How to Identify Mystery Faces in Old Family Photographs
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Identifying old family photographs does not have to be impossible! Tips to identify your ancestors and discover your family history in old family photos.
Have you ever found yourself staring at old family photos, wondering who those unfamiliar faces might be? You’re not alone—unlabeled or mysterious photos are a common puzzle for genealogists. Thankfully, there are reliable strategies that can help turn those mystery individuals into identified ancestors.
In the following tips, you’ll discover four proven methods to guide you through the process of uncovering the stories behind your old family photos, helping you unlock more of your family’s rich history.
Genealogy research, old family photos and mystery individuals in those photos seem to go hand in hand!
(But they don’t have to!)
The old family photographs I share in this post arrived in a box originally marked “Richardson”. Unfortunately, none of the photographs are labeled. (I’m sure your ancestors labeled all of their photographs, right?!)
I do strongly suspect the men are from my Richardson family of Pittsylvania County, VA. There is a certain family “look” I have come to recognize in known Richardson family photos.
However, there is the distinct possibility some of these men and women were just friends of the family or were some of my Elliott ancestors. Just because the photos were in the Richardson box does not a guarantee all of these people were Richardsons. Don’t trust you ancestor or relative’s organizational skills! After all, these photographs were stored in a trunk for approximately 80 years – 50 of those years in a southern Virginia barn!
So, how about you?
Do you have unknown photographs in your closet? Still wondering how to even start identifying the people in those family photographs?
Why Identifying Unknown Family Photos Is Important
Identifying old family photos isn’t just about putting names to faces—it’s a vital step in piecing together your family’s story and understanding your heritage. Each photograph serves as a historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the lives of your ancestors, their relationships, and the communities they were part of.
By uncovering the identities behind these unknown faces, you can gain insights into family dynamics, cultural practices, and the social contexts in which your ancestors lived. For instance, a photo of a family gathering can reveal connections between distant relatives, helping you trace branches of your family tree that may have been overlooked. You might discover how different branches of the family interacted or even learn about occupations and hobbies that were significant to your ancestors, providing a fuller picture of their lives.
Additionally, the faces you uncover could unlock new leads for your research. Perhaps a photograph features a relative whose name you didn’t know—this could lead to finding additional records, such as birth or marriage certificates, that might have otherwise remained hidden. Identifying individuals in photographs can also help you break down those pesky brick walls in your research, as new connections often lead to new discoveries.
Taking the time to identify unknown family photos enriches your genealogy journey by adding depth to your family’s story, uncovering new research opportunities, and reconnecting you with your ancestral roots.
4 Proven Strategies to Identify Ancestors in Photos
Old family photos and mystery individuals often seem to go hand in hand. But they don’t have to! In this post, I’ll share my experience with a box of family photos labeled “Richardson,” none of which were actually labeled with names.
While I suspect the men in the photos are from my Richardson family of Pittsylvania County, VA, there’s also a chance some of these individuals were just friends or other relatives.
If you’ve found yourself with a similar collection of unidentified photos, don’t worry—these four strategies will help you begin identifying the faces in your family’s history.
Tip #1 – Ask Relatives for Photo Identification
It may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to start is by asking family members.
Don’t limit your search to close relatives—reach out to distant cousins or collateral relatives. Sometimes, the answers to your photo mysteries come from unexpected branches of the family tree.
Share your photos with as many relatives as possible, even if it means doing some additional descendant research to track down living family members.
The more eyes you have on your unidentified family photographs, the greater the chance of someone recognizing the faces.
The photograph below is a good example of this concept. This couple’s photograph sat for years in my unknown collection.
I was consulting a Richardson researcher about a different photograph when my break came. He glimpsed this photograph and identified the couple as his grandparents Matthew and Edna (Richardson) Yeaman. This Richardson researcher was from Alaska and is my third cousin twice removed.
Remember: No relative is too far in distance or location on the family tree not to potentially have information on your photographs.
Tip #2 – Use Social Media to Identify Family Photos
Social media is a powerful tool for genealogy research. Share your unidentified photographs in relevant Facebook groups, like those focused on genealogy, local history, or even groups specifically for your family’s surname.
