How to Film your Parents/Grandparents on a Smart Phone or tablet

How to Film your Parents on a SmartPhone

Family history is not just a set of dates or a stack of posed photographs; it includes family memories, filmed or photographed or otherwise, that need to be preserved for future generations. If people don't share their knowledge of family history or their personal family memories, then that knowledge is lost forever. Thankfully, it is easier than ever to film family memories using a device that most people have in today's modern world: a smartphone. The following guide will help you learn how to properly film your parents or grandparents using your smartphone in order to learn more about family history and preserve it.

Step One: Prepare your smartphone

First, you will need to have a smartphone with a camera. Almost all modern smartphones have cameras. For best results, use a phone with a high-quality camera that has at least 10 MP. Don't forget that you will want to film horizontally!

Step Two: Arrange the lighting

Lighting can really make a difference in video quality. If you can, make sure to film during the mid-morning or late afternoon when there is softer natural light available. For best results, have the family member being interviewed sit facing a window, and film with your smartphone in between the family member and window.

Step Three: Make sure your sound will be clear

Sound will be key to preserving what your family member has to say, so take the time to make sure the sound quality will be excellent. For best results, purchase an inexpensive Lavalier microphone that is compatible with your smartphone. Also, make sure that all windows nearby are closed and that anything which creates ambient noise--such as fans, TVs, etc.--is turned off. 

Step Four: Find a way to keep the camera steady

It will be nearly impossible to keep the phone steady during filming, so you will need to find something to keep your phone in a stable position. A tripod stand, phone stand, or even a stack of books will help keep your phone steady.

Step Five: Set the "stage" to look nice

You will likely be sharing this video with family members or preserving it for future generations, to you'll want the "stage" or area where the family member is being filmed to look nice. Choose a clutter-free area of the home to film and make sure the area is clean and tidy to avoid distractions from mess, dirt, or clutter. 

Step Six: Frame your shot well

The final step is to make sure that your shot is well-framed. Have the family member being interviewed sit in a comfortable chair and position your smartphone so that they take up about 1/3 of the screen, as this will put them in focus while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing ratio. Remember before you start filming to ask the person being interviewed to leave a pause between your question and their answer, in case you need to edit.

With the above guidelines in mind, filming your parents or grandparents using your smartphone will be much easier!

If you prefer we could make an affordable and professional documentary, about you or your family. Get in touch today!

At Silver Screen Family we make films of your elders so that they can be remembered forever! Imagine if you could hear your grandfather laugh in 40 years’ time. To listen to him talk about how he met your grandmother? About what his schooldays were like? Who his best friend was? Giving your children advice?

We make affordable family documentaries so families’ can remember their loved ones forever.

To find out more click here!

Tips on how to identify unknown members in old family photographs.

Tips on how to identify unknown members in old family photographs.

If you have ever flipped through albums of family photographs, then you’ve likely come across a dilemma many people face: unknown people in family photos. Uncovering the identity of people in unlabeled or only partially labeled photographs isn’t easy, but it’s important if you want to explore and record your family history. The following are some essential tips on how to identify unknown members in family photographs. 

Tip: Date the photograph through fashion/style

If the photograph isn’t dated, then you can attempt to date it by examining the fashion or overall style people are wearing in the photograph. Although this won’t give you an exact date, it can help give you a general time period for the photo—such as the 1920s, the 1950s, the 1980s and so on.  

Tip: Post the photo on Facebook to share it with the family

If you have plenty of family members on Facebook or other social media, then it can help to post the photograph there and ask people if anyone knows the identity of the person in the photograph. This is especially helpful if you have older or more distant relations on Facebook, as they may have people in their family who will recognize the person in the photo.

To learn how to share family videos on social media privately click here.

Tip: Have a “family photographs identification” get-together

Having a get-together with your family to try to identify unlabeled family photos is a great way to explore family memories and secure more family history in one fell swoop. You can ask family members to bring at least a few photos of people who aren’t labeled and the photos will be passed around during the event; if anyone knows who is in the photo, they can share that information. 

Check out our fun family history activities to do at family reunions.

Tip: Research photos with specific locations 

If the photo was taken in a specific location, such as in front of a building or in a national park, museum, or other identifiable location, then you can research that location to find out more information. This information can help you date the photograph—for instance, if a building was torn down in 1958 and the fashion in the photograph is from the 1950s, then you can reasonably assume that the photograph was taken sometime between 1950 and 1958. If you aren’t sure of the location, finding out where the photo was taken may also help you on your way to identifying the person in the photo. 

Tip: Look through family albums to see if any names are labeled on the back of the photos.

In some cases, one photo of a family member may be unlabeled while other photos have more helpful information. Make sure you look through other family albums to see if there are any photos of the same person with a name, date, or other important information. 

Identifying people from your family photographs may not be an easy task, but it is a worthwhile one that will help you explore your family history. The above tips will help you on your journey to finally identify people in old family photos. 

Once you identify them add the gathered information to the metadata in your digital photos.

To learn how to label your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

How to share family photos online privately.

How to share family photos online privately.

Your family history is something that deserves to be passed down and preserved for future generations. Most people, unfortunately, are left with missing pieces of family history because they don’t take the time to preserve like not knowing who the person in an old photograph is; but it is easier than ever to create family history photo galleries to showcase and highlight your family, including tidbits about your family history that can be shared across generations. 

