Genealogy Forum

[Janet Petty]

Just a thought.

I'm wondering if in the future when someone posts an old family picture the person's name and a bit of history could be included. I've done enough research and had enough "miracles" happen to be thoroughly convinced that there is someone somewhere with your missing information or you with their missing information. Who knows, by posting that information we might be put in contact with more information (or more pictures). I know, it happened to me this summer. I now have in my possession the "missing" photo album that three generations have been looking for. What say everyone?

Janet

[chris h]

Hell, In the US you spend all your time unearthing relatives and ancestors over here I spend all my time avoiding them! As one of the conspirators I propose Ed as moderator of this forum but insist it lies well away from 'Salon'!!!

[MaryLynn]

Hi everybody,

Janet, I'm all for your suggestion of sharing information about old family photos, at least to the extent of family name, location, time period and photographer if available. I wouldn't want to get into the type of message board of Genforum or Rootsweb where more general information is shared. But sharing connections we've made based on photos can be valuable.

Ed, regarding the reflection on microfilm: on the older microfilm readers the light at the top of the reader passes through the film onto a white formica bed. The center of the image is brighter than the outer edges. The human eye doesn't pick up the variation in intensity but the camera does. By laying a piece of poster board, matte side up, on the reader bed, the center of the image is still bright but not reflective. I'll hunt for one of my early shots to post in a future message.

I've also found by shifting my desired microfilm image to the side or bottom of the bed I can avoid the hot spot. Needless to say to anyone shooting microfilm--TURN OFF THE FLASH.

Also, I like your ideas for a copy stand. In situations where portability is not a factor, it would be great. Fortunately, repositories are becoming more accommodating by having copy stands and magnetic boards in their facilities.

Ah, Chris, wouldn't it be ironic if we were to discover that one of us is related to you? I think you are safe from me as most of my English families were from Kent, Devon, Cornwall and London itself. I haven't run across Edward the Very Bad yet but, you never know. In my local genealogy society I have found connections to five other people whose families left England in the early 1600s.

Til later--
MaryLynn

[Janet Petty]

Chris, if you avoid yours, how about finding mine?

[chris h]

Janet I'm your servant in these matters.

For $500 I can connect your lineage with some castle in the UK.

For $1000 virtually certain your ancestors fought at Waterloo.

For $5000 proof positive of a connection with the tyrant of your choice.

For $10,000 the very armorial document given to Sir Elvis Petty on his joining the Knights of the round table.

No credit cards.

[Doug Nelson]

While techniques and information are within our potential scope, posting family images for their own sake would eat up our server and bandwidth allowance. Plus there are already sites for that.

But I'm still open to how-to and historical information and examples.

[DannyRaphael]

I attended a meeting recently of genealogy enthusiasts co-chaired by MaryLynn. There were 40+ in attendance and I can say this was an eager-to-learn bunch when it came to R&R techniques. Among the topics MaryLynn presented were cloning, making selections and using Levels adjustment layers for BW tonal corrections via black/white point settings. It was fun to see so many who were "wowed" by what was possible R&R-wise.

A unique challenge is maximizing readability of (for example) Civil War era documents digitally photographed from microfiche readers.

- - - - -

MaryLynn:

I'm glad you started this thread and hope it sparks interest. I'll be mailing your book today!

~Danny~

[Janet Petty]

To Chris: hahahaha You have a warped sense of humor. How fun!!!

To Doug: I'm sorry if I gave the impression we would be starting our own genealogy society on your site. I meant nothing of the kind. I know that people frequently have old photos to be retouched, have questions about photos, etc. I just meant that when those photos are posted that the person could be encouraged to add genealogical information as well. It would be a simple matter to contact that person via p.m. or email and converse one-on-one. I appreciate this site and have learned so much. I wouldn't want to offend or step out of line.

Janet

[MaryLynn]

Ditto what Janet said. Retouch and restoration, preservation, some historical or technical info should be the primary focus here. This is such a great website I wouldn't want to compromise it in any way.

Thanks Danny for your continued support and encouragement!

MaryLynn

[skydog]

Before I asked the question, I did do a search to see if there was a previous discussion. I agree with the above, that retouchpro is not the best place to discuss geneology and old photos, but does anyone out there know of a good geneology discussion site similar to this one for retouching?

While I'm asking...one of video shooting and editing?

I apologize for asking, but if anyone knows I feel someone on this site may provide an answer.

[Kraellin]

the history forum has one aspect of genealogy, dating photos, so perhaps that would be a good forum to post in regarding genealogy.

also, i dont know how many of you remember deadants, currently a somewhat absent member of RP, but he used to hang out at this genealogy forum: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index...ard,298.0.html in case you're looking for more genealogy resources.

[skydog]

thanks Craig...now do you know a forum for video?