These photo storage tips will ensure you never lose a memory.
If you’ve ever dealt with a malfunctioning memory card, lost your phone, or had your computer crash, you know the heartbreak of losing your favorite photos.
This could also represent an economic loss and even a legal problem if you’re a professional photographer and you lose your client’s pictures.
That’s why it’s important to have a good backup system in place to protect yourself and your memories.
Here, you’ll find various ways to safeguard your digital and printed photos to fit all budgets and workflows.
1. Enable Cloud Sync on Your Phone
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Whether you’re saving your mobile photos on the internal memory or an SD card, you risk losing them if your phone gets damaged or stolen. It’s always a good idea to back them up on a cloud storage service.
Many of the most popular storage services have apps that allow you to automatically sync any picture you take with your phone, including screenshots.
You can use services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Photos, to name a few. Not only will this create a digital backup in case something goes wrong with your phone, but it will also make your photos available on any device.
Most of these apps are free and include a limited amount of storage space. However, if you need more storage, you may need to pay for a subscription.
2. Use Editing Software With Cloud Storage
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Editing takes time and effort, so it’s important to back up not just your original files but also the ones you’ve already worked on.
Instead of saving multiple files manually each time, consider using a photo editor that syncs with the cloud to save your work as you go.
This approach not only ensures your work is backed up at all times but also allows you to start editing on one device and finish on another. That way, you can seamlessly continue your work, whether you’re at home, in the studio, or on the go, without any worries.
Some of the most popular photo editors that offer this feature are Lightroom CC synching through the Adobe Creative Cloud, Capture One using Capture One Live, On1 Photo RAW with ON1 360, and ACDSee Photo Studio through ACDSee 365.
3. Back Up Your Computer on the Cloud
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If you prefer not to have automatic sync or you want to back up other files, you can subscribe to a cloud storage service and manually upload anything you need.
Some services are free or have a free limited version, while others are paid. Livedrive, Idrive, Adobe CC,pCloud, Apple iCloud, and Backblaze are some of the most affordable and reliable.
You can find more information in our guide to the best online photo storage services.
4. Upload to an Online Portfolio Platform
Credit: SmugMug
You can use an online portfolio platform to save your files and showcase or sell your best work. It’s important to note that you don’t have to share or publish everything you upload.
You simply use the same service for storage and displaying your work, which makes it easier to handle and saves you money by paying a single subscription.
Some of these websites have a starting plan you can use for free, such as Flickr.
Others are included in other memberships that you might already be paying, such as Adobe Portfolio, which comes with the Adobe Photography plan or the subscription to PS or LR.
Another popular alternative is SmugMug because it allows you to sell your work, create private galleries, etc. Plus, it supports raw files for your storage needs.
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5. Get External Hard Drives
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Whether you don’t like uploading your photos, don’t want yet another subscription, or want a second (offline) backup – external hard drives are for you.
External hard drives are physical devices where you save your files – just like the one inside your computer, except that you can plug these into any computer via the USB port.
The most famous brands are Samsung, WD, LaCie, and Seagate. You can find them with different capacities, which will impact the price tag.
You should also consider the transfer speed, portability, compatibility, reliability, and backup software when you’re choosing which one to buy.
You can check out Shotkit’s list of the best external hard drives to see which ones fit your needs.
6. Use a NAS Device
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NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a physical storage device that connects to a router, creating a home or office network – hence the name.
Unlike the hard drive, which can be used on one computer, you can access files saved on your NAS from any computer in the network.
A NAS device can support multiple hard drives, making it great for people with large file libraries who need scalability in their storage. It’s also useful if your computers have different operating systems.
However, it is more expensive than traditional hard drives and may not offer the same speed.
7. Print Your Digital Photos
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Another way to safeguard your digital photos is by printing them. Of course, this can be expensive, and you also need to consider the physical size of the storage space.
As such, you might have to be more selective when deciding which photos you want in this backup system.
Once you have them printed, make sure you store them properly. You can create albums with them, which is also fun and creative.
This will make it easier for you to view your memories whenever you want. Make sure you buy albums that are acid-free, lignin-free, and PVC-free.
You can also use boxes or envelopes. The easiest way to find a proper container is to look for brands and stores that cater to archives.
You can also find them on Amazon. Look for archival-quality boxes, and you’ll find many options at affordable prices.
8. Digitalize Your Prints and Negatives
Credit: Sema Martin
If you have prints and negatives, you can create a digital backup of them. If they get lost or damaged, you can always print them again.
It’s important to create high-resolution files out of your scans. To do this, you can send them to a professional photo lab or do it yourself if you have a good-quality scanner.
Once you have your film and prints in a digital form, you can use any of the methods suggested above to store the files safely.
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