What is the best way to backup my photos?

Backing up your photos is an essential part of preserving your memories for years to come. With so many options for storing and protecting your photos, it can be difficult to know which method is best for you. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best ways to backup your photos, so that you can choose the method that works best for you.



Print Photos

While not a traditional method for backing up photos, printing your photos is still an effective way to preserve them for the long-term. You can have your photos printed and stored in albums or scrapbooks, or you can frame your favorite photos and display them in your home. Printing your photos also allows you to share them with friends and family in a tangible format.



External Hard Drive

One of the simplest backup methods is to copy your photos as JPEG images onto an external hard drive. External hard drives are affordable and can store large amounts of data. You simply connect the hard drive to your computer and copy your photos to it. You can also set up your computer to automatically backup your photos to the external hard drive on a regular basis. However, nearly 25% of hard drives will crash within five years, so this is by no means a permanent solution.



SD Card or USB Flash Drive

If you're looking for a portable solution for backing up your photos, an SD card or USB flash drive may be the best option for you. You can simply remove the SD card or USB flash drive from your camera and insert it into your computer to transfer your photos. This method is especially useful if you're traveling and don't want to carry a bulky external hard drive with you. However, keep in mind that SD cards and USB flash drives have a limited lifespan and can become damaged or corrupted over time.



Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage services, such as Google Photos, iCloud, and Dropbox, are another popular option for backing up your photos. These services allow you to store your photos in the cloud, which means you can access your photos from any device with an internet connection. Some cloud storage services even offer automatic backup features, so you don't have to worry about manually uploading your photos.  The redundancy of cloud storage data centers provide the greatest durability of any backup option.



Multiple Backup Options

Some people feel comfortabalbe backing up photos in multiple places to ensure they're protected in the event of a data loss. You can use a combination of the methods mentioned above, such as storing your photos in the cloud, and in a printed album, USB flash drive, or external hard drive. Having multiple backups of your photos gives you peace of mind knowing that your memories are protected and accessible, even if one method fails.



Written by Geoff Weber

Leave a comment

More stories

Unearthing the Iconic JVC HR-VP48U VHS Tape Player: The Ultimate Throwback Experience

The JVC HR-VP48U VCR is a classic VHS player first introduced in the 1990s. They're still used, but convert the VHS tapes to digital before they go bad.

Unlocking Memories: A Guide to Salvaging Home Movies from Scratched DVDs

Rescue home movies from failing YesVideo DVDs. Get tips on buffing the discs & transferring the content to the cloud. Finally, your treasures will be safe!