236 episodes

Join The Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor, each week as she discusses historical photos and how they fit into your family history. From ancestor identification to photo preservation, The Photo Detective Podcast covers it all. Featuring special experts from genealogy, fashion history, photo history, and restoration, it’s a not-to-miss for photo fans, genealogists, and lovers of history.

The Photo Detective Maureen Taylor

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Join The Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor, each week as she discusses historical photos and how they fit into your family history. From ancestor identification to photo preservation, The Photo Detective Podcast covers it all. Featuring special experts from genealogy, fashion history, photo history, and restoration, it’s a not-to-miss for photo fans, genealogists, and lovers of history.

    Savoring the Story: Andrew Scravani on the Intersection of Food, Photography, and Life

    Savoring the Story: Andrew Scravani on the Intersection of Food, Photography, and Life

    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 significanceInsights into the impact of social media and technology on the photography industryExploration of food photography’s role in documenting cultural and temporal changesThe importance of storytelling and personal connection in creating memorable imagesHis involvement with the Content Authentication InitiativeFuture trends in photography, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AIRelated 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 Th
    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

    • 27 min
    Digitize Your Past: How ScanMyPhotos.com Transformed Photo Preservation

    Digitize Your Past: How ScanMyPhotos.com Transformed Photo Preservation

    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 TipsSign 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
    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

    • 25 min
    Tracing Your Roots: Key Strategies for New Genealogists

    Tracing Your Roots: Key Strategies for New Genealogists

    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

    • 19 min
    The Power of Relatives at RootsTech with Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal

    The Power of Relatives at RootsTech with Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal

    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 RootstechHeart 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

    • 23 min
    Joseph Quaderer Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.com

    Joseph Quaderer Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.com

    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.comSign 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.   Le
    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

    • 24 min
    Rediscovered Memories: The Unexpected Return of Family Movies

    Rediscovered Memories: The Unexpected Return of Family Movies

    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
    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

    • 16 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
1 Rating

1 Rating

Victorian55555 ,

Fantastic

As a collector of early photography especially tintypes I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast. Maureen and Josh were a delight to listen to. Josh thank-you for sharing so much of your knowledge, your work is amazing!!

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