What do you think?
Rate this book
What's a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy
Think you don't have stories to tell? Of course you do. Everyone does!In this book you will learn how
Tell your family storiesEnhance your stories by adding photos and detailsLeave a legacy, not a burdenIdentify mystery photosInvestigate family legendsDig deeper & climb higher on your family treeDo as much or as little as you like!Each section includes activity
Low effort (Do this if nothing else.)Medium effort (Your family will thank you.)High effort (Ask for help if you need it.)A professional organizer and genealogist helps you tell the stories of your photos, family, and things.
Get started by clicking the Buy Now button at the top of the page.“At last, a clear, easy to read, and engaging book that will help you uncover the stories hiding in your family photo collection. Hazel brings to life her own stories and takes the mystery out of genealogy research. This book is an excellent resource for anyone ready to tackle this project and meets the promise Hazel makes in her I’ve never met a person who didn’t have a story worth telling. Everyone has a story, and this book will help you tell yours!"Cathi Nelson — CEO / Founder of The Photo Ma
Tell your family storiesEnhance your stories by adding photos and detailsLeave a legacy, not a burdenIdentify mystery photosInvestigate family legendsDig deeper & climb higher on your family treeDo as much or as little as you like!Each section includes activity
Low effort (Do this if nothing else.)Medium effort (Your family will thank you.)High effort (Ask for help if you need it.)A professional organizer and genealogist helps you tell the stories of your photos, family, and things.
Get started by clicking the Buy Now button at the top of the page.“At last, a clear, easy to read, and engaging book that will help you uncover the stories hiding in your family photo collection. Hazel brings to life her own stories and takes the mystery out of genealogy research. This book is an excellent resource for anyone ready to tackle this project and meets the promise Hazel makes in her I’ve never met a person who didn’t have a story worth telling. Everyone has a story, and this book will help you tell yours!"Cathi Nelson — CEO / Founder of The Photo Ma
- GenresNonfiction
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
26 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Thornton
3 books23 followersHazel Thornton was working as a telecommunications engineer in Pasadena, California in 1993 when she was summoned to jury duty. She served for 7 months as Juror #9 on the 1st Menendez brothers' murder trial, which ended with two hung juries. Her 1995 book, Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror, was republished in 2018 with updated material.
She is now a retired professional organizer and active genealogist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her 2021 book, What's a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy, will help you tell the stories of your photos, family, and things at your choice of effort level. Her 2023 book, Go With the Flow! The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook, will help clutter FLOW right out of your home, office, and life!
She is now a retired professional organizer and active genealogist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her 2021 book, What's a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy, will help you tell the stories of your photos, family, and things at your choice of effort level. Her 2023 book, Go With the Flow! The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook, will help clutter FLOW right out of your home, office, and life!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 31, 2021
Wow! This book gets a rare, unqualified, "It's a gem!" rating from me, and that gem is a diamond in a fancy setting with a family story behind it, not a dime-store zirconia.
As a Certified Professional Organizer, I tend to be really picky about organizing, productivity, and related books. Perhaps because I've read so many, I can find it hard to be delighted unless there's something that really makes a book stand out. What's a Photo Without the Story doesn't just stand out — it made me stand up and take notice.
Thornton, the author, is both a professional organizer and a genealogist, and she comes to the project with the expertise of both realms and the charm and tone of a best friend or favorite aunt, not a bossy pedant. Instead of taking a stance of "YOU MUST DO THIS" to make sense of your family photos, which would be unrealistic for most people, her approach is much more nuanced.
Thornton recognizes that some people have photos and no interest in family history, others want to get some clarity but aren't interested in becoming full-on genealogists or photo organizers, and still others are ready to jump in, feet-first, but don't know where to go for resources or guidance.
For each section of the book, she offers advice for moving forward at three levels of effort: low effort of "Do this, if nothing else" (just to limit the photo clutter and preserve possibilities down the line), medium effort of "Your family will thank you" (so that even if you're not the family historian, someone else can be, someday), and high effort (with keys to accomplishing the creation of a multi-generational family legacy).
