If you're like many people interested in creating a family tree, you're probably starting out with some family photos, and a sketchy family tree with some of the leaves (names) missing. Don't worry! If you don't have everything together from the start, researching is half the fun.

Here are some tips to help you fill in the blanks:

• Gather all your photos, family documents and heirlooms into one area, and make it your "scrapbook central". This will help you get organized, and allow you to work on one particular area while you are tracking down info for another.
• Ask your relatives to contribute their own images, memorabilia and stories.
• Scour the backs of photos for names, dates and other useful info.
• Pay a visit to your local city hall to research and make copies of items such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, immigration records, etc.
• Consider joining an online genealogy service.
• Consider alternative spellings of the family name. Sometimes names have been shortened or otherwise altered through the years.
• Interview your relatives, especially the older ones who may have plenty of colorful family stories you haven't heard before. You never know where your best page ideas are going to come from.
• Document everything, whether you think you'll use it or not. You may need the information at a later date.
• Begin filling in a practice family tree as you gather information.

Contributions by: D&L .Parkin