Examples of Facebook groups for my Richardson photographs include Pittsylvania County Genealogy, Virginia Genealogy, North Carolina Genealogy, U.S South Genealogy Research Community, and Halifax County, VA Genealogy and History. and received valuable feedback from people I had never met.
You can also create a photo album on platforms like Google Photos or Flickr, then share the link in various groups. This way, you avoid uploading each photo individually and give more people access to your collection.
The larger the audience you reach, the better your chances of finding someone who can help.
Tip #3 – Free Websites for Unlabeled Family Photos
There are several dedicated websites that specialize in helping you identify old, unlabeled family photos. Sites like DeadFred.com allow you to upload your unidentified photos, where others can browse and potentially recognize faces.
You can also search by surname, location, or photographer’s name, which can sometimes yield surprising results.
In addition to DeadFred, consider exploring PhotoTree.com, which focuses on sharing historical photos and connects users with similar interests.
These sites are free to use, making it easy to reach out for help. Remember to check back regularly, as new photos and potential matches are frequently added.
Tip #4 – How Google Image Search Identifies Ancestors
One of the most underused tools in genealogy photo research is Google Image Search. Upload your unidentified photograph into Google’s image search feature, and see if the same image appears somewhere else on the web.
You may be surprised to find that another family historian has already uploaded the same photo with additional information or even names.
While Google Image Search can feel like a shot in the dark, it’s worth trying, especially if the photograph has distinct features, like an unusual setting or background. With a bit of luck, you might stumble upon a website or blog post where your ancestor’s face is already identified.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Identifying Family Photos
Identifying old family photos can be rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
1. Relying Too Heavily on Family “Looks”
While family traits can help in identification, they can also be misleading. Physical resemblances may skip generations, so use them as a starting point rather than a definitive identifier.
2. Assuming Everyone is from the Same Family Line
Don’t assume that all individuals in a photo come from the same family. Photos can easily get mixed up, including friends or neighbors. Always consider the possibility of unrelated individuals being present.
3. Overlooking Contextual Clues
Pay attention to details like clothing styles and backgrounds. These contextual clues can provide vital information about the people and help narrow down potential relatives.
4. Ignoring Collaboration
Don’t tackle the identification process alone. Reaching out to family members or distant cousins can provide new insights and valuable context that you may not have.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can enhance your process of identifying family photos. Keep an open mind and embrace the detective work—your family’s story is waiting to be uncovered!
FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Identifying Old Family Photos
Q: How do I know if a photo is worth keeping if I can’t identify it?
It’s always worth keeping old family photos, even if they remain unidentified for years. You may not recognize the faces now, but future research or connections with distant relatives could solve the mystery.
Q: What if no one in my family recognizes the photos?
Expand your search! Use social media, genealogy groups, and specialized websites to reach a wider audience. You never know where a breakthrough might come from.
Q: Are there any tools or apps that can help me identify people in old photographs?
Yes! Several tools and apps can assist in identifying people in old photographs. Photo recognition software, like Google Lens or genealogy apps with facial recognition features, can help match faces to known individuals. Additionally, the photo dater at MyHeritage can indicate when a photograph was taken, narrowing down who could actually be in the photograph.
Do you have unknown photos in your collection?
Work through these four tips and start uncovering the stories behind the faces.
Share your progress in the comments below—I’d love to hear your success stories!
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You might be also be interested in:
- Top 10 Resources for Dating Old Photographs
- Case Study: 5 Tips to Identify A Family Photograph
- Tuesday’s Tip – How to Label a Photograph
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44 Comments
Jana Last
Lisa,
I want to let you know that your blog post is listed in today’s Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/07/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-july-10-2015.html
Have a great weekend!
Dixie Kline Richardson
My husband is a descendant of Wm. Richardson, b. ca l800 in North Carolina. No other early information known; he ended up in Parke County, Indiana. Wm.’s son Jasper was a long, tall guy. My husband, Jasper’s great-grandson, is 6-4. The men in your pictures appear to have the same body type. Your tips are good ones. I collect antique photos of children; it’s a rare find when there is any info written on the backs. We may find a single picture but then discover in a search that distant family members also have the same picture. Grandparents often received those kid photos, as well as aunts and uncles.
