Blog
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do. ”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Make a Plan - #SaveYourPhotosMonth
What needs to be tackled first? Do you have photos to share for a milestone birthday? Are some in poor condition and need to be scanned before they deteriorate further? Use this information and your inventory to create a plan for organizing and digitizing. #SaveYourPhotos2020
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
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