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One of the great things about modern-day technology is that it allows people more access to recording equipment than ever before. If you want to create your own special family history photos, you no longer need to take old negatives to get processed. All you need is to scan your photos.

You can even share your family history photos online with the rest of your family, so you won’t have to try to figure out how to burn discs or send memory drives to people across the country. If you want to share your family history privately online, consider the following options to help you share family movies online while still keeping them private. 

Facebook 
Facebook is one of the most popular options to share your family photos with family privately. You can share family history with your family by uploading your family photos to your account under a custom filter that only allows certain people to view the post. This option will require you to have anyone who wants to see the photos on your Facebook account, so keep that in mind.  

Private Facebook Groups

You can create a private Facebook group for your family so that family history information can be shared and accessed right on Facebook. The benefits of a private group are that only people who have access to the group will be able to see the information, post comments, etc., so you can limit this to family members or other exclusive groups. Another benefit of this option is that it’s likely that most of your family members have a Facebook account, so this is a very accessible social media site. Finally, the Facebook platform is ideal for sharing all types of files and documents—including photos, videos, and even scanned letters—so this is a one-size-fits-all option in terms of what you can share.

Instagram and Twitter 

Instagram and Twitter are both potential social media options that you should consider. Both of these social media platforms have options for private posting, but you cannot limit the content to specific groups. For instance, if you post something on your friends-only Twitter account, all of your Twitter friends—not just family members—will be able to see it. This option is best if you are going to post content that is not sensitive or private, such as your own personal family history photos that you don’t mind sharing with others; conversely, it’s not the best option for sharing personal or private information, particularly if it relates to other family members. 

Google Drive  

Another option for privately uploading family photos is using Google Drive. Google Drive can be used to upload content and then create private links, so that only anyone with the link can view the photos. You can also password protect your photos for added security, but remember that you’ll need to give the password to any family members who want to view the galleries.  

Other Options

There are a few other options you may want to consider if the above two choices don’t work for your needs. There are other family history related websites, such as ancestry sites, where you can share and upload family history information; and you can also consider creating an online group on a messaging platform such as Skype or LINE, where you can chat with individuals or groups and share photos, links, and so on.

Whichever platform you choose, just remember to enjoy sharing your family history through family movies in a private space online. 

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to Label Your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

The importance of taking photos of family member's graves.

The importance of taking photos of family member's graves.

Family photographs are an integral part of our family history and even our family memories—but some people may shy away from taking family photographs of a more somber nature, such as photos of death stones. Should you take photos of your family’s death stones? The following are some of the key reasons why you should start taking photos of family death stones to preserve for future generations. 

Death stones are an important part of family history

Family history isn’t just about weddings or births or photos of family homes—death is just as much an important part of family history as people’s lives. Death stones provide key information regarding the year and usually the day and month that people died, along with their birth date; death stones can also provide information regarding where people died or where family plots are located. And in some cases, depending on the style of the stone itself, they can provide an interesting insight into family history. For instance, some death stones may contain quotes, poetry, or imagery that were important or relevant to a person in their life. 

Death stones may get moved or damaged and then be lost forever

Unfortunately, death stones can sometimes become damaged or moved over time. In some cases, death stones can get damaged during storms or due to the degradation of materials. And in other cases, stones are moved due to new developments on the land. This may not happen during your lifetime, but who knows what can happen a few decades down the line. If something does happen to the stone, your family will have a record of the death stone (along with its important family history related information) thanks to the preserved photographs. Make sure to always create back-ups of your family photographs as well.

Photographs of death stones can help with family research 

Death stones can help you or other members of your family if you are delving into family history research. Since death stones can provide a wealth of history related information, they can help people find out more about various family members. In fact, information provided by a death stone could be a useful “springboard” to finding more records and information about people in your family. 

They are a unique element of family history that future generations will be interested in

Death stones may be a reminder of mortality, but that doesn’t mean that they should be kept hidden away. Future generations of the family will likely take an interest in the family death stones if they are preserved through photographs. This may lead future generations of the family to take an interest in family history, and in learning the stories and family memories behind the names engraved on the stones.

Taking family photographs of your family’s death stones is important. The above reasons should help convince you to begin taking photos of the death stones in your family so that the current and future generations can preserve them.  

To discover what good things you have learned from your parents click here.

To discover whether we should record dark family histories click here.

To learn how to back up our old photographs click here.

To learn more about the Trafalgar Cemetery, Gibraltar, click here.

The dilemma that is recording dark family history secrets.

Dark family history secrets.  Should we record them? 

The dilemma that is recording dark family history secrets. 

It’s important to preserve family history for future generations, so that they can share family memories and know about who they are and where they came from. But what do you do when the family history has some dark family secrets in its midst? Do you record and preserve them? Or keep them hidden? The following guide will take a closer look at what to do when your family history has some dark family secrets inside.

Family Secrets—The Darker Side of Family History

Not all family history and family memories are positive. Some family secrets may be dark or even painful. For instance, a beloved uncle may have cheated on his wife and had a secret love child; or another family member may have led a double life that no one knew about. Every family has its secrets, but the question remains: should these secrets be recorded or kept hidden until they eventually fade from collective memory?