Carolyn Skelton
I am from Wickes Arkansas, just letting you know there are Ruchardsons all over Wickes some married Gillespy, Burkes, Herrings
Jo Henn
Thank you for sharing this, Lisa. It’s very helpful. I wanted to let you know that I’ve included your post in my NoteWorthy Reads post for this week: http://jahcmft.blogspot.com/2015/08/noteworthy-reads-21.html.
LisaL
Thank you so much, Jo! I’m glad you found this helpful.
Pam
I’d add one more tool: Picassa. I’d scanned most of the photographs that I have, and use Picassa to tag the faces that I knew. The facial recognition software was able to make suggestions for some of my unknown photos. One photo was labeled with my great-grandfather’s name, but there were four men in the photo, and we weren’t sure which one he was. The program picked him out for us based on other known photos. I know this isn’t foolproof, but may be a place to start.
LisaL
Picassa is a great addition to the list, Pam! I have used it in the past, but did not have great results with the facial recognition feature. Your success is very exciting! I need to try that again.
KayB
When I a bunch of family photos I use a magnifying glass to check hairlines, eyebrows, noses, facial shapes and this works well if you have a known photo of a family member to use for comparison.
Thanks for your tips. My local historical society has many unidentified photos.
LisaL
Kay, So glad you found the tips helpful! Best of luck identifying your historical society’s photos.
Tbird9e
Great post! I was also wondering about facial recognition. Facebook is pretty good about this, but as the folks in these photos are deceased they aren’t likely to have Facebook accounts! Anyway, I do think it is a useful tip and wonder if any other photo storage websites have this feature and if they do, how does their technology compare to that used by picassa?
LisaL
So glad you enjoyed the post. I’ve used some of the facial recognition in Picassa with so-so results. While it may not recognize a person’s photo, picassa does often get them in the right family. In other words, it may match them with a cousin or a sibling. For photos where I don’t know which family line they are from, it gives me a starting point.
Diane Gould Hall
These are excellent suggestions. I have used some, but not others. Never thought about a Pinterest board for them. Thank you for this post.
Diane Gould Hall
Thank you for these suggestions. Some I have used, but not all. I never thought about a Pinterest board for the unidentified pictures. Great idea.
LisaL
So glad you found the suggestions helpful!
Amber Schamel
Thanks for the informative post. I found it on Pinterest.
I have one idea to add. If you have draft cards or something similar, it will give you basic information on the physical appearance of your relatives. You may be able to use that information to pinpoint which person in the picture is them.
LisaL
That’s an excellent tip, Amber. Thank you for sharing it!
Pauline
I recently obtained a handful of old black and white photos circa 1920’s-1930’s and had no idea who they were of. They sat in a box until I posted them on Facebook (Family Genealogy Page I created) and within 6 hours EVERY photo had a name!! This really works 🙂
LisaL
What a wonderful success story!
Jodie Masteller
Thanks for the tips. I was looking for a way to identify photographs, and came across your blog. Using a Pintrest or Facebook page may help me an my family. Thanks for the idea.
LisaL
I’m so glad you found the tips helpful, Jodie.
Nancy Olsen
Look at the clothes and try to find the timeline
LisaL
Nancy, Absolutely! The fashions worn in a photograph will help identify the time period the photograph was taken.
Naomie Moore, Castaic, CA
I have loads of photos of people. All taken in Europe. I am first and last generation as I did not have children. Both my parents were single children. BUT no living relatives. What is written on the backs of a few of the photos is all in other languages and not legible. In addition, I do not use ANY social media. What do I do ??? Ancestry.com was pointless as records were lost or destroyed in WWI and WWII. At this point I am thinking of giving away as I have no idea what to do with them.
LisaL
You do have a challenge! You may want to have the writing on the backs of the photos translated by someone who speaks the language. You can also attempt to place the people in the photographs in time by their their clothing styles. Their fashions may also help determine an ethnicity. You can also try posting them on DeadFred.com.
Raymond Sanders
Since I many old unidentified family photos, I found your post and replies
But, your font color, at least on my android, makes for very difficult reading..
Sure hope you will be able to Chang it to a much darker color.