To be fair, the bulk of my family photos really only go back to my own childhood. The number of photos of my parents pre-dating my birth is limited, and the photos of my grandparents is scant; I only know of one photo of my paternal great-grandparents, one of my material great-grandfather, and a few of my maternal great-grandmother. There are few genealogical records, and I didn't anticipate reading this book would get me so excited. But it did!
Thornton uses her own family's photos (and the mysteries contained within) as a jumping-off point to show readers how the value of family photos can be magnified with even a bit of context and history. And just because she's a genealogist, she doesn't expect us, the readers, to have any experience in that realm. (That's where the three effort levels is so effective!)
The book begins with a mystery: a woman in a turn-of-the-century bathing costume on the beach in front of an old-timey building. We know who she is (well, Thornton does), but not where or why or when. The story isn't a tale that would puzzle Hercule Poirot, but it's got a satisfying and compelling way of pulling you into the book and seeing how mysteries can be untangled.
From there, the first section explores why and how to find and add stories to the context of family photos, including how to approach those real mysteries, genealogically-speaking. Next, the book shows you how to integrate photos into the stories you already know, to built upon that legacy.
As an organizer, Thornton shines in the next section on organizing, covering issues ranging from where (in all your disparate areas and differing formats) to seek photos, how to deal with the masses of them, and how to preserve and back them up. The section on genealogy starts from the notion that not everyone (OK, almost nobody) has a professional genealogist's skills, and walks through the options for getting started. And she does it in a way that won't shock your sensibilities regarding costs, because she presents alternatives to accomplish the tasks at all varieties of budgets.
The "Leave a Legacy, Not a Burden" section may be my favorite. As a professional organizer, I see what happens when clients are "bequeathed" sagging boxes of photos, negatives, and technology without reference to context, names, or dates. There might be 92 photos of a dog (and it turns out it was the neighbor's dog) and only one crumpled photo of Great Aunt What's-Her-Name. That helps nobody. With Thornton's guidance, the reader sees the possibilities in a photographic/genealogical legacy. She even anticipated and satisfied my own, "But what if nobody cares?" concern about family photos and history. This is obviously not Thornton's first rodeo!
Throughout all the chapters, Thornton weaves her own personal family stories into the tapestry of the book. If you've read my reviews before, you know I can be annoyed by a glut of random personal stories in a non-fiction "how to" book, but that's not what happens here. Instead, Thornton uses a light touch and the flair of a combination mystery writer and historian to tease out compelling narratives. Hers is a low-pressure wisdom that makes you want to move forward rather than shrink back.
Finally, the book has a healthy, but not overwhelming, section on resources for the reader to take the next steps in telling the story of family photos, possessions, and generations.
This isn't a genealogy book; similarly, it isn't a photo organizing book, or even an organizing book at all. It's got elements of all of those, but what it is is a book that shows you methods and approaches so you can recognize that it's possible for you to move forward for uncovering, clarifying, and leaving a family legacy, all with the level of effort you're willing to put forth (even if it's not that much, especially when you're starting out).
If you're starting from zero and looking for someone to train you in all the details of genealogy, well, no, this isn't your book. But if you've got random piles of photos, family stories that haven't quite been verified, possessions that you suspect have some story behind them, and people in your family circle who might care about any of these, ever (!), settle in for this fun and easy read.
And if nothing else (an oh, my there's so MUCH else), I think you'll get a kick out of Thornton's stories. From family resemblances to skeletons in the closet to a gangster hideout, this book is not only informative; it's rollicking good fun!
As a Certified Professional Organizer, I tend to be really picky about organizing, productivity, and related books. Perhaps because I've read so many, I can find it hard to be delighted unless there's something that really makes a book stand out. What's a Photo Without the Story doesn't just stand out — it made me stand up and take notice.
