanderbilt

Links:

• StorySavor.com
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Joseph Quaderer is a graduate of The University of Notre Dame (BA in finance), New York University Stern School of Business (MBA in finance and strategy), and Columbia University Journalism School (MS in long-form journalism). After spending 17 years as a banker on Wall Street, he left finance to pursue his passion for storytelling. He’s currently the founder and CEO of StorySavor – a biography writing services company. StorySavor has a roster of 74 professional writers with credits in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Forbes, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and many other top publications.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

Welcome to another captivating episode of our podcast! In today’s show, we’re joined by the remarkable Howlin Davis, a genealogy enthusiast with an extraordinary story to share. After tuning into one of our newsletters, Howlin revealed his unique tale of rediscovery. His journey began with an unexpected phone call that led him to a treasure trove of lost family memories captured in old film reels.

Approximately 11 months ago, Howlin received a mysterious call asking if he was related to someone involved with the New York Stock Exchange. This call was the key to unlocking a series of family films dating back to the 1940s. These films, mistakenly believed to be related to the Stock Exchange, were actually personal family movies, showcasing scenes of New York City, Boston, and upstate New York.

In this episode, Howlin takes us through the emotional journey of discovering these films. He explains his meticulous process of documenting each frame, revealing not just images but stories of his ancestors – his young parents, grandparents, and even family friends. This collection offers a rare glimpse into their lives, capturing their personalities and their era.

Related Episodes:

Bonus Episode: Lost History Discovered (in the Recycling) 

Episode 65: Lost Films Need Your Help!  With Elil Savada

Links:

• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

In 1973, Howland’s mother-in-law wanted to update her father’s descendency information (Neher/Near) which she published by hand (printing press & type).  He had the book scanned so that they could work on it together. The updated book was republished in 1997. His mother then asked him to update her father’s family history (Fabyan), which was dated 1925 and was on a sheet of paper 40 inches wide by 30 inches high. He used that to make a book with that information in October 2002.  He is now working on the fifth edition. 

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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. 

Support the show

In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming and intriguing world of Julian Rebello, the founder of the Chosen Families Project. Julian, a recent graduate with a unique blend of chemistry and graphic design expertise, has embarked on a poignant mission to reunite lost photographs, documents, and letters with their rightful families. His journey, which began with a chance discovery in an antique store, has evolved into a passionate project blending genealogy, history, and storytelling. Julian shares his experiences, challenges, and the satisfying moments of reuniting people with a piece of their history. His story is not just about preserving the past but also about connecting generations and honoring memories.

• Introduction to Julian Rebello and the Chosen Families Project.
• Origin and evolution of the Chosen Families Project: Returning photographs, documents, and letters to families.
• The project’s uniqueness: Not just photographs, but also documents and letters.
• The first project: Wedding photographs from Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.
• The future goals and visions for the Chosen Families Project.
• Realistic perspectives on photo and document reunions.
• Closing thoughts and appreciation for Julian’s work.

Related Episodes:

Episode 174:  A Case of Mistaken Identity: Sue’s Wedding Photo Reunion 

Episode 145: Orphan Photos Reunited 

Links:

• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

Julian Rebelo is a New Jersey-based genealogist who, several years ago, created The Chosen Family Project out of his passion for collecting orphaned family photographs and documents whilst trying to reunite them with their respective families. Julian graduated from Monmouth University in 2023 with his Bachelor’s in Chemistry and recently graduated from the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program. For over eight years, he has conducted genealogical research for clients through his business, JRebeloGenealogy. He is also the podcast host and primary researcher of The Chosen Families Project, an active volunteer for the Keyport Historical Society, and a member of the Matawan Genealogy Club. 

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please l

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. 

Support the show

Maureen Taylor is thrilled to have Dr. Michael Pritchard on the podcast. He’s a celebrated historian and the author of A History of Photography in 50 Cameras. They discuss cameras, history, and the art of capturing moments.

• Introduction to Dr. Michael Pritchard: His background and expertise in the history of photography.
• Discussion on “A History of Photography in 50 Cameras”: Insights into the book’s approach to storytelling through cameras.
• Evolution of Camera Collecting: Trends in camera collecting from the 1980s to the present.
• The Importance of the Camera Obscura: Discuss the significance of this device in the history of photography.
• Digital Photography and its Future

Related Episodes:

Episode 170: Snapshot Cameras in Your Family with Peter Dumas

Episode 120: Good Pictures: Amateur Photography and Our Family with art historian Kim Beil

Links:

• British Photo History
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:
Dr. Michael Pritchard, a renowned figure in photography, has a diverse career spanning various roles. Initially a photography specialist at Christie’s, he set record auction prices for cameras. Holding a PhD in photographic history, he has extensively written and lectured on the subject both in the UK and internationally. His expertise extends to teaching MA courses and consulting for the British Library on the Kodak Historical Collection. He contributes significantly to the field as the director of the Royal Photographic Society’s public programs. His practical experience includes studio and location photography, darkroom techniques, and alternative processes. Michael has also been prominent in curating exhibitions and judging international photography competitions. His published works include notable titles like “A History of Photography in 50 Cameras,” and he edits The PhotoHistorian and the British Photo History blog. 

About Maureen Taylor:
Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo-related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

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. 

Support the show

In this episode, Maureen Taylor talks with Tammy Kirby, a Senior Lead Ambassador at Forever.com. Their conversation delves into the innovative world of Forever.com. As someone who transitioned from traditional scrapbooking to embracing the digital era, Tammy offers a unique perspective on how Forever.com is redefining how we store and preserve our digital memories. She explains its distinct features compared to other cloud storage solutions and how it ensures the longevity and safety of our digital legacies.

• Tammy Kirby’s Background and Introduction to Forever.com:
• The concept and functionality of Forever.com as more than just a digital photo organizer.
• Unique Features of Forever.com
• Introduction of Artisan software, Forever Box for physical conversions, and digital restoration services.
• Collaborative Features and App Functionality:
• Supported File Formats and Future Developments:
• Pricing and Storage Options:
• Tammy’s Favorite Feature: The ability to add rich descriptions to photos, enhancing the narrative of digital memories.

Related Episodes:

Episode 161: Creating a Digital Archive with Permanent.org 

Episode 95: How to Save Your Family Archive on Permanent.org

Links:

• Tammy Kirby, Forever.com 
• Sign up for my newsletter.
• Watch my YouTube Channel.
• Like the Photo Detective Facebook Page so you get notified of my Facebook Live videos.
• Need help organizing your photos? Check out the Essential Photo Organizing Video Course.
• Need help identifying family photos? Check out the Identifying Family Photographs Online Course.
• Have a photo you need help identifying? Sign up for photo consultation.

About My Guest:

A Personal Photo Management Coach from Connecticut, Tammy has been working for over 20 years, helping individuals and families find solutions for all their photo memory needs. She focuses on creating an organized, permanent, and secure digital home that includes not just names and dates but the stories behind the memories. Working together with her clients, from digitizing vintage photos to managing current phone photos & videos, she works step-by-step so that all important memories are preserved and shared for generations.

About Maureen Taylor:

Maureen Taylor, The Photo DetectiveÒhelps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others.   Learn more at Maureentaylor.com

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. 

Support the show