Have an old family photo but have no idea where it’s from? You know, the ones you’ve forgotten about or didn’t know you even had and found unlabeled? That’s where Maureen Taylor, also known as the Photo Detective, comes in- she specializes in examining and identifying old photos based on particular clues. She examines the type and size of the photograph, the attire and jewelry, body language and surprisingly- as she proves in her new book, Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles, even the way our ancestors did their hair indicate answers to lost details about old photos.
Trends within hairstyles have always been an interest to her, as well as a big key to unlocking the past. She says, “Throughout the years of studying photographs, I have seen many fascinating details in nineteenth-century pictures, but it’s often the hair that stands out. Short, long, curled and coiffed manes were as trendy as the dresses and suits worn in each time period.”
Her new book Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles examines different time periods and identifies the popular ‘dos of the day. Not only a very entertaining read, but helpful for identifying your own family photos that pose a mystery.
Maureen is famous in the world of genealogy and really knows her stuff. She’s written a bunch of book and magazine articles on the topic, as well as being a contributing editor at Family Tree Magazine and editorial board member of Legacy Magazine. She’s also been a featured expert on CNN, the Today Show and in Martha Stewart Living.
It was a huge pleasure meeting her at the Genealogical Conference over the summer. And we quickly bonded over our love for old photos and their significance in remembering your family’s history. It’s always great meeting people with similar interests!
If you’d like more information about Maureen, check out her site Photo Detective or find her on Twitter. Her book, Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles can be found and purchased on Lulu. Happy reading!
Tags: Fashionable Folks, Maureen Taylor, old photos, Photo Detective