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Photographing gravestones is something that nearly all genealogists end up doing at some point. Sometimes you are taking pictures of your own relatives’ stones for your family history. Other times you might be sending a photo to a distant friend or relative. More recently, there are photo volunteers who take a picture for a complete stranger to post on Find a Grave. Regardless of the reason, the goal of each photograph you take is to have the most readable reproduction possible.
There are all kinds of headstones from different time periods and some are more challenging than others to photograph. The “modern” deeply cut granite stones are very photogenic and you can nearly always get a good shot. The older stones with raised lettering are much more challenging.
Also the old engraved marble stones can be very difficult because marble is softer and doesn’t last as long as granite. Some of the lettering on these stones has noticeably eroded away just in my lifetime.
In my experience, the light source — whether the sun is out that day and what angle it is coming from — is the single most significant factor in getting a good shot of almost any stone. For older stones with raised lettering, it is good to have the sun at an angle so that the raised letters cast a bit of a shadow and then they really pop out. If the sun is not out or is shining straight onto the stone, the raised letters look flat or may not appear readable at all. In this case, it would a good idea to return to the cemetery at a different time of day or in a different season to get a better shot. But that’s not always feasible, especially if this is your only chance to take this photo. So try creating your own angle by moving off to the side of the stone, and maybe lower, to get those raised letters to show up. This method also sometimes helps with old eroded marble stones with engraved lettering that is almost too faint to read. Sometimes moving your camera to a slight angle instead of straight-on helps. Since many of these marble stones are often still very white, a shot taken in direct sunlight can be too bright and make the faint lettering less readable. In these cases, try to get a shot of the stone in the shade.
If the sun is going in and out of clouds you can just wait a few minutes. Or, create your own shade by standing between the sun and the stone. If you have a jacket or blanket in your car you can drape it across your shoulders and hold it out with one arm to create more shade to cover the entire stone.
Backlighting is a horrible problem for any photo you take and it can negatively affect your shot of an upright grave stone. Backlighting is when the light source is coming from behind the stone (more often in early mornings and late afternoons). Your camera gets fooled by all of that light coming in from behind the stone and makes the front of the stone — the part you want to read — appear to be darker. In cases like this, you should experiment with some different shots. To minimize the effect of the sun coming from behind, zero in on the face of the stone and include as little of the background as possible. You could try using the flash. You can also try angle shots or just wait a while until the sun comes up higher or goes down lower.
Finally, when framing that shot, be aware of what the scene really looks like in the viewfinder. Are you reflected in the surface of a high gloss grave? Are you casting your own shadow across the stone? Avoid these situations by taking a shot from just off to the side of center, or, for a flat stone, shooting it from the other side (upside down) to remove your shadow from the shot. And remember, always have a whisk broom and trowel with you to clean away grass, dirt, and debris.
With digital photography you can instantly see if the photograph you took is what you want and you can also take several versions in your attempt to get the best one. Good luck. The season is here.
History
GENEALOGY: Lighting is key when photographing gravestones
- History
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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