238 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
    • 4.6 • 58 Ratings

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.

    Navigating the New Era of AI in Genealogy with Steve Little and Mark Thompson

    Navigating the New Era of AI in Genealogy with Steve Little and Mark Thompson

    In this episode of the Photo Detective Podcast, Maureen was joined by Mark Thompson, a professional genealogist and IT expert, and Steve Little, AI Program Director at the National Genealogical Society.  
    Main Discussion Points:Comparisons of AI's current impact to the dot-com era.The role of small companies and startups in driving AI innovations.Potential applications of AI in genealogy and historical research.Ethical Considerations:Discussion on privacy issues related to AI.Ethical use of AI in processing sensitive genealogical data.Future of AI in Genealogy:Predictions on AI's evolving role in research and data analysis.Integration of AI tools into mainstream applications like Microsoft products.Related Episodes: 
    Bonus Episode: ChatGPT and Image Generators: What You Need to Know 
    Episode 205: Numbers to Names: A Holocaust Database 
    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 Guests:
    Stephen J. Little,  is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society and has lifelong passions for language, technology, and genealogy. His passion lies in AI & genetic genealogy, with a keen interest in endogamy, pedigree collapse, and the art of deciphering multiple relationships through DNA segment triangulation, and an insatiable curiosity to explore beneficial uses and current limits of artificial intelligence in genealogy. 
    Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in genetic genealogy and researching personal family archives.  Prior to becoming a genealogist, Mark worked in leadership roles in information technology.  Mark’s combined background in technology and genealogy uniquely positions him to introduce genealogists to the rapidly changing field of artificial intelligence and how it can help them in their genealogy research. 
    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.

    • 45 min
    Unlocking Family Secrets: Expert Tips on Interviewing Relatives for Genealogy

    Unlocking Family Secrets: Expert Tips on Interviewing Relatives for Genealogy

    In today's solo episode, Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, delves into the essential practice of interviewing relatives for family history research. Following the feedback from newsletter subscribers and podcast listeners, this episode focuses on the collective wisdom and personal insights shared on this topic. We will explore the nuances of conducting effective interviews, the importance of capturing oral histories, and how these personal accounts enrich our understanding of family lineage and heritage.
    Introduction to the importance of interviewing relatives for family history research.Summary of listener and subscriber advice on conducting interviews.Tips for preparing for an interview, including researching and creating a conducive environment.Discussion of the best practices for recording interviews and preserving oral histories.Insights on starting with elder relatives and verifying family information.Techniques for encouraging relatives to share stories and memories.Overview of resources for developing effective interview questions, such as AmericanAncestors.org.Personal anecdotes and advice from other listeners on the value of capturing family stories.Preview of the next episode focusing on advice for one’s younger self in family history research.Related Episodes: 
    Episode 228: Joseph Quaderer: Democratizing Biographies with StorySavor.com
    Episode 77: Interviewing Relatives: A Conversation with Personal Biographer Francie King
    Links: 
    Conducting a Family History Interview from AmericanAncestors.org100 Questions to Ask Your Mother from Today.com 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 DetectiveTM helps 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? Ple
    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.

    • 20 min
    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 T
    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

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
58 Ratings

58 Ratings

nkcreative ,

Story behind Lincoln

Fascinating episode! I shared it with a friend who is a big Lincoln buff. Perfect timing for Presidents’ day tomorrow.
I listen to this podcast every Sunday 😊

Better Postpartum Podcast ,

Great info!

Loving this podcast! So many great little nuggets in every episode.
- Angel Swon

Roleaf4404 ,

Full of great informative

Using this podcast for preserving and organizing my photos is invaluable.

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