Should We Record Darker Family History? Pros and Cons

There is no easy answer in regards to whether or not family secrets should be recorded. The following are the pros and cons of recording the darker side of family history. These pros and cons should help you to make an informed decision.

Yes, We Should Record Them

The argument for recording family secrets is that they are an important part of family history, and that future generations deserve to know the truth about their family members. In some cases, the family secrets may involve “hidden” family members (such as half-siblings from an affair, siblings who were adopted out, and so on) which can be important for family members to know. In other cases, the family secrets could have medical implications—such as a history of depression or even suicide in the family; if this is recorded, it can give future generations a heads-up in regards to keeping an eye on their mental health. 

No, We Shouldn’t Record Them

The argument against recording family secrets is that they were made secret for a reason and that recording them and drudging them up will only hurt people in the process. Dark family secrets may not have any benefit for the family, particularly in regards to some family members having affairs or double lives that don’t technically impact anyone else. In some cases, the secrets could even have consequences; for instance, “secret” children may have a claim to their parent’s estate or financial holdings after they pass.

If the secret is particularly dark, then it may be more harmful than helpful to record it and expose it for other family members (or even the world) to know.

Final Thoughts

There is no easy answer as to whether or not you should record dark family secrets and preserve them, or let them fade away with time. Hopefully, the above guide will give you some food for thought to consider when you (and/or your family) are considering recording those family secrets which might otherwise be kept hidden.

What good things have you learnt from your parents? Click here to find out more!

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late! 

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

Why it’s so important to find out about your medical history.

Why it’s so important to find out about your medical history.

Your medical history is an important part of understanding your personal health. Family medical history can help you learn what types of genetic conditions run in your family and what types of diseases your family is prone to developing. But what happens when you don’t know enough about your family history to understand your family health dynamics? The following guide will help you understand how family history and family health are related and what you can do to find out more.

How Family history and Medical History Are Related

Your family  history and your health have a surprising relation: not only are these genetic diseases and conditions that run in families, but you may be able to tell whether or not your family has a predisposition to certain types of conditions (such as heart disease, strokes, etc.) based on their history. That is why it is so important to have at least a basic understanding of your family health.  

Genetic diseases

There are countless genetic diseases that may run in your family. Genetic diseases can include diseases such as cystic fibrosis, ALS, Marfan syndrome, Huntington’s disease and more. The fact that many genetic diseases are serious is the primary reason why it is vital that you know about your family health history. 

Pre-disposition to certain diseases

There are also many diseases that may not be directly genetic but can still be prevalent in a particular family line. These include an increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, and so on. If you don’t know that you have a higher pre-disposition to developing these conditions, then you are missing out on a key element to preventing them: high-risk assessments from your doctor and increased vigilance regarding your health. 

How to Find Out More about Family Medical History 

Knowing your family history is essential when it comes to finding out more about your family’s medical history. There are several key ways that you can find out more about the medical history of your family.

Research your family tree

The first thing you need to do is have a basic understanding of who is in your family, particularly your aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents and anyone with a close genetic relation to yourself. If you need to do so, you can research your family tree to fill in as many gaps as possible. Once you know the basics about who is who in your family, you can move on to finding out details.

Look for death certificate and hospital records

After you have the names of people close to you in your family, start looking for death certificates and—if they are public—hospital records. You may find that multiple people in your family all died from the same genetic disease, indicating it runs in your family; or you may find a number of people in the family who died from heart disease. 

The more details you can find about your family health history, the more informed you will be about your own health.

To discover what good things you have learned from your parents click here.

To discover whether we should record dark family histories click here.

To learn how to back up our old photographs click here.

To learn more about the Trafalgar Cemetery, Gibraltar, click here.

How to Trace Holocaust Survivors and Victims in Your Family History.

How to Trace Holocaust Survivors and Victims in Your Family History

January 27th is the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust. But did you know that many families actually lost their family history during the Holocaust, when so many family members died or vanished from historical records? For many families, all that are left of aunts, uncles, grandmothers, cousins—are old family photographs and if they are lucky, family memories passed down from survivors who remembered them. With this in mind, it is no wonder why many people ask themselves how it is possible to trace the family history of Holocaust victims and survivors. The following guide will help you learn more about the possibilities of tracing the fates of Holocaust survivors and Holocaust victims in your family history. 

Finding Basic Information

If you are looking to trace information about a Holocaust victim or Holocaust survivor in your family, you have several options for basic resources. 

However, even the most basic resources will require you to know some basic information about the person, such as their name and if possible, the name where they lived at the time of the Holocaust. If you have this information, look up the town or city where they were living; check out a map and take note of other towns in the immediate area and if you can, search about that area's history during WWII. This may help you find out what the town was called during that time period--if the name has changed--and point you towards potential relatives who could still be in the area.

More Detailed Sources

Next, you'll need to start considering what type of archival tracing sources is available to you. If you have proof that your family member was a survivor or victim of the Holocaust, such as an established death notice or family tree, it will be easier to use these services; priority is typically given to families. 

Options include

• JewishGen's Holocaust Database is a collection of databases containing information about Holocaust victims and survivors.  It contains more than 2.75 million entries, from more than 190 component datasets.

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ITS Request Form.

