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,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

Dear Photograph,Dad…here is your mother holding you in 1939. She would be taken away from you when you were only 21 and you away from me when I was only 19. Miss you.Love, Sarah

Dear Photograph,
Dad…here is your mother holding you in 1939. She would be taken away from you when you were only 21 and you away from me when I was only 19. Miss you.
Love,
Sarah

Dear Photograph, My big brother Dave and I in our best clothes on a Sunday morning in our front yard in the 1960’s.  Simpler times, despite the scratchy crinoline! Mary

Dear Photograph,
My big brother Dave and I in our best clothes on a Sunday morning in our front yard in the 1960’s.  Simpler times, despite the scratchy crinoline!
Mary

Dear Photograph,My father died when I was 8 years old and left my mother a young widow. But that didn’t stop her from traveling and showing her children the world. She was a bundle of energy, zaniness and love. I learned to be a good mother from the best.Debby

Dear Photograph,
My father died when I was 8 years old and left my mother a young widow. But that didn’t stop her from traveling and showing her children the world. She was a bundle of energy, zaniness and love. I learned to be a good mother from the best.
Debby

Dear Photograph,My grandfather used to take all of us kids for rides in the wheelbarrow. It was fun and exciting at a young age. Later on, he’d take us for rides in the car. Finally, it was us taking him for rides in the car, then in the wheelchair. He was my sunshine. Tomorrow, we’ll take a final ride with him to the cemetery. I will miss his smiles, which he gave us freely even at the end when he wasn’t able to speak. I promise to take my kids for rides in unconventional vehicles - it was a magical feeling. Thanks for the rides Grandpa.Amanda

Dear Photograph,
My grandfather used to take all of us kids for rides in the wheelbarrow. It was fun and exciting at a young age. Later on, he’d take us for rides in the car. Finally, it was us taking him for rides in the car, then in the wheelchair. He was my sunshine. Tomorrow, we’ll take a final ride with him to the cemetery. I will miss his smiles, which he gave us freely even at the end when he wasn’t able to speak. I promise to take my kids for rides in unconventional vehicles - it was a magical feeling. Thanks for the rides Grandpa.
Amanda

Dear Photograph, Finally we got up early for the sunrise which we have been planning for over a week. Thank you India for making this sunrise a memory.Yaman

Dear Photograph,
Finally we got up early for the sunrise which we have been planning for over a week. Thank you India for making this sunrise a memory.
Yaman

Dear Photograph, This was my mom and my sister helping me with my first step 30 years ago.Anika

Dear Photograph,
This was my mom and my sister helping me with my first step 30 years ago.
Anika

Dear Photograph, A long time ago, I didn’t need much except for a trip to Papa and Mama’s house to make me happy. They are both still around and I’m so grateful to have them. I wish that I could go back to those days when every day consisted of visits. It doesn’t matter how old you get, you always know where home is. That place has change a little since I was younger but the people inside are still the same hearts that I live for every day. Love, A Grown Up Redheaded Baby Girl

Dear Photograph,
A long time ago, I didn’t need much except for a trip to Papa and Mama’s house to make me happy. They are both still around and I’m so grateful to have them. I wish that I could go back to those days when every day consisted of visits. It doesn’t matter how old you get, you always know where home is. That place has change a little since I was younger but the people inside are still the same hearts that I live for every day. Love,
A Grown Up Redheaded Baby Girl

Dear Photograph, My grandmother grew up here on her family farm in Hokah, MN. I came to visit it for the first time ever and I wanted to see what my great-grandparents were looking at from their farmhouse porch.  As I turned around I saw it too, the beautiful view of the valley where the farm proudly sits. I spent the day exploring all the beauty that surrounded me, Ioving every moment, embracing our farming roots. Love, Skye

Dear Photograph,
My grandmother grew up here on her family farm in Hokah, MN. I came to visit it for the first time ever and I wanted to see what my great-grandparents were looking at from their farmhouse porch.  As I turned around I saw it too, the beautiful view of the valley where the farm proudly sits. I spent the day exploring all the beauty that surrounded me, Ioving every moment, embracing our farming roots.
Love,
Skye

Dear Photograph,This picture was taken when I was about 10 with my family.  Last week my husband visited Puerto Rico for the first time and he took this picture for me.Jennifer

Dear Photograph,
This picture was taken when I was about 10 with my family.  Last week my husband visited Puerto Rico for the first time and he took this picture for me.
Jennifer

Dear Photograph,One thing my family has in common is a love of fishing. I thank my grandparents for passing their love of the ocean on to me and for teaching me to catch, clean and cook a fish- like all grandparents should do.-Kristen

Dear Photograph,
One thing my family has in common is a love of fishing. I thank my grandparents for passing their love of the ocean on to me and for teaching me to catch, clean and cook a fish- like all grandparents should do.
-Kristen

Dear Photograph, My Mom and I on my very first trip to Walt Disney World in 1995. This past weekend I traveled all the way to Disney on my own and I wanted to mark what felt like the intersection of my childhood and my newly accepted adulthood.M

Dear Photograph,
My Mom and I on my very first trip to Walt Disney World in 1995. This past weekend I traveled all the way to Disney on my own and I wanted to mark what felt like the intersection of my childhood and my newly accepted adulthood.
M