Describe without guessing
First record what is visible, then add family attributions separately. Do not replace unknown names or places with guesses.
Heritage · Visual memory
Family Photo Archives: Description, Rights and Care
A photograph becomes more useful when its source, approximate date, context and custody history are known.
At a glance
Why this guide matters
The page covers evidence-based description, safe digitisation and rights checks before publication. Uncertainty in identification or attribution should always remain visible.
Material status
This is an editorial guide for the initiative’s development version. It explains an approach and does not replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Practical route
Three steps for responsible work
Begin with context, record decisions and preserve each person’s right to revisit the terms.
Careful digitisation
Use a clean working surface and create an unaggressively processed master file. Never write on the original.
Rights and consent
Check copyright, archive terms and consent for recognizable people. Images of children require appropriate permission.
Working checklist
What to check before moving on
- Assign every image a unique identifier.
- Record source, rights and custody history.
- Keep the master file separate from web copies.
- Add descriptive alternative text for publication.
Both photographs on this page are unique object-based AI illustrations. They do not depict real people, traditions or places.
FAQ
Common questions
How should unidentified people be captioned?
Describe the visible context and state plainly that the people are unidentified.
May an old photograph be enhanced?
Yes, on a working copy when the original is preserved and alterations are disclosed.
Have experience or expert insight?
Tell us how you could contribute. Material is published only after rights, sources and consent have been reviewed.