• The International Tracing Service which operates out of Bad Arolson in Germany. Arolsen Archives

• Yad Vashem, which includes "Pages of Testimony" where survivors or family register the names of people who died in the Holocaust. You may be able to locate a family member due to someone else registering them before you started your own research. Yad Vashem also has both a photo archive and documents archive that can help you learn more about the history of a Holocaust victim in your family.

• In the UK you may contact The Holocaust Educational Trust a registered charity  T +44 (0)20 7222 6822

• In the US you may contact The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Survivor Resource Center at 1-202-488-6112 or 1-202-488-6130 to find out what your options are in regards to locating records related to your family member and their fate.

Remember: it may be difficult to find concrete information about Holocaust survivors and victims in your family history. For many people, very few—if any records—were left behind due to entire towns and even generations of families being killed. However, it is more important now than ever to uncover and record the histories of our families.

Support for Survivors and their families is available from Shalvata and the Association of Jewish Refugees

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn which are the best DNA test sites available in the UK click here.

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

5 Gift Ideas To Give your grandparents.

5 Gift ideas to give grandparents.

Picking out gifts for the family can be tough, especially when you’re searching for the perfect gift for your beloved grandparents who seems to have everything. After all, you want to give the perfect gift so that your family memories of your grandparents opening up their gifts are tinged with the thought of their smile as they unwrapped their present. If you’re stuck looking for a gift, consider the following gift ideas that will help you create cherished family memories. 

Colourized Old Family Photographs

Old family photographs are something that your grandparents surely treasure, but why not take them up a notch by digitizing and colorizing them for your grandparents to enjoy? This will help bring family history to life in a memorable way that your grandparents will definitely enjoy and cherish. You can either print them on your own or have them printed and bound in a special book.

To learn which is the best free photo editing software click here.

Scrapbook of Family History

Grandparents will definitely enjoy how your family history comes alive through a well-designed scrapbook! Scrapbooks are a great way to work with old family photographs by surrounding them with interesting stickers, patterns, and even mementos such as movie tickets, scraps of fabric, and so on. Your beloved grandparents will definitely love to flip through a homemade scrapbook filled with family memories. If you want, you can even digitize the scrapbook pages so that they can be backed up and preserved for future generations of the family to enjoy.

To learn how to create a scrapbook on family history click here.

Family Photo Blanket or Gifts

The digital age has made it easier than ever to create customized gifts, from pre-printed photo albums to mugs to canvas totes and everything in between. Grandparents will definitely enjoy seeing some of their favourite old family photographs printed on as a special gift, so why not consider getting her a warm blanket for the cold winter months; other customizable gift options include mugs (perfect if they loves a cup of morning coffee!); aprons (ideal for bakers!); and even home accessories like clocks and placemats. 

Family Reunion Luncheon

One unique gift idea you can give your grandparents is the gift of a family reunion! A family reunion luncheon where everyone gets together to share a meal and family history is something that grandparents will definitely appreciate. To make it even more special, bring along a photo scanner (you can find small portable ones for a relatively cheap price) and ask family members to bring their own family photographs to pass around so they can be scanned. This will help you gather important old family photographs all while sharing family history in a fun way.

Family Video DVD

Granparents will definitely want to enjoy some family memories caught on video! To make it easier for your grandmother to watch them, have them put on a DVD so all she needs to do is place the disc into her DVD player at home. You can even add menus and other special effects if you use certain programs, so be sure to have some fun with the family videos you decide to put on DVD.

To learn which is the best software to burn my family videos to DVD click here.

If non of the above suggestions work for you, why not give the gift of being remembered?

At Silver Screen Family we make films of your elders so that they can be remembered forever! Imagine if you could hear your grandfather laugh in 40 years’ time. To listen to him talk about how he met your grandmother? About what his schooldays were like? Who his best friend was? Giving your children advice?

We make affordable family documentaries so families’ can remember their loved ones forever.

To find out more click here!

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

5 Family History Gift Ideas To Give Granny

5 Gift ideas to give Granny.

Picking out gifts for the family can be tough, especially when you’re searching for the perfect gift for your beloved grandmother who seems to have everything. After all, you want to give the perfect gift so that your family memories of grandma opening up her birthday or Christmas gift are tinged with the thought of her smile as she unwrapped her present. If you’re stuck looking for a gift, consider the following gift ideas that will help you create cherished family memories. 

Colourized Old Family Photographs

Old family photographs are something that your grandmother surely treasures, but why not take them up a notch by digitizing and colorizing them for granny to enjoy? This will help bring family history to life in a memorable way that your grandmother will definitely enjoy and cherish. You can either print them on your own or have them printed and bound in a special book.

To learn which is the best free photo editing software click here.

Scrapbook of Family History

Granny will definitely enjoy how your family history comes alive through a well-designed scrapbook! Scrapbooks are a great way to work with old family photographs by surrounding them with interesting stickers, patterns, and even mementos such as movie tickets, scraps of fabric, and so on. Your beloved grandmother will definitely love to flip through a homemade scrapbook filled with family memories. If you want, you can even digitize the scrapbook pages so that they can be backed up and preserved for future generations of the family to enjoy.

To learn how to create a scrapbook on family history click here.

