If you were super organised in the days of printed photos and albums, but then lost control when everything went digital, Tekkie Help’s SARAH and BO can get you back on track. Here are their tips for photo back-up, plus photo management, organisation and protection. They’ll help you bring order to the digital chaos and ensure those memories are safe and sound.
1. Create a centralised digital “Photo Hub”
Store your photos in one central location, such as on your computer. This will not only make them easier to access but it will be simpler to back up. Do an audit of where all your photos are (Facebook, old devices, WhatsApp, prints, DVDs and so on) and consolidate all the memories.
2. Choose a good photo management software program
Use a specialised Photo Management Software. For Mac users, the free Photos app is excellent, while for Windows users, we suggest Google Photos. Both tools enable you to easily view photos, create albums, search by location, facial and object recognition, make edits and import new photos from multiple devices.
3. Future-proof your photo collection
If you have photos on things like DVDs and VHS tapes, convert the files into the current digital format to preserve them before they deteriorate and before the equipment to convert becomes obsolete. Tekkie Help is one of the very few companies in Singapore that has the expertise and equipment to convert old DV camcorder tapes. Take time to digitise old prints too. We love the Google Photo Scan app, which captures photos and instantly stores them in your digital photo hub.
4. Remove the duplicates and clutter
We recommend using specialised software to do this – Photo Sweeper is our preferred tool and is far superior to the native Mac tool for removing duplicates. The program is not so user-friendly, so if you need help, we can provide training or can actually do all the hard work for you! The “Done for You” photo organisation service consolidates all your photos and remove the duplicates for you.
5. Back up, back up and back up again!
You’d be surprised at the number of people we visit that have no backup in place! Make it a habit to back up your photos (and other files) regularly. We always recommend a 3-2-1 backup strategy whereby you have three copies of your data, in two formats and with one copy off-site.
6. Customise an organisational workflow
Once you have the core framework in place, it’s important to create new habits to clean up your collection on a regular basis. Tekkie Help can suggest techniques to separate out your work and personal photos, deal with screenshots, enhance searches, maintain order and more.
Tekkie Help runs all kinds of training programmes, from group in-person workshops to online training and private sessions to teach you all the organisational and time-saving management hacks you need.
For more on these programmes, visit tekkiehelp.com/it-training or call 8113 8682.
This article first appeared in the April 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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