Guide to Re-Photography

Karen Scott, one of the CAVLP Heritage volunteers, has been exploring the historic environment of the Clyde and Avon Valley with her camera, taking photographs of interesting places, buildings and landscapes, and comparing how these places look now to what they looked like in the past. Karen has been using these photographs to create a re-photography project, to share her adventures and walks for the public to enjoy. Below you can see Karen’s handy guide to re-photography, we hope that you enjoy it and find it useful for your own adventures.

Re-photography is a great and easy way to get out and really explore our environment, from the high street to the countryside to find old buildings, structures and scenery. It really is a great way to reconnect to the landscape around us.

Here's my four step guide to Re-Photography.

• STEP 1: Find an Old Image

  The best way to start is by finding an old image of a place that you would like to know more about. This could be a local church, park or even where your house is. Old Photographs can be found from various resources, as follows, links under 'Find Out More' on the right:

  Library & Museum Archives such as Hamilton Townhouse Library or Motherwell Library.

  Local Heritage Groups such as the Lanark and District Archaeology Society, Carluke Parish Historical Society and Stonehouse Heritage Group.

  Archaeological resources such as CANMORE.

  Historical Resources such as SCRAN (FREE to South and North Lanarkshire Library users) and National Library of Scotland.

  Social media including Facebook Groups such as Lost Houses of the Clyde Valley and Clydesdale's Heritage.

• STEP 2: Check Maps

  Once you find an old image, it is worth checking Google Maps or Bing Maps prior to heading out, so you know what to look for.

  Another useful resource is the National Library of Scotland Maps website, as listed above, which has hundreds of old maps of Scotland dating back to the 16th century. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd edition Ordnance Survey maps are the most useful for re-photography, especially if the structure you are looking for is no longer there, to make sure you're at the right site.

  Plan your journey too using maps. Is your route next to a road or is it over fields? How long is your route? Make sure your wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the occasion.

• STEP 3: Go Exploring

  Grab your Camera and go exploring!

  It's like a treasure hunt, you never know what other hidden gems will be found.

  Don't forget to take a copy or download of the old image so you can compare the landscape and take a picture at the same angle. (I usually take a few photos at various angles just to be sure).

• STEP 4: Share

  Once home, you can use a collage app on your phone or computer (I use FotoRus - link on right under 'Find Out More') to crop and overlay the images to get a real sense of change.

  It's great to share your findings so that others may be inspired to go out exploring too. I use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  Rephotograhy is is a great way to turn a walk into an adventure that you can share with everyone.

Rephotograhy is is a great way to turn a walk into an adventure that you can share with everyone.

By Karen M. Scott