I was born and live in Hampshire, United Kingdom.

As a self-confessed taphophile, I'm happy to help with photo requests whenever I can. If I'm unable to fulfil a specific request, I'll do my best to assist with any additional information I can find about the individual. Please note that I only share details from reliable and verifiable sources. I will never guess at dates, names or places. You can trust that any information I provide is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

If I include a nickname, it's because it appears clearly on the headstone or is supported by a trustworthy source, such as a newspaper article.

When I create an entry on Find a Grave (FaG), I apply the same standards of accuracy mentioned above. You may notice that I often leave out the place of death. This is intentional and not an oversight. Quite often genealogy websites will only provide the place where the death was registered and this could differ from the actual location, hence why I leave it blank.

I'm aware that the location where a death was registered is not always the actual place the person passed away. The same caution applies to probate records where they exist, which may reflect administrative regions rather than factual locations. For this reason, I only include the place of death if it can be clearly verified through reliable sources.

Photo Requests and How to Improve Your Chances of Having Them Fulfilled

To increase the likelihood of someone taking a photo, it's strongly recommended that you research and include the grave or plot reference in your request. Churchyards can contain hundreds of graves, and cemeteries considerably more, so having precise information is essential.

Please understand that it's unlikely a FaG contributor will research plot information for you. I personally do not typically do this. The more effort you put into your request, the more likely it is someone will be able to help. A grave is, after all, the final resting place of a person who deserves to be remembered.

If There Is No Headstone

I understand how disappointing it can be to have a photo request fulfilled only to find there is no headstone or grave marker. When that happens, I always try to photograph the location where the person was interred and will include notes in the photo caption section to help clarify the exact spot if possible.

Whether or not a headstone is present, please remember to thank the contributor. Every photo request takes time and effort—travelling to the cemetery, searching for the grave, taking the photo, cropping it and uploading it to FaG. While submitting a request takes just one click, fulfilling it often takes much more effort. Please remember that if you have requested a photo, it is because you are unable to take it yourself, so send that quick thank you message to acknowledge the contributor's effort.

Happy to Help

I'm always looking for opportunities to help others with their research. If you think I might be able to assist, feel free to send me a message. My camera is with me whenever I'm out and about, and if I happen across a relevant site, I'll do my best to capture photos.

Photo Standards and Respectful Practices

When taking headstone or grave photos, I always follow these principles:

   Respect – I never stand on any grave. It's completely unacceptable and disrespectful.

   Angle – All photos are taken perpendicular to the ground. If a headstone is leaning, I may adjust the camera angle slightly to correct this.

   Framing – I take photos face-on with the camera positioned at the centre of the headstone. If the material is reflective, I'll shoot from a slight angle to avoid capturing my reflection.

   Cleanliness – I may gently brush away twigs, leaves, or stones, or use a damp water soaked cloth to tidy the area. I will never use anything more than this.