Family Photo Blanket or Gifts

The digital age has made it easier than ever to create customized gifts, from pre-printed photo albums to mugs to canvas totes and everything in between. Granny will definitely enjoy seeing some of her favourite old family photographs printed on as special gift, so why not consider getting her a warm blanket for the cold winter months; other customizable gift options include mugs (perfect if she loves a cup of morning coffee!); aprons (ideal for bakers!); and even home accessories like clocks and placemats. 

Family Reunion Luncheon

One unique gift idea you can give your grandmother is the gift of a family reunion! A family reunion luncheon where everyone gets together to share a meal and family history is something that grandmother will definitely appreciate it. To make it even more special, bring along a photo scanner (you can find small portable ones for a relatively cheap price) and ask family members to bring their own family photographs to pass around so they can be scanned. This will help you gather important old family photographs all while sharing family history in a fun way.

Family Video DVD

Granny will definitely want to enjoy some family memories caught on video! To make it easier for your grandmother to watch them, have them put on a DVD so all she needs to do is place the disc into her DVD player at home. You can even add menus and other special effects if you use certain programs, so be sure to have some fun with the family videos you decide to put on DVD.

To learn which is the best software to burn my family videos to DVD click here.

If non of the above suggestions work for you, why not give the gift of being remembered?

At Silver Screen Family we make films of your elders so that they can be remembered forever! Imagine if you could hear your grandmother laugh in 40 years’ time. To listen to her talk about how she met your grandfather? About what her schooldays were like? Who her best friend was? Giving your children advice?

We make affordable family documentaries so families’ can remember their loved ones forever.

To find out more click here!

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

A step-by-step guide on how to use Google Photoscan.

A step-by-step guide on how to use Google Photoscan:

A step-by-step guide on how to use Google Photoscan.

1. Download and Install Google Photoscan:

Go to your device's app store (e.g., App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) and search for "Google Photoscan." Download and install the app onto your device.

2. Open Google Photoscan:

Once installed, locate the Google Photoscan app on your device's home screen and tap to open it.

3. Position the Photo:

Place the old photo you want to scan on a flat surface in a well-lit area. Ensure there is no glare or reflections on the photo's surface.

4. Align the Photo within the Frame:

Position your device's camera over the photo, aligning it within the frame displayed on the app's screen. Make sure the entire photo is within the frame and that there is no cropping or overlapping of edges.

5. Capture the Image:

Tap the capture button within the app to take a photo of the displayed frame. Try to keep your device steady and avoid any shaking or movement.

6. Follow the On-Screen Guide:

After capturing the initial image, the app will guide you through the scanning process. You will be prompted to move the camera to specific points marked on the screen, aligning with the dots displayed over the photo.

7. Finalize the Scan:

Once you have captured images at all the specified points, the app will process the scan and display the final scanned image. Review the image to ensure clarity and readability.

8. Adjust the Edges:

If necessary, you can manually adjust the edges of the scanned photo by dragging the corners or sides of the frame. This helps to fine-tune the cropping and ensure the photo is properly aligned.

9. Save and Organize:

Once you are satisfied with the scanned photo, tap the save button or checkmark within the app to save it to your device's photo library or Google Photos. You can also add relevant tags, labels, or descriptions to the scanned photo for better organization.

10. Repeat for Additional Photos:

To scan more photos, follow the same process, positioning each photo within the frame and capturing images at the specified points. Continue until you have digitized all the desired photos.

Tips:

- Clean the photos before scanning to remove dust or smudges that might affect the scan quality.

- Ensure good lighting to avoid shadows or glare on the scanned photos.

- Keep the device steady while capturing the images to maintain sharpness.

- If you have older, delicate photos, consider using a support stand or tripod to stabilize the device during scanning.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Google Photoscan to digitize your old photos with ease. Enjoy preserving your family memories and sharing them with future generations!

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Bridge.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Bridge.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Bridge.

1. Launch Adobe Bridge: Open Adobe Bridge on your computer. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from Adobe's website.

2. Import Your Old Photos: Import your old photos into Adobe Bridge by navigating to the folder where the photos are stored. You can do this by clicking on the "Browse" tab in Adobe Bridge and locating the folder containing your photos.

3. Select a Photo: Locate the photo you want to add metadata to and click on it to select it.

4. Access Metadata Options: From the top menu bar, click on the "Metadata" tab, and a drop-down menu will appear with various metadata options.

5. Add Metadata Information: In the drop-down menu, select the metadata field you want to edit, such as "Title," "Description," or "Keywords." Click on the field, and a text box will appear where you can enter the relevant information. Fill in the desired metadata for the selected photo.

6. Apply Metadata to Multiple Photos: If you want to apply the same metadata to multiple photos, select all the photos you want to update by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each photo. Then, enter the metadata information in the respective fields, and it will be applied to all the selected photos.

7. Save the Changes: Once you've entered the desired metadata, click on the "Save" or "Apply" button to save the changes to the photo(s).

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, repeat the process for each photo.

Adobe Bridge offers extensive metadata options, allowing you to add detailed information to your old photos. By following these steps, you can enhance the organization and searchability of your photos, making it easier to preserve and share your family history. And if you're interested in transforming your family history into a captivating film, be sure to explore Silver Screen Family, a company dedicated to creating personalized films that honor and celebrate your family's unique story.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Windows Photos.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Windows Photos.

