3 Tips for Regularly Organizing & Storing Your Digital Photos
Have you ever been searching for something on your computer, only to get sucked into the black hole of "oh-I-haven't-seen-these-photos-in-forever"? An hour later, you still haven't found what you set out to locate, but you've reminisced on the past 5 years of your life. And that's worth something. Right?
Of course it is, but wouldn't it be neat if you could enjoy those photos and videos more often, and more easily share them with others? It's time to get organized. While digital space doesn't take up any physical real estate in your life, it still adds to your mental clutter. The delete button is your friend. Use it!
Tip #1: Create & Implement a Specific Filing System
You might have photos on your phone that need to be synced to the cloud. You might have old videos in a forgotten folder somewhere. Pull everything together in one location on your desktop or laptop to create your official "digital photo hub." I don't recommend using a small screen, such as a phone or tablet, for this. You'll need to quickly and easily see what you're doing.
Once everything is in one place, create a system with folders for your photos. Sort your photos by date, then by file type. Assess whether you need to keep all these files. Start with the oldest content and spend no more than a few seconds looking at each item. Delete duplicates, screenshots, accidental shots, unfortunate (ha!) shots, and anything else you wouldn't share with a friend. Move the remaining files into their own folders based on year, then month, then event. (Or keep them all chronologically listed in one large folder if that is how you prefer to browse.)
Despite the tech hacks that can help you stay organized, does the idea of sorting your photos overwhelm you? Don't stress about it. Take it one step at a time and set small goals for yourself. You got this!
Tip #2: Make a Habit of Uploading to Cloud Storage
Don’t risk losing your important memories! There are many options for uploading to cloud storage with varying levels of space available and cost. These options include Apple’s iCloud, Google Photos, Dropbox, Amazon Photos (free for Prime members), iDrive, etc. Select the size and price that works for you. I personally use iCloud and all of my photos and videos automatically backup to the cloud. Some helpful features in some of the cloud storage options include compressing large files or automatically detecting and deleting things that shouldn't be there (e.g. screenshots), facial recognition and keyword search.
Tip #3: Keep a Backup on an Accessible External Drive
Even if you are storing photos in the cloud, it is a good idea to buy a physical hard drive to download your photos to. It never hurts to have an extra backup that you can grab in an emergency. Set a reminder on your phone to update the hard drive bi-monthly or monthly.
It’s not hard to organize your photos, it just takes time. Set small goals for yourself and don’t expect to get it all done in one sitting. Create a folder system that works for you and is easy to maintain.
If you're ready to organize those digital photos, but want help doing so, reach out! I can't wait to address your digital storage needs!
Warmly,
Leslie