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The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.
— Andy Warhol
Adding Metadata - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Adding Metadata - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

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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Scan Your Photos - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Scan Your Photos - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Scanning your printed photos and slides 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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Create a Digital Photo Hub  - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Create a Digital Photo Hub - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

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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Make Good Choices - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Make Good Choices - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

When you choose photo organizing software, you need to consider your comfort level with technology, your operating system, your time, and most importantly, your lifestyle - how will you access and maintain your photos? #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Create a Timeline - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Create a Timeline - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Preparing a family timeline aids in the sorting process as you begin to tackle your photo and video collection. Begin by plotting significant milestones like marriage or birth dates. Then add school years, moves, vacations, and other details. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Take an Inventory - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Take an Inventory - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Once you have finished gathering your items and placed like items together, take an inventory. For example: 6 photo albums, 4 shoeboxes of photos and letters, 10 photo CDs, 3 slide carousels, etc. This is the first step in managing your project. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Play Detective - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Play Detective - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Need help dating photos? Family documents and letters contain dates and information that may unlock some mysteries. Use context clues in photos such as signs, wall calendars, or birthday candles. Even the size, markings, or type of photos can be informative. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Prepare for Emotions - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Prepare for Emotions - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Photographs allow us to reflect back on our lives, both the good and the bad. Many emotions may arise when you open long-stored boxes of photos. Allow yourself time with these feelings. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Include Keepsakes - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Include Keepsakes - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Kids' artwork and family documents, as well as tangible keepsakes such as souvenirs and family heirlooms should be considered as part of your photo organizing goal. These can be scanned or photographed and added to your collection. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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Setup for Success - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
John Spear John Spear

Setup for Success - #SaveYourPhotosMonth

Designate a temporary workspace in your home that allows you to spread out and that will be undisturbed. When your project is visible, you are more likely to remain focused and achieve your goal. #SaveYourPhotos2020

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So you have a lot of photos
John Spear John Spear

So you have a lot of photos

We have a LOT of photos hanging around. Maybe you inherited your parent's and grandparent's collection. You are the family archivist for the whole clan. Maybe you just love pictures and love to collect them. And now, with your phone, you take more photos than ever before, so your collection is growing both digitally and physically! 

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