1. Open Windows Photos: Launch the Windows Photos application on your computer.

2. Import Your Old Photos: Import your old photos into Windows Photos by either dragging and dropping them into the app or using the import feature to select the photos from your computer's storage.

3. Select a Photo: Navigate to the photo you want to add metadata to and select it.

4. Access the Photo Details: Right-click on the selected photo and choose "Properties" from the context menu. A window will open displaying the photo's properties.

5. Add Metadata Information: In the properties window, click on the "Details" tab. Here, you'll find fields to input various details about the photo, such as title, subject, tags, rating, and more. Fill in the relevant information in the respective fields.

6. Apply Metadata to Multiple Photos: If you want to apply the same metadata to multiple photos, select all the photos you want to update by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each photo. Then, enter the metadata information in the properties window, and it will be applied to all the selected photos.

7. Save the Changes: Once you've entered the desired metadata, click on the "Apply" or "OK" button to save the changes to the photo(s).

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, repeat the process for each photo.

By following these steps in Windows Photos, you can easily add metadata to your old photos, making them more organized and searchable. Remember, preserving your family history is crucial, and adding metadata can provide valuable context and information for future generations. And if you're interested in transforming your family history into a captivating film, be sure to explore Silver Screen Family, a company dedicated to creating personalized films that honor and celebrate your family's unique story.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Digikam.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Digikam.

1. Open Digikam: Launch the Digikam application on your computer.

2. Import Your Old Photos: Import your old photos into Digikam by either dragging and dropping them into the app or using the import feature to select the photos from your computer's storage.

3. Select a Photo: Navigate to the photo you want to add metadata to and select it.

4. Access the Metadata Editor: Right-click on the selected photo and choose "Metadata" from the context menu. Then, click on "Edit Metadata" to open the metadata editor.

5. Add Metadata Information: In the metadata editor, you'll find fields to input various details about the photo, such as title, description, keywords, location, and more. Fill in the relevant information in the respective fields.

6. Apply Metadata to Multiple Photos: If you want to apply the same metadata to multiple photos, select all the photos you want to update by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each photo. Then, enter the metadata information in the metadata editor, and it will be applied to all the selected photos.

7. Save the Changes: Once you've entered the desired metadata, click on the "Save" or "Apply" button to save the changes to the photo(s).

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, repeat the process for each photo.

By following these steps in Digikam, you can efficiently add metadata to your old photos, making them more organized and searchable. Remember, preserving your family history is crucial, and adding metadata can provide valuable context and information for future generations. And if you're interested in transforming your family history into a captivating film, be sure to explore Silver Screen Family, a company dedicated to creating personalized films that honor and celebrate your family's unique story.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Apple Photos

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Apple Photos

1. Open Apple Photos: Launch the Apple Photos application on your Mac.

2. Import Your Old Photos: Import your old photos into Apple Photos by dragging and dropping them into the app or using the "Import" function to select the photos from your computer's storage.

3. Select a Photo: Navigate to the photo you want to add metadata to and select it.

4. Access the Info Panel: Click on the "Window" menu at the top and select "Info" to open the Info panel.

5. Add Metadata Information: In the Info panel, you can add various details about the photo. Enter the title, description, keywords, location, and any other relevant information in the provided fields.

6. Apply Metadata to Multiple Photos: If you want to apply the same metadata to multiple photos, select all the photos you want to update by holding down the Command key and clicking on each photo. Then, enter the metadata information in the Info panel, and it will be applied to all the selected photos.

7. Save the Changes: Apple Photos automatically saves any changes you make to the metadata.

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, repeat the process for each photo.

By following these steps in Apple Photos, you can easily add metadata to your old photos, making them more organized and searchable. Remember, preserving your family history is important, and adding metadata can provide valuable context and information for future generations. And if you're interested in turning your family history into a captivating film, be sure to explore Silver Screen Family, a company dedicated to creating personalized films that honor and celebrate your family's unique story.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Lightroom

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Lightroom:

1. Install and Open Adobe Lightroom: Install Adobe Lightroom on your computer and launch the program.

2. Import Your Old Photos: Click on the "Import" button in the bottom-left corner of the screen to import your old photos into Lightroom. Select the photos from your computer's storage and import them into your Lightroom catalog.

3. Select a Photo: In the Library module, navigate to the photo you want to add metadata to and select it.

4. Access the Metadata Panel: In the right-hand sidebar, click on the "Metadata" tab to access the metadata panel.

5. Add Metadata Information: In the metadata panel, you can add various details about the photo. Enter the title, caption, keywords, location, and any other relevant information in the provided fields. You can also add custom fields if needed.

6. Apply Metadata to Multiple Photos: If you want to apply the same metadata to multiple photos, select all the photos you want to update by holding down the Ctrl/Cmd key and clicking on each photo. Then, enter the metadata information in the metadata panel, and it will be applied to all the selected photos.

7. Save the Changes: Lightroom automatically saves any changes you make to the metadata. However, you can click on the "Metadata" menu at the top and select "Save Metadata to Files" to ensure the changes are saved directly to the photo files.

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, repeat the process for each photo.

