Digital Photo Tip #26 By Bruce Kirkby Mar 1, 2007

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Organizing Your Digital Library

The ability to shoot endlessly—without the usual cost of film, processing and printing–Is both a blessing and curse.   New digital point-and-shoot owners are usually thrilled with the ability to snap at will. But before you know it, your computer’s hard drive can become the proverbial shoebox at the back of the closet—an overflowing mess of unorganized photos. Pro shooters have to edit and manage their files ruthlessly to avoid this predicament. Following these simple tips will help bring order to your own digital photo library.

 

Develop a Simple Filing System

When new digital images are downloaded from a camera to a computer, they will typically be displayed using a meaningless file name like, “NSC_001_14.” Make sense of these numerical monikers by segregating them from the start. In your “My Photos” directory (or wherever you store your images), create folders for each successive year or month (depending on how often you take and download photos). Within these folders, put each batch of downloaded photos into a subfolder with a clear meaning, such as “Maui_Vacation,” “Homeward_Bound,” or “Andys_Bday_Party.”

Back Up Everything

As soon as you have downloaded your new   images, make a habit of backing them up. Use either an external hard drive (dedicated exclusively to your photos) or burn a CD or DVD and label it clearly. You should also find a good place to store and organize, like a binder or spindle.

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