Thornton, the author, is both a professional organizer and a genealogist, and she comes to the project with the expertise of both realms and the charm and tone of a best friend or favorite aunt, not a bossy pedant. Instead of taking a stance of "YOU MUST DO THIS" to make sense of your family photos, which would be unrealistic for most people, her approach is much more nuanced.
Thornton recognizes that some people have photos and no interest in family history, others want to get some clarity but aren't interested in becoming full-on genealogists or photo organizers, and still others are ready to jump in, feet-first, but don't know where to go for resources or guidance.
For each section of the book, she offers advice for moving forward at three levels of effort: low effort of "Do this, if nothing else" (just to limit the photo clutter and preserve possibilities down the line), medium effort of "Your family will thank you" (so that even if you're not the family historian, someone else can be, someday), and high effort (with keys to accomplishing the creation of a multi-generational family legacy).
To be fair, the bulk of my family photos really only go back to my own childhood. The number of photos of my parents pre-dating my birth is limited, and the photos of my grandparents is scant; I only know of one photo of my paternal great-grandparents, one of my material great-grandfather, and a few of my maternal great-grandmother. There are few genealogical records, and I didn't anticipate reading this book would get me so excited. But it did!
Thornton uses her own family's photos (and the mysteries contained within) as a jumping-off point to show readers how the value of family photos can be magnified with even a bit of context and history. And just because she's a genealogist, she doesn't expect us, the readers, to have any experience in that realm. (That's where the three effort levels is so effective!)
The book begins with a mystery: a woman in a turn-of-the-century bathing costume on the beach in front of an old-timey building. We know who she is (well, Thornton does), but not where or why or when. The story isn't a tale that would puzzle Hercule Poirot, but it's got a satisfying and compelling way of pulling you into the book and seeing how mysteries can be untangled.
From there, the first section explores why and how to find and add stories to the context of family photos, including how to approach those real mysteries, genealogically-speaking. Next, the book shows you how to integrate photos into the stories you already know, to built upon that legacy.
As an organizer, Thornton shines in the next section on organizing, covering issues ranging from where (in all your disparate areas and differing formats) to seek photos, how to deal with the masses of them, and how to preserve and back them up. The section on genealogy starts from the notion that not everyone (OK, almost nobody) has a professional genealogist's skills, and walks through the options for getting started. And she does it in a way that won't shock your sensibilities regarding costs, because she presents alternatives to accomplish the tasks at all varieties of budgets.
The "Leave a Legacy, Not a Burden" section may be my favorite. As a professional organizer, I see what happens when clients are "bequeathed" sagging boxes of photos, negatives, and technology without reference to context, names, or dates. There might be 92 photos of a dog (and it turns out it was the neighbor's dog) and only one crumpled photo of Great Aunt What's-Her-Name. That helps nobody. With Thornton's guidance, the reader sees the possibilities in a photographic/genealogical legacy. She even anticipated and satisfied my own, "But what if nobody cares?" concern about family photos and history. This is obviously not Thornton's first rodeo!
Throughout all the chapters, Thornton weaves her own personal family stories into the tapestry of the book. If you've read my reviews before, you know I can be annoyed by a glut of random personal stories in a non-fiction "how to" book, but that's not what happens here. Instead, Thornton uses a light touch and the flair of a combination mystery writer and historian to tease out compelling narratives. Hers is a low-pressure wisdom that makes you want to move forward rather than shrink back.
Finally, the book has a healthy, but not overwhelming, section on resources for the reader to take the next steps in telling the story of family photos, possessions, and generations.
This isn't a genealogy book; similarly, it isn't a photo organizing book, or even an organizing book at all. It's got elements of all of those, but what it is is a book that shows you methods and approaches so you can recognize that it's possible for you to move forward for uncovering, clarifying, and leaving a family legacy, all with the level of effort you're willing to put forth (even if it's not that much, especially when you're starting out).
If you're starting from zero and looking for someone to train you in all the details of genealogy, well, no, this isn't your book. But if you've got random piles of photos, family stories that haven't quite been verified, possessions that you suspect have some story behind them, and people in your family circle who might care about any of these, ever (!), settle in for this fun and easy read.