By following these steps in Adobe Lightroom, you can efficiently add metadata to your old photos, enhancing their organization and searchability. Remember, preserving your family history is essential, and adding metadata can help future generations understand the context and significance of these photos. And if you're interested in turning your family history into a beautiful film, don't forget to check out Silver Screen Family, a company dedicated to creating personalized films that celebrate your family's unique story.

A step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Google Photos

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Google Photos:

1. Install and Open Google Photos: Download the Google Photos app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Open the app on your device.

2. Sign In to Your Google Account: Sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don't have an account already.

3. Upload Your Old Photos: Tap the "+" icon or the "Upload" button within the app to upload your old photos to Google Photos. You can select photos from your device's gallery or import them from cloud storage services.

4. Open the Photo: Once the photos are uploaded, navigate to the specific photo you want to add metadata to and open it.

5. Tap the Info (i) Icon: In the top-right corner of the photo, you'll find the "Info" icon (i). Tap on it to access the photo's information page.

6. Edit the Details: On the information page, you'll see options to edit various details about the photo. You can add a title, description, location, and even manually add people's names if Google Photos doesn't recognize them automatically.

7. Save the Changes: After entering the desired metadata, tap the "Save" or "Done" button to save the changes. The metadata will now be associated with the photo.

8. Repeat for Other Photos: If you have more photos to add metadata to, go back to the main Google Photos screen and repeat the process for each photo.

By following these steps, you can easily add metadata to your old photos using Google Photos. It will help you organize and search for specific photos based on the added information.

5 Gift Ideas To Give Grandad

5 Gift ideas to give Grandad.

It can be hard to pick out the perfect presents for your family, especially when it comes to picking out gifts for your grandparents. If you are looking for the perfect gift to give your grandad this year, something that will make him smile and remember old family memories, then take a look at these 5 gift ideas you can get for your grandfather.

Restored Old Family photographs

Old family photographs can make for a great present, especially when you take the time to restore them. Restoring old family photographs that have wrinkles, tears, discoloration and other issues will help your grandfather see them as they were meant to be seen: cherished mementos of family history that can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

To learn which is the best free photo editing software click here.

Customized Photo Mug

One way to gift your grandad family memories this year is to order a customized photo mug. A customized photo mug will let him get a long look at his cherished family history every time he drinks coffee in the morning or hot cocoa on a cold winter night. If you don’t think he’d cherish a mug, consider other customized photo gift options, such as blankets, clocks, books, shirts, tote bags and more. To make this type of gift truly special, make sure you choose photos that are special to your grandad. This can include photos of his children, grandchildren; his siblings, parents; as well as photos of his partner. 

Drawings from the Grandkids

There are few things more precious to grandparents than special drawings or crafts from their grandkids or even great-grandkids. These drawings can be a special part of family history, as they get passed down from generation to generation. If you want to make them more special than simple doodles, have the grandkids or great-grandkids draw them on nicer paper or put the drawings in a frame afterward.

Family Video DVD

Family history is special, which is why everyone loves to watch family videos from time to time. You can help grandad watch the videos whenever he wants by transferring important home movies to a DVD that he can watch on his DVD player. You can even customize home movie DVDs with features like menus, special effects and subtitles with the right program. This is definitely a gift that grandpas will appreciate, especially if you have videos of family members who have since passed on.

To learn which is the best software to burn my family videos to DVD click here.

Family Reunion Day Trip

Family reunions make for a perfect gift for your grandpa, especially if it’s been a while since everyone has been together. A day trip combined with a family reunion will let your grandpa enjoy a nice day out to a favorite place, along with great food and of course, the family. Make sure you encourage people to bring family photos and family videos so that they can be shared with everyone else during the event. If possible, have the photos and videos scanned/copied so everyone can have them.

If non of the above suggestions work for you, why not give the gift of being remembered!

At Silver Screen Family we make films of your elders so that they can be remembered forever! Imagine if you could hear your grandfather laugh in 40 years’ time. To listen to him talk about how he met your grandmother? About what his schooldays were like? Who his best friend was? Giving your children advice?

We make affordable family documentaries so families’ can remember their loved ones forever.

To find out more click here!

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn how to get started in genealogy click here.

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

How to preserve your old family history paper documents.

How to preserve your old family history paper documents.

So much of your family history is wrapped up in precious documents, such as old family photographs, old letters and even official documents like birth certificates and death certificates. But over time, family history documents can become damaged, faded and even completely destroyed. That is why you need to work hard to preserve your old paper family history documents so that the family memories they help preserve stay strong for future generations to come. The following guide will help you find out more about preserving your family history, whether it’s old photographs, birth certificates or something in between.

To learn how to organize family history paperwork click here.

How to Preserve Family History Documents

The method for preserving family history documents will vary depending on the type of document, what type of paper it’s made from, its current condition as well as its age. You will need to carefully analyze each document you need to preserve in order to do what’s best for preserving it as professionally as possible.

To learn how to back up our old photographs click here.

Step One: Digitize Documents

The first thing you need to do is digitize all of your old paper documents. In this case, digitizing can mean two different things. One, scanning the document with a photo or document scanner; then taking the resulting digital file and saving it to a computer so that it can be edited (if necessary) and then backed up. Or two, it can mean taking a high-quality photograph of the document with a camera or a smartphone camera, then backing up that resulting digital file in the same way as the first method.

