How To Properly Backup Digital Images

How to back up your photos after a photo session:

With digital photography being so prevalent in today’s day in age, it’s essential to take the proper steps to back-up your photos after every family photography session.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by keeping a copy of your photos on an external hard drive or cloud storage platform, such as iCloud or Google Drive. This will ensure that your precious images are always safe and easily accessible in the event of a computer crash or other technical issue.

Another key step to protecting your photos is regularly backing them up on CD or external hardrive. This can be done either manually, by burning a copy of your images onto blank discs, or using a specialized program that can automatically backup your files for you. Regardless of which approach you choose, it is important to keep these backups in a safe place, such as a fireproof box or safety deposit box, so that they are protected from damage or theft.

If you are a photographer looking for additional security, consider investing in professional photography insurance. This will ensure that you have the financial resources available to repair or replace any damaged equipment and cover the cost of any legal fees should you be sued for a photography-related incident.

With the proper steps, you can rest easy knowing that your photography sessions are well-protected and preserved for years to come. Whether you opt for manual backups or professional insurance, taking the time to safeguard your photos is an essential step in ensuring that they are always accessible and safe from harm.

Here are some helpful steps for handling your finished digital images:

Why photo storage and backups matter

As photographers our digital content has many important aspects. No matter which backup and storage solution you choose, it’s important to know everything about how it works. Know how many copies are stored on your file system. Not just your pictures and video but all of your files, including training sessions, preset actions, and finance documents. You can easily locate the location of the backup of the catalog on your computer if you have Adobe Lightroom on hand.

1. Choosing an external hard drive or cloud storage platform :

When it comes to storing digital files, you have a few different options. You can keep them on your computer’s internal hard drive, but this isn’t the safest option because if something happens to your computer, you could lose everything.

External hard drives are a great option because they offer portability and are relatively inexpensive. You can get a 1TB external hard drive for around $100. Cloud storage is another option, and while it’s more expensive, it offers the benefit of being accessible from anywhere. iCloud storage starts at $0.99 per month for 50GB, Google Drive storage starts at $1.99 per month for 100GB, and Microsoft OneDrive storage starts at $2.99 per month for 50GB.

2. Creating a backup strategy

Once you’ve decided where you will store your digital files, you need to decide how often you will back them up. The easiest option is to set an automatic backup schedule so that your photos are backed up automatically on a regular basis. If you prefer, you can also choose to manually back them up by burning copies onto and external drive.

3. Choose a storage space:

Once you have your backups, you need to choose a safe storage location for them. An external hard drive can be stored in a drawer or on a shelf. If you opt for cloud storage, your files will be stored off-site and you won’t have to worry about them taking up space in your home.

4. Stay on top of photo storage:

It’s important to stay on top of your photography backup schedule so that you can be sure that your photos are always protected. Depending on the method you choose, this may involve plugging in your external hard drive once a month or manually backing up your files to an external drive on a regular basis. With the right approach, you can rest easy knowing that your valuable images are always safe and accessible when you need them most.

5. Using a photography-specific backup program to automate the process:

If you want to make things even easier, there are a number of photography-specific backup programs that can automate the entire process for you. These programs typically offer features like automatic backup schedules, file encryption, and the ability to store your files off-site on cloud servers. Some popular photography backup programs include PhotoShelter, Carbonite, and Backblaze.

6. Investing in photography insurance for additional security and peace of mind:

For an extra layer of security, consider investing in photography insurance. This type of insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment, as well as any legal fees that may arise from photography-related incidents. Some photography insurance companies include Professional Photographers of America, WPPI Insurance Agency, and PhotoBiz.

Whether you are a professional photographer or just an amateur shutterbug, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your photo sessions from harm. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your photos always look great and remain accessible for years to come

7. What to do if you experience a data loss or photography equipment damage

If you experience a data loss or photography equipment damage, it is important to take action as quickly as possible. First, check your backups to see if the affected files have been backed up elsewhere. If not, you may need to enlist the help of a data recovery specialist, who can attempt to restore your data from damaged hard drives or memory cards.

You should also contact your photography insurance company to file a claim. If approved, they will reimburse you for the cost of repairs or replacement equipment. In some cases, they may also cover the cost of data recovery services.

In conclusion, taking the time to properly back up and ensure your photography business can save you a lot of headaches and heartache in the event of a data loss or equipment damage. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your photographers are always protected.

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