Scanning Family Photographs - Genealogy 101

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  • Опубліковано 29 лип 2024
  • Family photographs - what do you do with them? This video will go over best practices for scanning these family treasures. Instagram: ancestrybyaimee Facebook: @aimeecross2
    Family history is more meaningful when photographs are included. These treasures inherited are often lost or destroyed. What is the best way to digitize them, share them with family, and use them in genealogy research.
    Should you buy a scanner, rent one or visit a library to scan your images? We will discuss all-in-one printer/scanners as well as other scanners available, including things to look for in a new scanner when wanting to scan family photos, negatives or slides.
    Should you scan a black and white photo in color or black and white? What dpi is recommended? What format should you use? We will discuss tiff, jpeg and png's as well provide hints on labeling images.
    0:18 Why scan photographs?
    1:40 Labeling photographs
    2:40 Equipment options
    6:42 Sending things out to be digitized
    7:46 Scanning tips
    8:48 Scanning settings - TIFF, JPG and others explained
    11:36 Labeling digital images
    12:50 Meta data
    13:36 Using paint program to add information
    13:57 Sharing
    For a tutorial on scanning photos and documents, visit ancestryconsultingbyaimee.com...
    For scanner reviews: www.cnet.com/topics/scanners/...
    The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah will allow you to scan slides and other photographs on their equipment at no charge. www.familysearch.org/family-h...
    A great company I've used to digitize some family 8mm video and other video recordings as well as audio recordings is LegacyBox. They even re-did a few things that didn't come out great - terrific customer service! (I have not received any compensation for this endorsement.) legacybox.com
    #Genealogy #ScanPhotos #FamilyHistory
    Opening music "Something Elated" by Broke for Free.
    freemusicarchive.org/music/Br...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @AncestryAimee
    @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому +1

    Here's a video about organizing those family photos - hope it helps! ua-cam.com/video/sENy2NdteFg/v-deo.html

  • @loraleewellington9064
    @loraleewellington9064 11 місяців тому +2

    I just want to second what you said about losing your precious photos in a fire. I lost all of mine in a huge wildfire nearly 6 years ago. (Both photos of ancestors, and my own family treasures) Oh, how I miss them still!
    Everyone -- please take the time to do that! You just never know when something could happen and you could lose them all!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  11 місяців тому

      I’m so sorry. That’s awful but thanks for sharing your story to encourage others to get it done.

  • @mdaly724
    @mdaly724 Рік тому +6

    I create a text "sidecar" file to contain the text on the front or back of the photo or notes about information I've learned about the photo. The sidecar file is named exactly the same as the TIF file but as a TXT file. In that way, the files appear together when you list the files. So, I might have daly_grocery_wagon.TIF, daly_grocery_wagon.jpg, and the sidecar file daly_grocery_wagon.txt. I keep the TIF as my 'master' and use the JPG to share with family, include in family history stories or reunion pamphlets, etc. The advantage to the sidecar file is that I can update it any time without using an image editing app. The disadvantage is that it is possible to share the image without the corresponding information (but I don't usually do that).

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      That’s a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing it!

    •  Рік тому +1

      There are ways of inputting that "sidecar" information in the metadata of the photo file, so it goes with it when you send it to someone.

  • @leonleborgne573
    @leonleborgne573 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you. I inherited hundreds of family photos from my dad's side. They were not well off but someone has had a camera for more than 100 years. I have a 20yo and 12yo flatbed scanners--still working just fine; also, a 3yo all-in-one. I use photoshop element 9 and have had great success. Appreciate your vids.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      Thanks for sharing! What a treasure you have!!

  • @annw1395
    @annw1395 Рік тому +3

    Yes, flatbed scanner!
    I have dozens of ancestor photos from the 1800s -- the original "cardboard " ones -- and I was so glad when computers came out and I could share them on Family Search and Ancestry! And since then, I've seen those same photos on multiple other family trees, so I'm grateful that they got access to their ancestors' photos, too.
    The Mesa, AZ Family History Library also has several types of machines for scanning or transferring to thumb drives (slides; over-sized flatbed scanners; and videos i think). They are free to use, but must be reserved in advance.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      Yeah! A number of the local FamilySearch libraries (just changed the name of the family history libraries in local church buildings) have similar scanners and such. Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

    • @annw1395
      @annw1395 Рік тому +1

      No, these are specialized machines, and are not found in the Family Search centers in the church bldgs. These are only at the Mesa Temple Visitor's Center. But they are open and free for anyone to use. Fabulous.

  • @jamesmcgarity614
    @jamesmcgarity614 2 роки тому +4

    Being I'm just starting into this the information, it's overwhelming. Your videos are a great help and keep up the good work. Found at the start I didn't save the information and didn't know how to organize it. But with your help I'm getting there. This is addictive.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      Thanks for the payday! Making these videos is not lucrative and its comments like these that keep me going. Thank you!
      And I agree - its completely addictive!!

