When we used to take photos years ago, they were printed and added to photo albums or photo boxes. These days, many folks are exclusively taking photos with their phones (or digital cameras), and those photos aren't being printed. They're being stored on the phone and sometimes in Cloud storage. By relying only on technology today, there is a much larger chance of losing many of the photos you're taking. One of our readers had some very good points to preserve your cell phone (and digital camera) memories. His points are in bold and I've added my own thoughts to his tips.

1) Save all images to a hard drive, plus Cloud storage. (Note from Maria: This reader is right on with this tip. My husband and I were using Cloud-based storage with a company that went out of business. It would have been a nightmare to transfer all of our photos from that service to another in the time we were allotted. I'm a scrapbooker, so we take LOTS of photos. Luckily, all of our photos are also saved on an external hard drive and we were able to upload our photos to a new Cloud-based service quickly and easily.)

2) Never, ever edit an original photo. You should always edit a copy. (Note from Maria: Again, this reader is right on with his advice. There is always a risk of damage during the editing process. For instance, perhaps on a whim you decide to change a photo to black and white. If you save over the original and change your mind later, it will be too late to go back to color.)

3) Be careful when you share photos via email and social media. Each service compresses the jpegs and you could be loosing valuable data. (Note from Maria: It's interesting that this reader mentioned this because, just the other day, a friend told me she was 'saving' her photos by sharing them to social media albums, and deleting them from her phone as soon as they were on the service. She figured she could download them if she ever needed to print them. Unfortunately, the quality of her photos when she attempts to print them is likely to be compromised. Even if the social media service allows uploads at the highest quality, that feature is often hidden and most people don't realize the 'default' is to compress their photos).

Millions of people are going to lose precious memories...don't be one of them. Just as a heads up, the new Cloud-based service we're using to back-up and share our photos is called, Smugmug. I'm not getting anything for mentioning them to you, but I really like their service and wanted to let you know.

In addition, when storing digital photos, I highly recommend you sort and save them in clearly named folders (Disneyworld, Bryson-1st Grade, etc.) to make it easy to find what you're looking for when needed. My photos are first categoried into large categories, like Christmas, Vacations, School, and Friends, and then sorted by year within those categories.

These fabulous GON Reader Tips were submitted by:

Michael Raymond Alvey

I've been in the business over 36 years. I'm a producer/director by trade and have been paid professionally to take photos.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the JUNE 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the June Issue...

What good is it doing if it's tucked away?
Do you have a special set of dishes, clothing, or other things that are tucked away because they're too nice for daily use? Maybe it's time to dust them off and enjoy them?

Why do I cry when I'm happy?
While most of us cry in really sad or extremely difficult situations, many of us shed tears at more joyful times as well. What on earth causes this?

Ditch the awkward silence
Have you ever found yourself standing next to someone at a party or business social activity and at a complete loss for anything to say? If so, here's some help

Keep yourself and your family safe this summer
Every season has its own variety of hazards, and summer is not exempt. These 11 tips will help ensure you and your family enjoy a safe summer

Sunglass myths...busted!
While many people think of sunglasses as merely a fashion accessory, they are much more important than that. Here are a bunch of little-known myths and truths

How are you investing your time this summer?
Are you planning on a lazy summer, a time to get things done, or a little of both?

Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans
You can toss this together in minutes. It tastes delicious and, whenever I bring it along to get-togethers, it's a huge hit!

10 things to tell your dad (or remember him by) this Father's Day
Dads, step-dads, father-in-laws (or anyone who acts like a dad)...saying these things is a great way to celebrate them

Summer sayings
If you love summer, you're sure to love these summer sayings

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on June 7th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Ask Maria A reader calls out for help: 'When I organize, the next day it's back to a mess. Help!'
getorganizednow.com/ask-maria-next-day-mess.html


GON Monthly Checklist: June A productive summer with time to relax and enjoy? Yes, please! Follow our NEW June Organizing Checklist so you're getting things done AND having fun!
getorganizednow.com/organizing-checklist-jun.html


GON Weekly Challenges: June For each week of June, our challenges will be focused on Home Projects. Focus on the mini challenge for WEEK ONE this week.
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-jun19-home-projects.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Cast your vote How much time do you spend sitting each day? Take our poll and let us know.

Social Media Feature Discover the unproductive cycle of procrastination

Improvement is our featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme. Be inspired...and improve something this week

Have a home project or two to complete this week? If so, you'll love our featured 'Garfield' comic strip


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'Photography is where the past meets the present.' --Destin Sparks

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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-- Maria Gracia