If you are into genealogy or family history, you have probably noticed the differences between modern and old-time or vintage photos. You may even be looking to recreate the look in your family photos so you can display them alongside your ancestors in a vintage display. There are several ways you can make modern photos look like old-time photos.

Props: If you are taking a new picture, props can help you to give your photo an old-time feel. Visit a vintage clothing shop or look at flea markets and yard sales for clothing and items from the time period you wish to recreate. Don't forget to include hats, purses, shoes and jewelry to enhance the effect. You can also use backdrops to help give the illusion of an old time photo. Visit the fabric store for vintage fabric to use as a backdrop.

Filters or Apps: If you already have a photo that you want to make look like an old photo, there are a wide variety of photo editing or photo manipulation software and apps you can use to create the illusion of an old photo. There are several free programs available online and many apps you can download for your phone or computer. Look for presets or filters in the program labeled as "old photo", "vintage", "faded photo" or other similar names. These change the look of your photo to make it look old.

Frames: Both physical frames and frames in photo editing software can help create the effect you are looking for. Look under "frames" in the photo editing software. Most have a variety of choices from weathered-and-worn to period frames. Antique picture frames found at yard sales and flea markets can also work to enhance the feel of your photo.

Vignetting: Vignetting is another effect you can apply to photos in a photo editing app or software. It fades the edges of the photo creating either a dark or light oval or circle around the image. Play with the adjustments to create the size and shape you want for you picture.

Monochrome, Sepia or Black and White: You can either take the photo with one of these settings or change a colored photo to it in a photo editing app or software. Many allow you to adjust the intensity of the effect. Play with the adjustments until you get the effect you want.

Before you begin editing your photo with software or apps, make a copy of the photo. Save the original and work on the copy. Don't be afraid to apply multiple effects to the photo to create a unique image.  Most software and apps have an undo feature so you can try out several effects to see how they look and revert to your original if you don't like it.

Contact a company like Four Sisters Old Time Photo for more help.