When taking pictures of tombstones, make certain to get every side of the marker. Some stones have inscriptions on more than one side and some tombstones have inscriptions for several different family members. One stone for the family was cheaper than individual stones.
Sometimes FindAGrave submitters may overlook one side of a stone.
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Make sure you take photos of the stone, and the landscape so that you can easily locate your ancestor’s grave when you return for another visit.
What is the best way to clean a tomb stone to get clear pictures of the writing on the stone? Does it harm the stone to use a soft brush to wipe the dirt and dust away? Can you use anything except water on the stone?
It depends upon the condition of the stone what approach should be used. Generally speaking, the less physical contact with the stone the better–particularly if the stone is flaking or already starting to deteriorate.
Here are some more specific guidelines:
http://www.gravestonepreservation.info/articles/cleaning-gravestones-monuments-stone-sculptures
https://www.iscga.org/how-to-clean-a-gravestone.html
http://iacpinc-org.dbprginc.org/cleanheadstone.htm
When the carving is eroded, I run a finger along the engraving, with a pencil behind it to mark the letters. The graphite of the pencil shouldn’t hurt the stone. Then I photograph it.
My late husband’s stone list our children on the back.