Some of the Web's best sites consist of variations on one simple idea. In the case of Dear Photograph, that idea is taking a snapshot — usually one featuring one or more people and dating from the film-photography era — and holding it up against the original setting so that past and present blend into a new work of art. The images contributed by the site's readers are wonderfully evocative. Looking at the family photos of strangers was never so transfixing.

-TIME Magazine

Dear Photograph,My Mom, sister and I at Kyunghee University 40 years ago. I went to attend graduation ceremony for my uncle in 1972. Then ten years later, I entered KHU in 1982. And 30 years later I am submitting this photo. Maybe 10 years later, I would like to submit again!Youkyum

Dear Photograph,
My Mom, sister and I at Kyunghee University 40 years ago. I went to attend graduation ceremony for my uncle in 1972. Then ten years later, I entered KHU in 1982. And 30 years later I am submitting this photo. Maybe 10 years later, I would like to submit again!
Youkyum

Dear Photograph,What more can you ask for from a father, but to proudly wear a hand-painted t-shirt that says, “I fought the lawn and the lawn won!”.Love you Dad!Erin

Dear Photograph,
What more can you ask for from a father, but to proudly wear a hand-painted t-shirt that says, “I fought the lawn and the lawn won!”.
Love you Dad!
Erin

Dear Photograph, I remember coming to this park. Brian grilled hamburgers for us and we all had a good time. My Mom loved coming here to watch squirrels and be at peace with nature. Most of all she loved spending time with us. Thank you for reminding me how much love and happiness my Mom had for us and all the fun times we had together. Happiness at this park will never be forgotten. I miss her dearly. Mel

Dear Photograph, 
I remember coming to this park. Brian grilled hamburgers for us and we all had a good time. My Mom loved coming here to watch squirrels and be at peace with nature. Most of all she loved spending time with us. Thank you for reminding me how much love and happiness my Mom had for us and all the fun times we had together. Happiness at this park will never be forgotten. I miss her dearly.
Mel

Dear Photograph,I took this original photograph back in the late 1970s at the bandstand in Raphael’s Park near Romford. Sadly the bandstand has seen better days and when I returned to take the picture it was fenced off for renovation work. At least it seems like it is not being demolished which is good news, whilst there my father recalled that he played in a brass band in it when he was a boy.David

Dear Photograph,
I took this original photograph back in the late 1970s at the bandstand in Raphael’s Park near Romford. Sadly the bandstand has seen better days and when I returned to take the picture it was fenced off for renovation work. At least it seems like it is not being demolished which is good news, whilst there my father recalled that he played in a brass band in it when he was a boy.
David

Dear Photograph, My parents are selling the house they bought 28 years ago. This is where I grew up and this house is full of memories. But it’s a positive change, because they are moving to get closer to their grandchildren! Maxime

Dear Photograph,
My parents are selling the house they bought 28 years ago. This is where I grew up and this house is full of memories. But it’s a positive change, because they are moving to get closer to their grandchildren!
Maxime

Dear Photograph,We always went for an egg hunt to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.Now, although Grandpa and Grandma are gone, the young boy in the photo is a Grandpa himself. He lives in the house, and hosts the easter egg hunt for his grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Happy Easter!Ramona

Dear Photograph,
We always went for an egg hunt to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.Now, although Grandpa and Grandma are gone, the young boy in the photo is a Grandpa himself. He lives in the house, and hosts the easter egg hunt for his grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Happy Easter!
Ramona

Dear Photograph,So many stories this house could tell, so many wonderful memories. My father, not even a year old sitting on the front porch. Sadly both his grandparents passed away last year, and this house, their house, is to be sold. It would be nice to think it will remain standing for years to come, but at least I was able to recreate this moment in time.Nada

Dear Photograph,
So many stories this house could tell, so many wonderful memories. My father, not even a year old sitting on the front porch. Sadly both his grandparents passed away last year, and this house, their house, is to be sold. It would be nice to think it will remain standing for years to come, but at least I was able to recreate this moment in time.
Nada

Dear Photograph,This oven brought me all around the world with dinosaurs, musketeers and pirates. Until rails and bearing weren’t able to transport me anymore. Decades later, I graduated as a mechanical engineer. Probably to build stronger rails and bearing…Cedrik

Dear Photograph,
This oven brought me all around the world with dinosaurs, musketeers and pirates. Until rails and bearing weren’t able to transport me anymore. Decades later, I graduated as a mechanical engineer. Probably to build stronger rails and bearing…
Cedrik

Dear Photograph,Many moons ago my sister loved to play around on the patio in her birthday suit. Thirty years later and her son is doing the same.Tricia

Dear Photograph,
Many moons ago my sister loved to play around on the patio in her birthday suit. Thirty years later and her son is doing the same.
Tricia

Dear Photograph,I just moved in and finished painting your old room. Never imagined myself living here. It’s not the same without you. Hope to see you again soon!Becca

Dear Photograph,
I just moved in and finished painting your old room. Never imagined myself living here. It’s not the same without you. Hope to see you again soon!
Becca

Dear Photograph,Daymer Bay in Cornwall has been the family holiday destination to stay for generations. Since my grandparents built a house next to the beach my mother basically grew up there and then she took myself and my sisters there to share the memories. Unfortunately we do not own the house any more, but that wont let me stop me take my child and my children’s children to this place and share the memories that shall always remain even though the sand washes away our footsteps after all these years.Rowan

Dear Photograph,
Daymer Bay in Cornwall has been the family holiday destination to stay for generations. Since my grandparents built a house next to the beach my mother basically grew up there and then she took myself and my sisters there to share the memories. Unfortunately we do not own the house any more, but that wont let me stop me take my child and my children’s children to this place and share the memories that shall always remain even though the sand washes away our footsteps after all these years.
Rowan

Dear Photograph,As the family archivist, I was drawn to this image of my great grandfather George and my uncle Jack taken in my New England hometown circa 1930. When we moved away from our family and its history, my life was shattered. Many years later I found solace and reconnection through tracking our family tree. On one of many visits, I found the alley in the photo by observing the unusual brackets on the house on the left. Piece by piece, I am putting myself back together.Marty

Dear Photograph,
As the family archivist, I was drawn to this image of my great grandfather George and my uncle Jack taken in my New England hometown circa 1930. When we moved away from our family and its history, my life was shattered. Many years later I found solace and reconnection through tracking our family tree. On one of many visits, I found the alley in the photo by observing the unusual brackets on the house on the left. Piece by piece, I am putting myself back together.
Marty