LisaL
Thanks, Raymond! I’m actually working on just that this next week!
Orrin
Link to Family Old Photos is not currently working. I have found some great ideas on your site. Thanks!!
LisaL
Thanks for letting me know about that broken link! I’ll get it fixed. Glad you found some helpful ideas.
Katherine Hobbs
Dear Lisa This the first time I have seen your site and am interested. I am in Canada and am wondering if it will still be beneficial to me. Also, you have the same name as my cousin’s daughter, her married name Lisa Lisson. She is the CEO of Fedex Canada and has written a book about her life. Yours truly Kathy Hobbs.
LisaL
Kathy, I’m so glad you found the site. I am a U.S. based researcher, but I try to write about strategies that are applicable to all genealogy researchers. I’ve heard of your cousin before – saw her on an episode of Undercover Boss. It’s fun to know another Lisa Lisson is in the world, too! 🙂
Kim
First I*m am Canada as well and I find your site very helpful. I*ve been doing genealogy for
48 years and it still amazes how much I can still learn.
LisaL
Thank you! I’m so glad find the site helpful!
Lana Freeman
Many times when I am looking at old portraits (note photo’s) the photographer is named on the front or back with address (sometimes). This use to not be much help to me until I started doing ancestry. Now I can tell through many documents who might have been living in the area where it was taken. Also, when I have posted the pictures (photos and portraits) I have been able to find out through family and complete strangers who are some of the people in my pictures. I’ve been able to do this with others too. What great connections we have now.
LisaL
That’s wonderful, Lana! I’ve used those photographer’s stamps as well and they have been a great help placing people in a specific time and place.
CarolynL
I noticed in your article that you had Elliott ancestors. I am also an Elliott (the last of the line with the maiden name of Elliott). I come from a large family line of Elliotts, but the males had no male children and I appear to be the last female. Would be interested to see if we have the same ancestors.
LisaL
My Elliotts are primarily from the Halifax County and Mecklenburg County, VA area. This is also a brick wall line for me. I do believe there may be lines that are in the Granville County area of NC.
Susan
Lisal, I am from the family of Elliotts from Halifax County. I remember one of the ancestor’s name was Apple Elliott. Would be great to see if we were related. Email me if you would like. I also have relatives in Western Kentucky.
Barbara Tien
Hey, Lisa,
In scanning through your site this morning… following a tip from Instagram… I realized that this gem from 2015 could be enhanced by a reference to your more recent post about crowdsourcing stories from family photos: https://lisalisson.com/crowdsourcing-family-stories/ Always great to see your posts! ~b
LisaL
Yes, it will! I’m working on updating posts this fall. 🙂
Joan E. Landers
I also have family photos that were probably taken by my dad’s mother and possibly extended family members possibly from the late 1800’s to 1940’s. Most of the photos were not taken in a photography studio.
Many of the photos were taken in Aroostook County, Maine.
I also have Richardson ancestors who arrived and settled in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area in the mid-1630’s. Eventually some of them moved to other areas of MA, western Maine, and finally northern Maine.
Do you have suggestions as to how I might be able to begin to identify them? I’ve thought perhaps of scanning them to my laptop to add to the genealogy of my dad’s lines. I don’t know if any of my extended family are still alive up there, or if any are doing genealogy. It has been forty years since I was last up there.
Pam Allen
My relitives have been taking unknown pictures to the family reunion in hopes of discovering who they are.
LisaL
Love that your family does this! I do it as well, and I found out who has the stash. 🙂
Sheila Olson
I have had my husband scan all the old photos & have put them into a Google album. I have given the link to family including recently found relatives which has resulted in a few more names. I have one old photo album & a postcard book both from Sweden. It has helped that some of the Swedish relatives were able to decipher some of the writing on the postcards. Just posted an old photo in a Swedish site & have found possibly my grandfather’s occupation before he immigrated AND a new cousin who recognized his name! I will try a some of your suggestions. Thx!
Marianne Lisson Fulmer Pursell
My Lisson family is originally from Bandon, Cork, and came through the Port of New York, & ended up in PA.
I was named for my great grandmother, Mary Anne Lisson, who married a Fulmer. I just wanted to say Hi.