Start with a photograph

Find a person from a photo

An old photograph can contain useful context: clothing, signs, landmarks, events, uniforms, objects, dates or people who may recognize the scene.

Look at the context around the person.

Can I upload an old or damaged photograph?
Should I share the full original photo publicly?
Does photo recognition confirm someone's identity?

Read the guide ↓

Context

Look at the context around the person.

Details in the background can be more useful than a face alone. A school emblem, shop sign, event banner, vehicle, street or uniform may help someone recognize where and when the photograph was taken.

Privacy

Protect sensitive details before sharing.

Crop documents, addresses, phone numbers, minors or unrelated private details when they are not needed. Keep original files private whenever possible.

Verification

Treat recognition as a clue, not proof.

Someone saying they recognize a person or place should be treated as a lead until the context can be verified carefully.

Helpful next steps

Build a careful request with useful context.

Start with what you know, avoid unnecessary private details and treat every possible connection as unconfirmed until it is supported.

Time

Use approximate years or ranges when exact dates are uncertain.

Place

Describe shared locations, schools, workplaces, journeys or landmarks.

Context

Explain why the memory matters and what kind of connection you remember.

Consent

Respect privacy, uncertainty and another person's choice not to reconnect.

Frequently asked questions