    • @grantfahlman1815
      @grantfahlman1815 Рік тому

      @@AncestryAimee I had to chuckle with both James' comment and your reply. I've been working on my family tree for a few years (much more now) and I'm not sure if "addictive" quite gets it. I spend more time doing this and get more enjoyment from it than most other activities I spend time on!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      @@grantfahlman1815 🤣

  • @H.pylori
    @H.pylori Місяць тому

    Still great advice in 2024, thank you.

  • @leeannmoorman-cross2956
    @leeannmoorman-cross2956 2 роки тому +1

    I just found a box of old photos. This video information is well-timed! THANK YOU!!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      So glad it’s helpful! Happy scanning!

  • @roberthowe321
    @roberthowe321 2 роки тому +3

    I also use the smart phone App "PhotoScan" by google photos. It will eliminate almost all glare from photos that are behind glass or in other reflective light conditions. It is really handy when you are visiting folks and they have photos you would like to copy.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      Love, love that app! I had thought about including it and then didn’t. But it’s fantastic. The only drawback is there is a small Google watermark at the bottom but it comes in so handy! Thanks for mentioning it Robert!

    • @roberthowe321
      @roberthowe321 2 роки тому +1

      I use PhotoScan on my iPhone and then down load the photos to my computer (Apple). I have never seen a watermark. A google search indicates that you only get a watermark if you directly share the image from the PhotoScan App.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      @@roberthowe321 You've taught me something new!! Thanks! I guess I've used the app in the past - I'm going to follow your example! Thanks!

  • @nancyjenkins4305
    @nancyjenkins4305 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Aimee. I’ve been wanting to scan our family photos!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      Thanks Nancy! Glad it’s helpful for you! Good luck with your scanning!

  • @ginatracy8634
    @ginatracy8634 2 роки тому +1

    Informative, nice work.

  • @dorothyjohnson5614
    @dorothyjohnson5614 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for this info--answers a lot of basic questions I have as I'm just getting started with digitizing my photos!

  • @lizbethlee3833
    @lizbethlee3833 Рік тому

    Great advice. Thank you.

  • @lynnfred7675
    @lynnfred7675 Рік тому

    Thank you. I have learned so much from you.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      Thank you Lynn. I appreciate you saying that.

  • @stephaniebrown5208
    @stephaniebrown5208 11 місяців тому

    Great info!! Thank you so much!!!

  • @twilahixon2456
    @twilahixon2456 2 роки тому +2

    Very good tips, answered a lot of my questions. ed

  • @marygrether1
    @marygrether1 5 місяців тому

    thank you!!

  • @lionheart830
    @lionheart830 Рік тому +1

    My cousin gave me a shoebox filled with very old photos. Many have no names but I treasure them anyway. He only knew that they were all family from West Virginia. Makes me sad but very happy.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      I get it. Maybe someday you’ll be able to work some of it out.

  • @barbarabooth9824
    @barbarabooth9824 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you

  • @NancyW726
    @NancyW726 Місяць тому

    Really great video with such helpful information! Thank you! I hadn't seen you before, but have now subscribed, as I am the (newly minted) family historian and will be scanning a lot!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Місяць тому

      So glad to hear that! Be sure to check out this video too. ua-cam.com/video/hOhU9q9lpRo/v-deo.htmlsi=BpiBZEpsXyWvonCQ

    • @NancyW726
      @NancyW726 Місяць тому +1

      @@AncestryAimee Thank you! I have an all-in-one printer/scanner, but the only type of photo format it seems to allow is JPEG, and you're stressing the importance of TIFF format. So I need an affordable flatbed scanner that can do that. Suggestions? Meanwhile I think I can use my all-in-one printer/scanner to scan my family history documents into PDF format, right?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Місяць тому +1

      @NancyW726 you can use pdf but your printer / scanner should do tiff too. It may be a software update. You can go online and see if there is a scanning download for that printer. It may be like a separate program.

    • @NancyW726
      @NancyW726 Місяць тому

      @@AncestryAimee Yay! I figured out how to choose TIF on my printer/scanner! Thank you again! One more question (for now :-) - would it be a good idea to scan my 100 year old documents like birth certificates, etc. in TIF format rather than PDF? For higher quality?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Місяць тому

      @@NancyW726 I think so

  • @kathywiseman7944
    @kathywiseman7944 Рік тому +1

    Thank you. I always just used jpeg which seems to transfer and share the easiest.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      It definitely does transfer and share the easiest, but for keeping the image definitely do it in TIFF or another format too.