And if nothing else (an oh, my there's so MUCH else), I think you'll get a kick out of Thornton's stories. From family resemblances to skeletons in the closet to a gangster hideout, this book is not only informative; it's rollicking good fun!
December 1, 2021
This book is an excellent and easy guide for family historians to begin preserving their family legacy. It is full of valuable tips at levels of effort from low, to medium, to high. The author writes in a relaxed, encouraging, and friendly tone that is easy to follow. She shares her family pictures and stories as entertaining examples of what someone can discover. Read this book and get started on preserving your family legacy!
Read
November 24, 2022Of course I would give it 5 stars. I wrote it!
September 1, 2023
My long-time interest in family history has been piqued in recent years by reading Hazel Thornton's blog, where she's shared a number of old family photos, the stories behind them, and the process she went through to put them together. As a self-appointed family historian, I've wanted to organize what I have in a way that wlll be interesting to other family members, especially the younger generations, but it's been a struggle to figure out how to go about it. For that reason I was excited to learn that Hazel was writing this book and especially to receive my copy when it was published.
The content is very well-organized, with chapters devoted to telling the stories, adding photos, delving into genealogy research, and even dealing with other types of memorabilia. Each chapter offers suggested activities to choose from depending on what you have, your level of interest, and the amount of time you have available. It became very clear that what I'm looking at probably isn't a project to be completed, but a hobby to enjoy throughout my life. That awareness has removed some of the pressure I'd put on myself so I can just relax and enjoy the process.
Realizing that there's an abundance of how-to information on the internet, Hazel doesn't try to reproduce it all in her book. Instead, she recommends online and offline resources for each activity. She also maintains resource lists on her website so you can always access up-to-date information. She even provides tips for doing your own online research, including a tactic that was new to me which will be valuable when doing business or personal searches.
I was mildly disappointed, but only because I was unrealistically expecting a step-by step formula to get me from disorganized to having something I'd be proud to share with my family, and I didn't get that. What I got instead was a better understanding of why I'm stuck and why there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all process. As Hazel explains, before you can decide what you're going to do or how you're going to do it, you need to have a specific goal in mind. I should have realized that!
I recommend this book to anyone who has boxes of old family photos and/or other memorabilia and no idea what to do with them. Even if you decide you're not interested in doing anything with them yourself, it may help you think of a family member or even an institution that might like to have them.
The content is very well-organized, with chapters devoted to telling the stories, adding photos, delving into genealogy research, and even dealing with other types of memorabilia. Each chapter offers suggested activities to choose from depending on what you have, your level of interest, and the amount of time you have available. It became very clear that what I'm looking at probably isn't a project to be completed, but a hobby to enjoy throughout my life. That awareness has removed some of the pressure I'd put on myself so I can just relax and enjoy the process.
Realizing that there's an abundance of how-to information on the internet, Hazel doesn't try to reproduce it all in her book. Instead, she recommends online and offline resources for each activity. She also maintains resource lists on her website so you can always access up-to-date information. She even provides tips for doing your own online research, including a tactic that was new to me which will be valuable when doing business or personal searches.
I was mildly disappointed, but only because I was unrealistically expecting a step-by step formula to get me from disorganized to having something I'd be proud to share with my family, and I didn't get that. What I got instead was a better understanding of why I'm stuck and why there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all process. As Hazel explains, before you can decide what you're going to do or how you're going to do it, you need to have a specific goal in mind. I should have realized that!
I recommend this book to anyone who has boxes of old family photos and/or other memorabilia and no idea what to do with them. Even if you decide you're not interested in doing anything with them yourself, it may help you think of a family member or even an institution that might like to have them.
January 26, 2024
Great book for anyone with old photos to organize or tell the stories behind the photos. Informative and a good read.
