Photos

The most important photos that you need are photos of family such as wedding photos. These are the key moments in your life and can be talked about in the biography – if you wish.

These photos are useful because they say a lot about the choices open to families at the time, how things have changed and what you enjoyed about them. This is the beach in Devon in the 1950s.

Photos taken out and about show everyday life in the time you grew up. This is Bolton market place in the early 1950s.

Pictures of the houses you have lived in and the places you played also give a better pictures of your life to the viewer. This is Dartmoor, remembered in one biography for its harsh winters, and this photo says it all.

The style of studio pictures changes though the ages and give a nice flavour of the era in which they were taken.

School pictures and group photos are very important to fill in background when talking about the area you grew up and your shared experiences – at school, work or play.

Pictures in uniform or at places of work are always vivid illustrations, whether talking about what your parents did or your own choice of career.

Animals are also important. This regimental war horse pulled a cannon in the 1930s and went to war with one of our subjects: an important horse indeed.

Life-changing moments caught on film are also good to talk about.

Been in the papers? Story clippings and birth/marriage/death announcements in the newspapers make good images to add background and will be appreciated by viewers in years to come.

Whether you collect stamps or keep pigs, your hobbies say a lot about who you are. Try to include a photo of these too.