If we’re lucky enough, our ancestors are buried near us and we can jump in the car and take all the cemetery photos we want. But for most of us, that isn’t the case. Whether near or far, there are certain things to consider when taking those pictures. In this blog post, I’ll prepare you to capture everything you need.
When the days are sunny and beautiful, it’s great to get outside. So, I printed the headstone photo request list off Find-A-Grave and headed out to our local cemetery.
It was a complete bust! Ha!! Out of the ten people I was looking for, no one had a headstone. It happens sometimes.
I didn’t do well this time, but there are things I always keep in mind when I head out to take pictures in cemeteries.
Preparation
- First, I search for the requested ancestor’s profile on Find A Grave to see if there are others linked to them without a photo. While I’m there, I might as well get them too!
- Second, I make a list with names, cemetery plot information, and birth/death dates if they are known.
- Third, I grab the maps of my local cemetery by section and head out the door.
I start with Section A and walk through each section until I’m finished. Usually, I head home feeling successful. Not this time!
If I had taken photos today, I would have followed these “rules.”
Photo Rules
- If you see your reflection in the stone, stand off to the side and take the photo at an angle.
- Wear clothing that is not too bright, in case your reflection shows up in a photo or two.
- Get a wide shot of the stone and a close-up if it’s needed. For example, here are photos of my husband’s great-grandparents’ stones…
- Are there other family members around them? Get a shot of the entire family plot.
- Transcribe the data from the stone on paper or into a note-taking app while you are looking at it! Don’t rely on your memory!
- Use a mirror to reflect the sun to make the stone easier to read and NEVER put anything on the stone, as it could damage it.
- Look around the plot and see if there are other surnames you recognize. My husband and I did a lot of looking around when we went searching for his relatives in Newbury, Massachusetts. You can read about that trip here.
Finally
I enjoy volunteering for Find A Grave. It’s a wonderful way to help and spend time in a quiet, beautiful place. If you’re not a volunteer, go to their website and sign up. It doesn’t cost a thing and you’ll be doing something good!
Genealogy tip: When you get home and look at the photos you’ve taken you’ll be happy you took too many rather than too few.
If you need help researching your Maine ancestors, give me a shout. I would love to connect you with your past.