October 24, 2022
I read Hazel's book in preparation of an interview we did with her at the DIY Photo Organising podcast. I am glad I did, not only as a professional photo manager but also as the keeper of our family's photo archive and as a beginner in genealogy. It is easy to read and to follow and I really like how Hazel structured the book and the chapters. There are ideas and solutions for everyone, whether you want to do the absolute minimum or invest a lot of time and effort in creating your family legacy. I found it very inspiring and encouraging. The way she explains things make so much sense and the description of practical steps is extremely helpful. As are the countless resources she lists if you want to dig deeper. I also love the extracts from her family's stories she discovered during her own genealogist journey. This book is definitely a great resource and I know that I will consult it on an ongoing basis when working with my own photos or assisting clients on their journey. Chantal Imbach from Photos In Order, Melbourne Australia
September 10, 2022
I bought two copies of this book.
One is for a client and one is for me.
As a Certified Professional Organizer, people frequently ask me how to deal with photos.
I am grateful that I can encourage them to read Hazel Thornton's book,
What's a Photo Without the Story?
Hazel's guide is based on years of experience and study.
Eminently practical, it provides options for the reader based on their goals and the resources they have available.
Managing a collection of family photos is not only a project, it is a responsibility that leaves most people feeling overwhelmed.
What's a Photo Without the Story? is the perfect guide to get unstuck, moving forward, and to meet some or all of one's goals.
Highly recommended (by both myself and my client!)
Alison Lush, ICD® Master Trainer, CPO-CD®, CPO®, CVOP™, PPCC
One is for a client and one is for me.
As a Certified Professional Organizer, people frequently ask me how to deal with photos.
I am grateful that I can encourage them to read Hazel Thornton's book,
What's a Photo Without the Story?
Hazel's guide is based on years of experience and study.
Eminently practical, it provides options for the reader based on their goals and the resources they have available.
Managing a collection of family photos is not only a project, it is a responsibility that leaves most people feeling overwhelmed.
What's a Photo Without the Story? is the perfect guide to get unstuck, moving forward, and to meet some or all of one's goals.
Highly recommended (by both myself and my client!)
Alison Lush, ICD® Master Trainer, CPO-CD®, CPO®, CVOP™, PPCC
January 21, 2022
Professional organizer and genealogist Hazel Thornton has knocked the ball out of the park with this one! Here are a “few of my favorite things” about this book:
1. There’s a plethora of ideas for organizing photos, family history, and memorabilia; truly something for everyone!
2. It’s such a fun read! I especially enjoyed Hazel’s photo stories.
3. The author does a fantastic job of convincing us of the importance of the work, not only for ourselves, but for those to come after us.
4. She’s relatable and honest about her own victories and struggles.
5. The book is so motivating that I wanted to start working on my own projects as soon as I finished!
Trust me–you need this book! You’ll thank me later. :)
1. There’s a plethora of ideas for organizing photos, family history, and memorabilia; truly something for everyone!
2. It’s such a fun read! I especially enjoyed Hazel’s photo stories.
3. The author does a fantastic job of convincing us of the importance of the work, not only for ourselves, but for those to come after us.
4. She’s relatable and honest about her own victories and struggles.
5. The book is so motivating that I wanted to start working on my own projects as soon as I finished!
Trust me–you need this book! You’ll thank me later. :)
December 1, 2021
At last, a clear, easy to read, and engaging book that will help you uncover the stories hiding in your family photo collection. Hazel brings to life her own stories and takes the mystery out of genealogy research. This book is an excellent resource for anyone ready to tackle this project and meets the promise Hazel makes in her introduction: “I’ve never met a person who didn’t have a story worth telling. Everyone has a story, and this book will help you tell yours!” Cathi Nelson — CEO / Founder of The Photo Managers
March 15, 2022
Great "HOW TO" and FUN to Read!
The author does a great job of getting you excited about preserving family memories. She weaves her family stories throughout as she provides perspective, tools, and strategies to bring your own family stories to life. It was fun to read and has motivated me to start my project!
The author does a great job of getting you excited about preserving family memories. She weaves her family stories throughout as she provides perspective, tools, and strategies to bring your own family stories to life. It was fun to read and has motivated me to start my project!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews