01 · Identify
1839 — 1930s
What kind of photograph is it?
Start with the object in your hand: surface, support, case, mount, size, and image behavior.
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Macrafly reference library
Study
Start with the object. Learn what it is, build a date from evidence, understand how it was made, and keep it safe.
Object biographies, photographic history, and practical field guides—grounded in the photographs and the surviving record.
New research · Osage history
Four sisters, one surviving photograph
An unposted postcard, an inscription that does not name its sitters, and an independent image trail that restores four women to the photograph.
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Presidential history · MSV1312
Garfield at home: the people behind the presidency
A group on a Hiram lawn, a handwritten identification, and a future president within a circle of family and friends. An investigation of an extraordinary stereoview.
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Object biography
Two African American Boys in Military Dress, by N. A. Mills, Dubuque
Two boys stand side by side in a Dubuque studio, both dressed for soldiering. The smaller boy wears a dark, nine-button jacket buttoned to the throat, oversized light trousers and plain shoes, and holds a soft cap at his…
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New research · Named object
Sailor Jack and the ink on his arm
Could this be one of the earliest surviving photographs to show a tattoo? A portrait, an obituary, and an open investigation.
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02 · Date
Evidence first
Build a date from evidence
Use process, housing, mount, imprint, and inscriptions before turning to clothing or guesswork.
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03 · Understand
1850s onward
How stereoviews make depth
True stereo pairs, monoviews, camera movement, mount dating, and what you can check by eye.
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04 · Care
Handling & storage
Keep the original safe
Practical handling, storage, display, and emergency guidance, separated by object type.
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Reference desk
Go deeper
The working papers behind the guides — methods, formulas, and the words the trade uses.