Back up those images

I met with a couple last week regarding their wedding photography (BTW, I just found out they booked me so THANK YOU Erin & Erik - I can't wait!) and we got on the subject of preserving old family photos. I was urging them (and Erin's parents who joined us in the meeting) to scan any and all of their family heirloom photos regardless of its current condition just so they'd always have something to show their kids and grandchildren.

I strongly suggest this to everyone. Not only scanning them into your home computer but also keeping another copy somewhere outside the home - just in case. Let's face it, people run back into burning houses for these keepsake memories.

It's really easy to do and these days there are several places to instantly upload those photos to servers outside your home so you'll always have a back up copy. There are numerous internet storage sites that are free but I really like smugmug. It's not free but I like their simplicity and options.



I can upload large versions for both personal and professional use and there's no limit to how many images I can upload. Some free sites limit how many images you can upload or let you upload a few for free and then charge you so make sure you understand the fine print. BTW, I'm not involved with or paid by smugmug in any way, shape or form I just like them. My only point is to urge you to get those photos stored somewhere/anywhere digitally and safely and have back up copies.

Also, Erin's mom suggested scanning the back of those old photos too as often the date, place and other important info is written there as well - great point!!