Using Old Photos for Family Tree Research (Genealogy Guide)

Photos turn a family tree from a list of names and dates into a story about people. They also hold clues: places, occupations, relationships and dates that records alone can't give you. Here's how to use them well in genealogy.

Gather photos from every branch

• Ask cousins, aunts and uncles to share scans of their albums. Different branches often have different photos of the same ancestors.
• Check the backs for names, studios and dates.
• Look in old letters and documents, where photos were often tucked away.

See digitizing old photos.

Identify and date

• Who: compare faces across photos, use labeled photos as anchors and ask older relatives (see identifying people in old photos).
• When: use photo type, clothing and studio stamps (see how to date old photos).
• Where: studio addresses, landmarks and buildings.

Restore responsibly

Restoration makes faces clearer, which helps identification and makes ancestors feel real. Apps like Refixo remove damage, sharpen faces and can colorize black and white portraits in seconds. For genealogy, follow a few rules:

• Keep the original scan as the primary record.
• Label restored versions clearly ("restored with AI", "colorized").
• Don't use a reconstructed face as proof of identity; compare with the original.

See is AI photo restoration accurate? and the ethics of colorizing historical photos.

Attach photos to your tree

Most genealogy platforms let you upload photos and attach them to people:

• Upload both the original and the restored version.
• Tag every person in group photos.
• Add the date, place and source in the description.
• Crop individual faces as profile images, using restored crops.

Clues photos can give you

• Occupations: uniforms, tools, shop fronts.
• Migration: studio locations in different countries (see preserving immigrant family photos).
• Relationships: who stands next to whom at weddings and funerals.
• Status and events: military service, graduations, religious ceremonies.

Share and collaborate

Share restored photos with relatives researching the same lines. Often someone recognizes a face or has a missing piece of the story (see sharing restored photos with family).

Frequently asked questions

Should I upload restored or original photos to my family tree?

Both. The original is the historical record; the restored version is easier to view and share.

Can AI help identify ancestors in photos?

Restoration makes faces clearer, which helps you compare them. Identification still relies on labeled photos, records and family knowledge.

How do I date a photo of an ancestor?

Combine photo type, clothing, studio information and the ages of known people.

Is it okay to colorize ancestor photos?

Yes, if labeled as colorized and kept alongside the original.