  • @GenealogyGrandmother
    @GenealogyGrandmother Місяць тому

    I would like ideas on how to find the people in the photographs in my inherited photographs. I have uploaded some of them to a couple of local interest groups on Facebook but there have to be other ways to share the unknowns and find their people. Thanks, another great video.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Місяць тому

      Thank you! There’s a company called Related Faces that I did a video about. Check it out: Identifying People in Photographs (7 GREAT TIPS)
      ua-cam.com/video/LOFLhv71ihY/v-deo.html
      Buy I’m hearing rumors of better technology for that on the big sites like Ancestry. Give it just a little time. 😃👍

  • @dalemccullough5693
    @dalemccullough5693 2 роки тому +2

    Great information. Thanks so much. I've been uncertain how to properly place a photo into a person's profile on Ancestry and give credit to the person who originally uploaded the photo. Downloading the photo and then adding it to a person's profile makes it appear that you are the originator of the photo to others.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому +1

      Glad it was helpful! Good suggestion! I'll look at adding a video on those features on Ancestry.

    • @grantfahlman1815
      @grantfahlman1815 Рік тому

      Dale, after uploading the photo you could add comments (ie., the originator). There's no guarantee that will be carried forward by anyone that makes a copy later, but most true family history buffs would likely want to retain it.

  • @faustbos
    @faustbos Рік тому +2

    One scan tip you missed, remember remember remember to scan the back! (If there is information there)

  • @randywallis9624
    @randywallis9624 Рік тому +2

    You may have already covered it in another video but what about repairing damaged photos?
    Thanks
    Randy

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      I haven’t. I also haven’t done much of that. But it’s a good topic!!

  • @mrrpswife
    @mrrpswife 7 місяців тому

    Also, you can donate them to the archives. A lot of people just throw them away!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  7 місяців тому

      Great point!! Thanks for sharing that.

  • @ashleymitts
    @ashleymitts 7 місяців тому

    You can also wear those white cotton gloves to handle photos with.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  7 місяців тому

      Good suggestion! A must for tin type photographs, but good for any older photograph. Thanks!

  • @roncadillac3987
    @roncadillac3987 Рік тому +1

    I’ve got scanning down, but am trying to figure out how to photos and documents into Ancestry. Have you done any videos on this? Thanks!

  • @jamesmcgarity614
    @jamesmcgarity614 4 місяці тому +1

    Don't want to bother you again but have your ever used photomine. I don't want to buy until I hear some good

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  4 місяці тому

      I saw them again at Rootstech. I haven’t used them but have heard good things.

  • @elainenagel
    @elainenagel Рік тому +1

    My question: what is a good scan program to use for a flat bed scanner in scanning multiple pictures?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      Elaine I’m sure there are other programs out there but I don’t know. I always use the software associated with the scanner. If you go on their website, often there is additional software available to download.

  • @trilingualinterp3274
    @trilingualinterp3274 Рік тому +1

    Do you have any info about collapsible light boxes or V-FLAT WORLD The Light Cone x Karl Taylor Photo and using iPhones
    Higher dpi than scanners?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому +1

      Great questions! I don’t have those collapsible light boxes. I’ve looked at them at conferences. I’m kinda a keep it simple girl. They will probably be on sale at Rootstech. I’m going to do a live video 3/2 about the deals available there.
      I think the light boxes can be really helpful when you want amazing pictures. I have used the app PhotoScan on my phone to help with glare when I can’t put something in a flatbed scanner. I use my iPhone a lot for other items. The camera we have on our phones is so amazing now. I shoot my videos on my iPhone. I have also taken items to the FamilySearch library in Salt Lake to use their imaging equipment.
      I’m sure there are folks out there that know more about that type of equipment and are really into photography and preservation.

  • @edwardyeutson8507
    @edwardyeutson8507 Рік тому +1

    What indexing programs are there that are user friendly?
    I want to put the name of the person and the img number where they can be found 100s of image numbers of that person. picture or document of that same person. Just like in a book with an index. As I have 41,000 images.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      I don’t have a good answer for you Edward. You are really talking about a database or catalogue program. Here’s an article you might like www.techrepublic.com/article/five-free-cataloging-applications/

  • @marygrether1
    @marygrether1 5 місяців тому

    ok now the question, after you scan those photos, what do you do with the regular photos? do we throw them away? I'd like to know!

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  5 місяців тому

      Good question! I think it depends on the photo. I have tons of 3 x 5's of when I was a kid and haven't kept all of those. If I have a very old photo or something that is precious, I keep them. I think it's a space issue too. I would include a note in the box for your family that they have been digitized and can be found.... (or include a flash drive with them in that box too).

  • @kjohnson2827
    @kjohnson2827 Рік тому +1

    What are your thoughts about using jpg but making files read only? Shouldn't easily be resaved, so I assume it would remain at original quality since it can't be saved...

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      I honestly don’t know the answer to that. That’s a terrific question. Anyone else have thoughts?

    • @silverwoodchuck47
      @silverwoodchuck47 Місяць тому

      Memory is cheap. I scan and save in png format. Jobs adds artifacts that might be visible.

