by
Whitney Hubbard,
Staff
Photographer
It's a brand new year, a perfect time for starting new. Had any trouble thinking of a New Year's resolution? Don't worry, I've got a few suggestions for you! Say them with me now:
1) I will get organized!
If you're like me, you've got tons of pictures. Maybe they're laying around in drawers and boxes, collecting dust. Or perhaps your computer's Picture folder is full of image files, all named with a number that means nothing to you, which makes them hard to find when you need them. Start by sorting your photos into different categories - I recommend organizing by year. Then, find some small storage boxes with slots for labels, which makes all that categorization a breeze. Personally, I recommend IKEA's huge and stylish selection, any of which will look good stashed under a coffee table, or fit neatly into a closet. Got more photos on the computer than you do printed out? Use this same method to get your Picture folder spic and span! Create folders labeled by year or event, and start sorting those shots. Once it's done, you'll feel like a new person!
2) I will back everything up!
Having all of your pictures organized on your computer is great, but what if you've got so many pictures that you're running low on space? Even worse, what happens if your computer breaks? Losing years worth of wonderful memories is arguably worse than losing the computer itself! But there are easy ways to prevent this, in the form of external hard drives. These small devices come in sizes from 250 gigabytes all the way up to several terabytes, at prices ranging from $50 to $200 on average. Are you rolling your eyes yet, dreading another difficult-to-use tech purchase? Let me assure you, an external hard drive is one of the easiest and smartest things I ever bought for myself. For Christmas this year, I added a one terabyte iOmega hard drive to my collection, a tiny, lightweight drive that stores thousands and thousands of pictures. I literally just plugged it in and began to use it, without any installation or fiddling around. You can find the same drive on Amazon.com. Think about it: a lifetime's worth of photos is going to take up a lot of room. Spend the extra money to ensure that your memories are safe. And you'll be freeing up space on your computer!
3) I will take the pictures off of my camera!
So, maybe the reason you haven't gotten your photos organized is because you haven't taken them off of your camera yet. Maybe you you've lost the dang cord that connects the camera to your computer, or you just don't really understand how to do it. Or, maybe you just keep forgetting! This year, let's make this project a priority! If you've lost the cord for transferring photos that came with your camera, just get online and Google your camera model to find out what you need to buy. Cords like this are inexpensive, and you can get find them on several websites, like Amazon.com, or on the site of your camera's manufacturer. Another way to transfer your photos is by taking the memory card out of your camera and using a card reader, connected to your computer. Some computers even have a card reader slot built right in! You can pick up a card reader from any Target or Office Max, and if you aren't sure what kind you need, just bring your camera in and ask a salesperson to help you find the right size. Once you've got everything you need, settle down in front of the computer, and start transferring! Use the organization tips we talked about to ensure your pictures are going to the right place. It may take a minute for all those photos to upload, so while your waiting, take a little "me" time. Grab a book, paint your nails, have a cup of tea, or just relax. It'll be over before you know it, and you'll have a big folder of photos you'd forgotten all about, just waiting to be shared. Why not try uploading your shots to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or any number of photo sharing websites? You'll have an online album that can be shared with all your family and friends, no matter where they are!
4) I will print my pictures out!
Now that we've got organization and storage hammered out, let's talk about my favorite subject: printing your photos. What's the point of taking a picture if no one is going to see it? No one will see it hidden in a folder in your computer, or stored away on an external hard drive. And they certainly won't see it if it's still on your camera. Get some of those shots printed! Walgreens, WalMart, and FedEx Kinkos all have photo printing services, and even self-service booths, where you can make inexpensive prints in custom sizes. Got so many pictures that you're not sure what to print? You don't have to do it all at once. Just choose one event (this should be easy if you've gotten your pictures organized!), pick a few favorite shots, and you're ready to go. Your empty frames will thank you!
5) I will give myself a project!
This year is a perfect time to get your creative juices going with a project. My favorite discovery is Project 365. The goal of the project is to take one picture every day for a year. You'll document your life in a whole new way, and work on your photography skills at the same time. And don't worry about missing a start date of January 1st. Project 365 starts whenever you start shooting! Feeling intimidated by the idea of a year-long photography project? Try something else creative, using the pictures you worked so hard to organize and print. Get the kids together, and make personal Valentine's this year. You can use pictures of them, or go out and take some shots together. With a few art supplies and an afternoon of craft time, you'll have something truly unique to send out to family and friends. Or, make a photo frame collage for your wall. Buy picture frames of various shapes and sizes that fit with the decor of your room, and use them to frame some pictures you've printed. Try printing in black and white for an artsy look, which is easy to do at any of the locations we've talked about. Hang your framed pictures in an arrangement on your wall, and enjoy! You'll have a work of art that is unique and personal, plus the satisfaction of making something yourself!
Here's wishing you all a happy and safe 2011! Good luck with all of your resolutions, whatever they may be!
