Don't Lose Your Photos - 5 Tips for Reliable Photos Backup
Want to ensure your photos are safe if your phone is lost or broken? Learn 4 key tips for reliable photo backup. Here's a bonus tip…it's more than iCloud or Google. Did you know…
1.72 trillion photos were taken in 2022, with 92.5% of them on phones
Digital photos are more at risk than printed photos for being lost
Keep your photos and captured memories safe with these 5 tips to back up your photos.
Use a 3-2-1 backup method
Sync is not a backup
There are EASY cloud backup options
Peace of mind with an External Hard Drive
Pick ONE and get started today
Use a 3-2-1 Backup Method
This is the best, most reliable method to keep your photos safe and secure.
3 copies
2 types of media (think cloud/hard drive)
1 offsite (cloud)
For example, you may store your photos on your main computer or external drive, a backup copy on an external drive, and a cloud copy using a service like Backblaze. Or another example, you may store you photos on a cloud service like Google or Amazon, a copy on your computer or external drive, and a cloud copy using a service like Backblaze.
2. Sync is NOT a backup
The most important tip for keeping photos safe is understanding the difference between sync and backup.
Backup: when data is copied from one location to a second location. Think of it as a one-way street. A backup copy of a photo stays there no matter what happens to the original.
Sync: when two platforms merge, the same information is in 2 locations. Think of it as a two-way street. If you delete the photo from your phone, it is removed from the iCloud as well. There is not an additional copy in Apple photos. The photos you see on your camera roll ARE your iCloud contents.
3. There are EASY cloud backup options
There are many cloud options depending on your budget, and most come with a phone app that will backup automatically to the cloud. Yes, iCloud can be one copy of your photos, but should not be your only copy since it is a sync and not a backup. For Android phone, google photos is a good option but photos are difficult to get out so many want to consider other options. Some options may already come with another storage plan you are already paying for like Amazon, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you already have an Amazon Prime account, you get unlimited Photo cloud storage. Others to consider are SmugMug (my favorite), pCloud, and Forever.
4. Peace of mind with an External Hard Drive (EHD)
Yes, cloud services are easy and automatic, but I enjoy the full control of my photos by using an External Hard Drive. At least one a month, download your phone photos to your computer, using an EHD depending on storage space requirements. Then when you use a computer back up service like Backblaze (my favorite) it will back up your hard drive documents and files along with your photos on any EHD.
5. Pick ONE and get started today
Start by creating ONE cloud back up today and worry about a third copy later. Don't wait until you decide a full storage and back up option. Don't wait until you get all of your photos downloaded to your computer. Pick a cloud based app from your phone and get started - you can always change your mind later if you need to.
What do I personally use for backing up my photos?
2 EHDs and Backblaze PLUS
I keep iCloud running just in case anything happens during the month.
Once a month, I download all my photos to an EHD.
That EHD is continually backed up with Backblaze.
Once a quarter I back up that EHD to a second EHD that I keep offline.
PLUS: since it is free with my Prime account, all of my photos are backed up to Amazon. This is not my full hub because it doesn't work well with so many videos.
PLUS: I have created a family photo sharing website with SmugMug. SmugMug is amazing, unlimited photo and video storage with beautiful options to create online galleries with excellent security features. Check it out at https://kimscapturedlife.smugmug.com/
Need help setting up your backup system for your photos? It’s one of services a Professional Photo Organizer can provide. Message me for a free 15 minute consultation on securing your photos and deciding which back up method is best for you.