  • @edwardyeutson8507
    @edwardyeutson8507 Рік тому

    Keeping it simple I mean Last name alphabetical order first name in alphabetical order and the picture image number for front and back And image numbers in numerical order when it’s put in the program for that person. If you look at family tree maker that’s the name order, then the Image number.
    That’s how simple I want it to be. A book gives the page number of where that name appears it’s that simple.
    I have done Family history for 47 years and am pretty much the last one that knows who these people are in the pictures. I have many thousands of pictures to put names on until I can’t do it anymore. My hope is that my grand kids will do the index as I have 5TB hard drives they can use to make the index even if I am not around anymore. Some of My grand kids are in the teens. Hope they will take the interest once their family starts getting the albums.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      There are fancy programs and complicated things for that, but I’m an advocate for keeping it simple. I also think about what is going to be around in 50 years. For that reason I’d do it in excel. There will be some kind of program that can read it, you can sort it in columns (like name or image number).

  • @jamesmcgarity614
    @jamesmcgarity614 2 роки тому

    I hate to bother you, but last night I was watching one of you training videos and you gave us a Google site that helps identify backgrounds in photos, I didn't write it down, could I have it again Please Please

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      I’m not sure what you referring to. I’m sorry! I can’t think of a site like that. There is an app that allows you to take a picture and it will remove glare. It’s Google PhotoScan. It’s a free app. Hope that helps!

    • @HuSa55
      @HuSa55 Рік тому

      Perhaps google lenz

  • @lanipetersen
    @lanipetersen 2 роки тому +1

    Where are the "show notes"?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому

      Great question! If you look under the video in the text there's a picture of me in a circle with a description of the video. In this case it says "I often get the question - what do I do with the boxes..." Underneath that it says "SHOW MORE." If you click on those words, the full show notes will come up with links to things that may be helpful.

  • @samanthas3909
    @samanthas3909 2 роки тому +1

    Do you recommend using Color Restoration on antique, yellowed photos?

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  2 роки тому +1

      Great question! I think it’s a matter of preference. With the digital options you can always make a copy and have a copy both ways.

  • @fluorite1965
    @fluorite1965 5 місяців тому

    I have family photos over 100 years old and they are not going anywhere.

  • @edwardyeutson8507
    @edwardyeutson8507 Рік тому +1

    How I scan pictures and Documents I have 23,000 hard copies family pictures and 20 to 30 thousand documents. I have from family when I first started before computers and scanners, I took pictures of pictures with a 35mm camera once computer and scanners came to be I scanned all my pictures and documents. what I do I use image numbers as the identification only of a picture and I never use that image number again. I tell family don’t give me a description of the picture or a name because as many pictures as I have scanned, I won’t know what your or who you’re talking about. Give me the image number! As I have many thumb drives and TB drives scattered around the US. I also like to make it simple. To set your computer for split screen. Draw your screen to the left till their only 2 images showing the left image is the picture and the right is who is in the picture. If you have already scanned your pictures that’s not a problem have your tec., make it so when you use the same image number as the picture it won’t delete the picture like
    img20,000 -20,000 (2) who is in the picture regardless how many times you use that image number it will just go to 20,000 (3) and so on. I only use Jpg because I have been at funerals the person used a different format it wouldn’t work at the funeral home all their machines are Jpg.
    Ok on the bottom left corner on the back of the picture I print the image number like img20,000 - 20,001 the even number is the picture the odd number is who is in the picture. If the picture and who is in the picture switches sides, you know you messed up say you didn’t like the scan and scanned the picture again and forgot to turn the scanner number back one.
    Now at first when I started, I typed who was in the picture that takes to much time when you have 40,000 pictures to scan, and I was scanning not just for a few days but years 8hr. a day
    I have some 150-year-old pictures done with a led pencil I didn’t know for a long time there was anything written on the picture. So, on the newer pictures I use permanent photo pin I am going to put DANGER not every photo pin is picture safe. The thing you must do is get a piece of junk photo paper your can get some at any place where they make hard copies picture for you. The pen I have used for years is.
    IDenti pen #44101 schwarz noir #49 XYK-T Black quick drying fine on one end and bold on the other. I check every pen by writing my full name on junk photo paper put the cap back on then rub my finger across where I just wrote my name if the ink doesn’t smudge the pen is good if the pen smudges throw it away, I don’t care how much you paid for it.
    On the back of the picture print don’t write.
    Something I need to do is make an index as my shelving in the computer room is 15 shelves high and A to H across 47 albums 500 pictures to each album and document 36 3
    D ring binders.

    • @AncestryAimee
      @AncestryAimee  Рік тому

      Thanks for sharing your methods and info!

    • @annw1395
      @annw1395 Рік тому +2

      That's a LOT of photos and documents!