Did you know that September is Save Your Photos Month? Join us for a month-long quest to protect and preserve your family’s lifetime of photos, film, and memorabilia. #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Week 1: My Photos are Everywhere

Does this sound familiar? “I have photos on a bunch of old CDs, thumb drives, external hard drives, in albums and then there is my Dropbox, Google Photos, and maybe I’ve backed up to iCloud…help, I am overwhelmed!” Before you can start to organize your photos, you have to get them ALL into one place. During week one we will focus on gathering your photos.

Even if you aren’t ready to physically gather them, making a list is a useful first step, and you’ll be more prepared when the time is right to embark on the organizing.

Tip #1: Let’s start with a list of all the places you are storing your printed photos and slides. Include photo albums, framed photos, photos in drawers or boxes or closets, or even storage units. A written list of locations will serve as a checklist when you gather them.

Tip #2: Make a list of all the places you have digital photos. Include old phones, computers, memory cards, and CDs/DVDs. Add usernames and passwords to photo websites where you’ve uploaded pictures.

Tip #3: Get the family involved in tracking down your photos. Ask relatives where their photos are and make a plan to include them in your photo organizing project.

Tip #4: Home movies should be part of what you’re saving! Make a list of the types you have (Super 8, VHS tapes, camcorder tapes, etc.) so you can make a plan for converting them to digital.

Tip #5: Create a family timeline of important events like birthdays, graduations, weddings, moves, retirements. This will help you determine the dates of photos.

Tip #6: How many photos do you have: 10,000 or 100,000? Knowing the number helps you plan the scope of the project. A shoebox = 600 – 800 photos; 1 GB = about 560 JPGS; the average photo album = 200 photos.

Tip #7: Are you finding lots of duplicates as you go through your photos? Toss or delete doubles, blurry shots, and most scenery-only photos. Edit your collection down to a manageable size! You may end up getting rid of 50% or more.

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© The Photo Managers

Join us for Save Your Photos Month, starting tomorrow!

Save Your Photos Month is an online educational event from The Photo Managers, with 40+ mini-courses all about saving your photos and family stories, plus weekly live Q&As with experts and the chance to win prizes from sponsors. Register for free at www.SaveYourPhotos.org.

Thanks for joining us for Save Your Photos Month 2020! You can access The Photo Managers’ FREE online summit, with over 40 classes taught by the pros, until November 1, 2020, at https://buff.ly/3hoCklh.

Did you know that September is Save Your Photos Month? Join us for a month-long quest to protect and preserve your family’s lifetime of photos, film, and memorabilia. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 27: Decorate with Memories

Surrounding ourselves with favorite pictures creates a happy, loving environment for the whole family. These memories provide a positive reflection of our lives, especially during difficult times. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 28: Ways to Share

Photo books are a great way to share your photos and tell stories. Use one of the many online platforms available to design and print them. Combine photos, videos, oral narratives, and music to create meaningful video slideshows; there are apps for that, too! #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 29: Create Photo Gifts

Once your photos are organized, it’s easy to create photo gifts to celebrate and share memories with your loved ones. Framed images, albums, mugs, photo puzzles, calendars, and more are a great way to spread the love for any occasion. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 30: Your Family Archive

Private online family websites and cloud storage companies let you upload, share, and archive family photos and memorabilia. Easily collaborate with family members, collect family history, and create timelines. When choosing a provider, take advantage of free trials and run a test with a small group of photos before you commit. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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© The Photo Managers

Did you know that September is Save Your Photos Month? Join us for a month-long quest to protect and preserve your family’s lifetime of photos, film, and memorabilia. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 20: Back Up the Mess

Before you begin sorting your digital images, back up the mess. Then no matter what happens while you’re organizing in the working copy, you’ll have a copy of the original files. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 21: Create a Digital Photo Hub

Your digital photo hub is a designated location, such as an external hard drive, where all your original digital and scanned photos live. Copy your digital photos and videos from all your various devices including phones, camera cards, USB sticks, etc. Then begin to sort by date or theme, or whichever organizing structure you’ve determined. As you scan prints, add those image files to the hub. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 22: 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

Use the 3-2-1 backup strategy to safeguard your digital files. Create THREE copies of your digital data (photos, videos, documents, etc.) stored on TWO different types of media or devices (a computer and an external hard drive, for example), with ONE copy located off-site (another physical location or the cloud). #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 23: Scan Your Photos

Scanning your printed photos extends the lifetime of your pictures, creates a backup, and increases your ability to share and enjoy your memories. Don’t forget to digitize your slides and negatives as well.
. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 24: Adding Metadata

Metadata is information that is digitally attached to your images and can help identify key information. This data makes it easier for you to search for your images and helps tell the story of the photo. Photo organizing software allows you to embed this information into your image files. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 25: Store Prints Safely

Your printed photos and memorabilia should be stored away from light and dust in archival containers and located in the main part of the house, with average room temperatures and low humidity. Avoid basements, attics, and garages – your photos should live where you live. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Day 26: Schedule Regular Maintenance

Once your photos and videos are organized, your collection will need regular maintenance and attention. Schedule time at regular intervals on your calendar to delete extraneous photos from your phone, ensure backups are running, and add new images to your digital photo hub. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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© The Photo Managers