ABC . . . easy as 123 --- it isn't just a Jackson 5 song.
The ABC's of Photo Organizing
Before you get overwhelmed with which snapshots and printed photos to keep, follow a few simple guidelines to stay on track.
You'll be making 3 piles of photos during the process... and keep some sticky notes close by.... (more on that later)
A stands for Album
These are the photos that are the most important. The photos that are album-worthy. If you were going to frame photos for a gallery wall, these the photos you would choose from. As you're sorting your snapshots, remember that this should NOT be the largest pile. Less is more, because you really do want the "A" photos to be the most personal and the most cherished. Your "A" photos definitely need backed-up after they've been scanned and digitized.
B stands for Box
These snapshots and photos are important enough to keep, and you definitely want to store the loose in archival-quality boxes for long-term storage. If digitized, you'll want to make sure these "B" photos are backed up.
C stands for Can
These photos can go directly into the trash can or your delete file. Be brave. Toss duplicates, blurry, and excess scenery-type photos. If you're sorting digital files, and you're not quite brave enough to truly delete, make a 'delete' folder and drag the terrible and excessive photos into that folder. Remember, you're paring down and want to have usable files and piles.
S stands for Story
Here's the super-important part -- and why you need the sticky notes. If the photo tells a STORY, jot a note about it and stick to the back of the photo. Today's high-powered (and fast!) scanners can scan both sides of a photo at once, so your story can be preserved. FYI.....Try to resist writing on the back of printed photos with pens of any sort, graphite pencils work much better and an art pencil (lead 4B or 6B) is the best - or use a sticky note - we've all got those.
The ABC's of photo organizing can be used for your loose snapshots as well as your digital photos.
If you have questions or want to explore how to move beyond the piles and get your snapshots and printed photos scanned, send me a note. I have the newest types of scanners and can also help with information about backing up your collection of digital photos.
Upcoming blog posts will include more information about sorting, safeguarding, and online storage of your photos.
The ABC's of Photo Organizing
Before you get overwhelmed with which snapshots and printed photos to keep, follow a few simple guidelines to stay on track.
You'll be making 3 piles of photos during the process... and keep some sticky notes close by.... (more on that later)
A stands for Album
These are the photos that are the most important. The photos that are album-worthy. If you were going to frame photos for a gallery wall, these the photos you would choose from. As you're sorting your snapshots, remember that this should NOT be the largest pile. Less is more, because you really do want the "A" photos to be the most personal and the most cherished. Your "A" photos definitely need backed-up after they've been scanned and digitized.
B stands for Box
These snapshots and photos are important enough to keep, and you definitely want to store the loose in archival-quality boxes for long-term storage. If digitized, you'll want to make sure these "B" photos are backed up.
C stands for Can
These photos can go directly into the trash can or your delete file. Be brave. Toss duplicates, blurry, and excess scenery-type photos. If you're sorting digital files, and you're not quite brave enough to truly delete, make a 'delete' folder and drag the terrible and excessive photos into that folder. Remember, you're paring down and want to have usable files and piles.
S stands for Story
Here's the super-important part -- and why you need the sticky notes. If the photo tells a STORY, jot a note about it and stick to the back of the photo. Today's high-powered (and fast!) scanners can scan both sides of a photo at once, so your story can be preserved. FYI.....Try to resist writing on the back of printed photos with pens of any sort, graphite pencils work much better and an art pencil (lead 4B or 6B) is the best - or use a sticky note - we've all got those.
The ABC's of photo organizing can be used for your loose snapshots as well as your digital photos.
If you have questions or want to explore how to move beyond the piles and get your snapshots and printed photos scanned, send me a note. I have the newest types of scanners and can also help with information about backing up your collection of digital photos.
Upcoming blog posts will include more information about sorting, safeguarding, and online storage of your photos.
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