What projects do you want to accomplish this year? Do you have a photo project that has been on your mind but are feeling overwhelmed? Tackling your photos doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your photos and the memories that they bring us.
Make a plan
What do you want to accomplish? Here are some of the common projects:
Gathering all of your digital photos from your multiple devices and create a digital photo hub. (Having all of your photos in one place)
Sorting through those old prints photos and having them scanned and added to your digital collection.
Creating a photo book highlighting the events of 2018.
Having your VHS or Super8 films converted into digital format so that you can view them again.
Prioritize
Which project do you want to start first? Next, break the project down into smaller sections allowing you to accomplish smaller goals.
Allow yourself time
It will take time to complete you project, book yourself a block of time in our calendar on a regular basis.
Start with Today
I suggest starting with today and move backwards through the years. Working with your most recent pictures is easier as you will remember the details more clearly. Once you have 2018 cleaned up move backwards in time. It becomes simpler to piece the puzzle together.
Backup, Backup, Backup
Remember that a good back up is key. Three copies, on three different devices, in two separate locations. Don’t take the risk of losing all of your photos.
Celebrate your accomplishments
Don’t forget to celebrate the small successes along the way and remember to share the stories!
The three things that people grab in case of a household fire or flood are people, pets and photos. Creating a Digital Photo Hub and reviewing your photo backup plan will ensure that your digital photos are safe and secure.
What is a Photo Hub and how do I create one?
A Digital Photo Hub (DPH) is the one place that all of your original photos are stored, ideally this should be on your computer or an external hard drive. It’s essential if you want to keep your photos organized and backed up! Once you have your DPH set up it’s where all of your original photos will live.
Characteristics of a good DPH
It’s dedicated, high capacity, accessible all the time, and intentional - not random.
An example is a dedicated folder on your computer or a dedicated external hard drive. Using your phone or online cloud solutions are NOT good places to store your original high resolution photographs.
A Dedicated Hub
This means that you store nothing but your photos there. Mixing other files in with your photo hub will create clutter and disorganization. Keep it free of anything not related. Create a photos folder on your computer or an external hard drive and keep all other files out. It is a logical place, the first place that you will go to look for pictures. When you want to find a photo you will have one place to look.
Have enough storage capacity
Our photo libraries are constantly growing so you need to ensure that you have enough space to store your photos. You are intentionally creating a home for all of your photos so they are not scattered on different devices. Storage devices are inexpensive so go for a minimum of 1TB.
Keep your hub accessible
Make it local, your original photos should live where you do, they shouldn't live in the cloud. Cloud storage can be an option for a backup copy.
Your hub must be intentional
Plan carefully where you want to store your photographs, don’t take a chance with your memories.
Back them up!
It is recommended that you keep multiple copies of your digital library. We recommend the 3-3-2 back up plan. 3 copies of your library on 3 different devices and in 2 separate locations. This ensures that your memories are safe guarded in case of a hard drive crash, flood or fire.
Start your new year by creating your dedicated Digital Photo Hub and reviewing your photo backup plan, you’ll be glad that you did.
About the Author:
Trish Keogh founder of Pictures in Place, a Photo Organizing Company. Please contact info@picturesinplace.ca to discuss your project.
