How to go about doing this?

A few key points to know:
1) My MIL is a huge scrapbooker (she could open a consulting business)
2) My SIL's husband is estranged from his family. Long story short, they (SIL's in-laws) didn't even recongize when their first grandchild was born.

Here's the idea: my SIL and her husband have NO pictures of her hubby when he was little, and at least to my SIL, she would love to have pictures of him. She and her MIL don't get along, so she doesn't want to go ask.

For Christmas, I had the thought of making a scrapbook of her hubby's pictures from when he was younger. Now, this would require asking my SIL's in-laws for the pictures.

What would the best way to do this? I don't want to intrude on the conflict nor get involved, but this would be a fun gift my MIL and I could do for him together.

Any thoughts?

It is not entirely impossible they they would give you some pics, but it is very improbable. They may not even talk to you when they know who you are.

Have you met them? If you have been able to talk to them in the past, go for it. If not, well it may entirely depend on why they are estranged. The easiest way would be if her husband asked, but depends on if they are talking at the moment.

I guess it wouldn't hurt anything to ask them. Be extraordinarily respectful. (Yes, Ma'am, no ma'am, Terribly sorry to impose. I had this wonderful idea for a gift, but it would mean asking for your help but I absolutely understand if it's an imposition. etc) Who knows, it may even make them remember the good about their son. Stranger things have happened.

I am not sure I would mention your MIL in this. They may not like her, and that could be part of the problem. Just in case.

Good luck

Well, I am estranged from my younger brother, so I kinda understand the feelings here. I guess the first step is to just call and ask if you can have some photos. Chances are they have too much pride and bitterness to let them go...but you can give it a try...pray before you ask.