How to Cite a Family Photograph in Genealogy Notes
By ImgHeal · Updated
Create a source citation that lets another relative locate the original and understand the digital version.
Gather evidence before editing
Record the creator if known, approximate date, people, place, format, current owner or collection, and how you received the digital file. Give the item a stable identifier.
Record the research clearly
State whether the cited file is an original scan, crop, restoration, or colorized derivative. Include the filename and access date for a private collection, plus any album or page context.
Keep conclusions separate from guesses
Keep the citation with both the source and shared derivative. Update identification notes without erasing the history of earlier attributions.
Check before you finish
- Identify the current source or owner.
- State the file's edit status.
- Include a stable item identifier.
Further reading
- National Archives: Digitizing Family Papers and PhotographsGuidance on digitizing family materials, documenting them, retaining originals, and keeping backup copies.
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