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Blog
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do. ”
![Holidays and your photos](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1669008015178-QMHVY444NP9EGQ67KNU8/pexels-shvets-production-7545270.jpg)
Holidays and your photos
It’s the holiday season when time both speeds up and slows down. It’s also when families get together, making it a perfect time to get some older family photos identified.
![Mini-course: How to stop photo-procrastinating](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1630563697389-6L9NVMUCP083ZNTGCY5K/Screenshot+2021-09-01+232118.jpg)
Mini-course: How to stop photo-procrastinating
Having recently conducted a survey of the things people procrastinate about, Photo Organizing podcasters Fiona Staff and Chantal Imbach found that 97% of respondents have procrastinated organizing their precious family photos. https://SaveYourPhotos.org
![Digitizing a Scrapbook or Photo Album](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1605239054336-MJGZSTMUC3941NQV6MLC/Digitize+a+photo+album.png)
Digitizing a Scrapbook or Photo Album
Have you created (or inherited) some great scrapbooks or photo albums? Do you want to preserve them against damage, loss, or just share them with the family?
![Holidays and Photos](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1605211079858-XLGUTYS0LNW3U4XYSQ6J/Thanksgiving-1812977380-small.jpg)
Holidays and Photos
With the holiday season already upon us, our photos can connect us with friends and family who are apart from us this season. Let The Picture Org (anizer) help you organize your photos for easy sharing and enjoyment!
![Your Family Archive - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600639116564-EDHRH7HLOGX26P36XPHQ/September+30.png)
Your Family Archive - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Create Photo Gifts - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600639000670-YILVG26UAW926AT0W5J7/September+29.png)
Create Photo Gifts - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Ways to Share - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638840535-6GF7J2OYEGB4G8O3SYIM/September+28.png)
Ways to Share - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Decorate with Memories - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638733920-VXV83U0RLBU9XYXKBC5Y/September+27.png)
Decorate with Memories - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Schedule Regular Maintenance - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638597966-GPOT0IDWPVA5QOQK8B4N/September+26.png)
Schedule Regular Maintenance - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Store Prints Safely - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638429063-DZMJ6PF4IZZ7TP3WV8TO/September+25.png)
Store Prints Safely - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Adding Metadata - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638243149-AFP6JNNB3VCJ0ZD7B0MW/September+24.png)
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
![Scan Your Photos - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600638048471-1YM581WQTAK6Z0IDJ8UX/September+23.png)
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
![The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600540386738-HVYA70T1Q41ZQ4RYIO5R/September+22.png)
The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
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
![Create a Digital Photo Hub - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600540291005-A7HIJKK0HK5K5GKGZG0P/September+21.png)
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
![The Two-Second Rule - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600496523995-OAX7DLNOXUHMFCSX9RSO/September+19.png)
The Two-Second Rule - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
As you sort your photos, resist the urge to reminisce and linger; there will be plenty of time for that later. Hold a photo only as long as it takes to determine which pile it should be in - about two seconds. #SaveYourPhotos2020
![Make Good Choices - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600496242453-TGWWNB37H356S54LLSO9/September+17.png)
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
![Beware the Chemical Sandwich - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600496393365-IVYYH5F38UUQTK7KREVF/September+18.png)
Beware the Chemical Sandwich - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
Old magnetic or "sticky" albums contain unsafe components that act as a chemical sandwich for your photos. The acids from the plastic and adhesive are very harmful to your photos and will cause them to deteriorate. Remove the photos as quickly as possible! #SaveYourPhotos2020
![Eliminate Duplicates - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600496060684-TNZ1AM4F3A2LF27BMJM4/September+16.png)
Eliminate Duplicates - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
Do you have too many duplicate images cluttering your photo collection? There's an app for that! Use a duplicate finder to locate and eliminate duplicate and near-duplicate images. #SaveYourPhotos2020
![How to Organize - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600185574606-V3NR7P40OQUL0HDUCVTR/September+15.png)
How to Organize - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
How should you organize your photos? There is no right or wrong way, just whatever makes sense to you. If you already have some chronology in place, look for ways to build on that structure. If your photos are unsorted, start organizing by theme: holidays, vacations, kids sports, etc. #SaveYourPhotos2020
![Start with Digital - #SaveYourPhotosMonth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f21aade773f796f082c6f11/1600153195627-BGDRAY2WMRPDDPXZHH9C/September+14.png)
Start with Digital - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
Tackle your digital photo collection first. Your images may be at greater risk than your printed photo collection if you don't have sufficient backups in place. You will also be creating a home for your soon-to-be scanned photos. #SaveYourPhotos2020