One of my friends on twitter recently posted that his computer crashed and he lost all of his digital images. Everything gone. Sometimes it takes someone else’s problem to safeguard you from your own. I was sure to take an account of my own backup procedures and put together a short list of easy ways to secure your own digital images from being lost forever.
For any of you whom know me, I love taking photographs. I carry my Nikon D60 with me everywhere I go. My favorite subject is my kids. They grow so fast that I am fascinated with capturing every great moment I can, I’d be in ruins if I lost all those images.
The following are a few simple and inexpensive ways to backup and safeguard your photos. There are a number of other ways to do so including dedicated applications for both Mac and PC, but this list is for those looking for something simple and cheap.
Here are 6 ways to backup and safeguard your photos…
1. CD/DVD
Its not that sophisticated, difficult, or expensive. Simply insert the disc and drag as many photo’s as will fit on the capacity of your desired media. I would recommend using a DVD if you have the ability to write on on your computer (more space). I would also recommend that you always backup to CD/DVD on a regular basis in addition to at least one other method suggested below. I try to backup my photos to disc at least twice a year. Some will argue that compact discs wont last more than 5 years. At the rate technology advances, I’m sure DVDs will last at least until there is a new solution to hold all of our images forever.
(After I burn a new DVD of images, I put it directly into a fire/water proof safe for added measure)
Memorex 16X DVD-R (100-Pack Spindle) $24.99 on Amazon.com
Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media $14.99 on Amazon.com (100-Pack Spindle)
2. External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a great and convenient way to backup your photos. It’s an upfront cost of about $100-200 bucks depending upon the size you choose. However, there are tools to help you set it and forget it. Once plugged in via fire-wire or USB you can set software to perform backups of your photos (and other important documents) on a regular basis.
These external hard drives all got good reviews and are the best deals for the money:
Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive – Vivid White (HDDR320E04XW) $90 on Amazon.com
Iomega Prestige USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34270 $69 on Amazon.com
Western Digital My Passport Essential USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive WDME3200TN $69 on Amazon.com
3. Photo Prints Sites/Services
Photoworks.com, Kodakgallery.com, Clark Color and Snapfish.com are amongst the few services I use for photo prints. Yes, there is an angle here, they want you to upload images and order prints. If you are planning on ordering prints anyway consider your photos safe. Be sure to take a good look at the terms; some services offer unlimited space and uploads, some will expire after a certain period of time.
Save all your memories on an Archive CD at Kodak Gallery!
4. SmugMug.com
I am a big fan of this photo-sharing service, I use it myself as a place to keep my best photos. I think a professional photo hosting and sharing service is the best way to safeguard your image. Unlimited storage is just one of SmugMug’s great features. If you enjoy taking pictures and showing them off, check out SmugMug. They offer packages that fit every photographer and budget. As long as you pay the (small) annual fee your photo’s are safe and secure and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. A standard account (unlimited photos) starts at $39.95. Well worth the money.
Need Unlimited photo storage- FREE Trial of Smugmug
5. Phanfare
Phanfare is much like SmugMug. I just took their tour and free trial… very easy to use and a great way to present and safeguard your photos and videos. Gorgeous web galleries and unlimited storage. Lightroom friendly. A Premium account starts at $49.99. Start your free trial.
6. Zenfolio
Yes, Zenfolio is another online photo service. Much like SmugMug andPhanfare you can host and showcase your photo’s for all to see and be accessed anywhere. I think the small annual fee you pay to use the service (which ever you choose) is well worth the investment to keep your best shots safe and secure. Unlimited space starts at $40 and the Basic service is just $25.
Flexible plans and prices you’ll be pleased with
I asked: “How do you backup your photos?”
@kelvinwins: Time Machine does it for me. Have one copy on my HDD and one on Time Machine
@esdunne: smugmug and iBackup to an external drive
@jtdesigns: my book external FireWire drive. Backs up my machine hourly. Gotta love time machine and apples backup system.
How do you backup and safeguard your own photos?
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