Typically, the reason you may want to take a high-quality photo rather than scan the document is that documents which are exceptionally fragile may not do well to be placed inside a scanner. If this is the case, then taking a photo is a gentler and less invasive option to take.

To learn how to convert family slides to digital photos click here.

To learn how to share family videos online privately click here.

Step Two: Use Archival-Friendly Storage

Once the document has been digitized, it’s time to store it in some type of archival-friendly storage material. This can include certain types of plastics or even paper material that can help keep old documents from getting damaged by corrosive materials, sunlight, and so on. It’s important that you look for archival-friendly storage, as using regular plastic or materials can lead to old documents becoming more damaged rather than less damaged over time. For the most part, you’ll want to store these documents in single sleeves rather than placing them together; for instance, if you have a multiple page letter to preserve, you can use acid-free sheets in between them so that the pages don’t rub together.

To learn how to label old photo digital scans using metadata click here.

Step Three: Keep Original Documents in a Secure Place

Finally, you’ll need to store the family history documents in a secure place. The location needs to be away from sunlight, water and moisture that can damage documents over time. Many people store these documents in metal file cabinets, but you can also place them in a safety deposit box at your local bank for safe keeping.

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

How WorldCat can be useful for Family History?

If you are researching your family history, then you no doubt want to use as many tools at your disposal as you possibly can. Today there are more ways than ever to find out information regarding your family history, which will not only help you complete a family tree but learn important information regarding births, deaths, marriages, and much more. 

One of the most overlooked tools for finding out more about family history is WorldCat. The following is a guide to how you can use WorldCat during your family history and family tree research. 

What is WorldCat?

WorldCat is essentially an online library catalog with an international database. WorldCat lets you search records from libraries around the world; almost any library connected to a digital database can be found in WorldCat’s records, so it is one of the best ways to find material present in library catalogs. 

The search function on WorldCat is completely free to use, which makes it an invaluable tool for people trying to save money while researching their family history. 

How to use WorldCat To Research Family History

If you want to use WorldCat to research your family history and family tree, consider the following best ways to use the system during your research process. 

Find books related to your family history 

The simplest way to use WorldCat is to look for books that are related to your family history. Depending on your family, these may include books about your local town, local businesses, or even a book about past generations of your family. All you need to do is look for the title or subject of the book using the search function and browse through the results. In the results page, you will see libraries where the book is located. Some of these libraries could be nearby, while others may be too far away to visit.

Connect with other libraries through interlibrary loan

If there are libraries with books or other material relevant to your research that is too far away to visit, you may be able to connect with them using the interlibrary loan system. This allows you to check out books from libraries that aren’t your home library. The rules regarding interlibrary loan can vary, so it’s best to talk with your local librarian about your intentions to see if it’s possible to borrow the book from a different system. 

Use the "Similar items" function to find more books for research

If you’ve found the book you’re looking for, you may be able to find related books that can help with your research as well. Simply select the “Similar items” button on the search results for your original search in order to bring up other material that may be relevant to your family history. The other material may include books, public records such as city and church records, and so on.

Remember, preserving your family history is important, so make sure to use all of the tools—including WorldCat—at your disposal.

To Check out WorldCat click here!

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.



How to write your life story.

How to write your life story.

Click here to find out how to organize your family history paperwork.

Have you ever wanted to tell your life story? Telling your life story can be an excellent way to preserve your own history while adding something unique to your family history legacy at the same time. Writing your life story—whether you intend to publish it with a glossy cover with old family photographs on the front or keep it circulated amongst your family only—is an overwhelming task. However, you can make the process much easier by using the following tips that will help you get started. 

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

Create a basic timeline of your life

The first thing you should do is create a basic timeline of your life. Start at the beginning, of course, and mark down key moments in your life that have defined it so far. The milestones you choose may differ depending on your current age or how much importance you place on certain time periods in your life. The most important thing to remember is that this timeline is going to help guide you on your journey to tell your life story. 

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

Convert your timeline into a sectioned book outline

Now that you have your timeline, it’s time to convert it from a simple personal family history timeline into a book outline. This is much easier than it looks! Simply take the milestones you’ve jotted down on your timeline and convert them into chapter sections. If you want, you can keep your outline as simple as this, or you can start jotting down notes for each chapter that will help guide you as you write about the different time periods in your life. (For instance, under “Childhood,” you may want to note: talk about moving to different houses, talk about grandfather dying, and so on.)

 If this is the first time you’ve tried writing a book, it may help to keep it simple at first; if you find that after writing a section or two that writing down notes will help you, then go back to your outline and add them in.

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

Begin writing a memory from one section

Now comes the part of the process that is both the simplest and the most difficult: starting to write. The best way to start writing is to pick a section of your life (such as childhood, your high school years, the year your first child was born, etc.) and start writing about it. Make sure you start “early on” in the section so that you can write in chronological order as your thoughts come to you. At this point, don’t worry about grammar or spelling or wording everything perfectly: just write! 

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

Before you know it, you will have a few thousand words already written out. From here, continue writing until you reach the end of the timeline section before moving on to another one. Soon you will find that your first draft of your personal life story is written!

Remember to keep the above tips in mind when you start writing about your own personal family history. 

If you prefer we could make an affordable and professional documentary, about you or your family. Get in touch today!

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.