What Do I Do With All of These Photos?
With smartphones and digital cameras always within reach, we capture more photos than ever before. However, all those cherished memories can quickly become a mess if not organised properly. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android device, Windows PC, or Mac, here are some simple tips to help you organise your photos.
1. Create Folders and Albums
One of the easiest ways to keep your photos organised is by creating folders and albums. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:
iPhone/iPad (iOS): Open the Photos app and tap on “Albums.” Tap the "+" icon to create a new album, and give it a name. Then, select the photos you want to add to that album.
Android Devices: Open the Google Photos app and tap on "Library" at the bottom. Tap on “New Album,” name it, and choose the photos you want to include.
Windows PC: Open File Explorer, go to the “Pictures” folder, and create new folders by right-clicking and selecting “New Folder.” We recommend naming these in reverse date order with an easy to read name at the end, for example: “2024-10-30 Picnic Merriwa Park.” This allows you to quickly sort by date.
Mac: Open the Photos app and go to the “My Albums” section. Click the "+" sign and select “Album.” Name the album and drag your selected photos into it.
2. Back Up Your Photos Regularly
Backing up your photos prevents losing precious memories in case something happens to your device. Here are some options:
iCloud (for iOS): Automatically backs up your photos to iCloud. Make sure it’s enabled by going to “Settings” > “[Your Name]” > “iCloud” > “Photos” and turning on “iCloud Photos.”
Google Photos (for Android and iOS): Offers free storage options (with some limitations) and works well on all devices. Download the Google Photos app and turn on backup and sync.
External Drives: For Windows and Mac, you can use an external hard drive or a USB stick. Simply connect the drive and copy your photos from the “Pictures” folder or the Photos app.
3. Use Tags and Keywords
If you want to get more advanced with your photo organisation, adding tags or keywords can help you find specific images quickly.
Windows PC: Right-click on a photo, select “Properties,” and go to the “Details” tab. Under “Tags,” you can add keywords like “Birthday 2024” or “Family Picnic.”
Mac: In the Photos app, select a photo and click on the “Info” button (the small “i” icon). You can add keywords in the “Add a Keyword” field.
Google Photos: Automatically recognises faces and objects, making it easy to search using terms like “beach” or “cat.”
4. Delete Duplicates and Unwanted Photos
We often end up with duplicates and blurry or low-quality photos. Regularly deleting these helps keep your photo library clutter-free.
On iOS and Android: Go through your albums manually or use apps like Gemini Photos (iOS) or Google Files (Android) to quickly identify and delete duplicates.
On Windows and Mac: You can manually browse your folders or use third-party software like Duplicate Cleaner (Windows) or Duplicate Photo Cleaner (Mac).
5. Sync Across Devices
If you use multiple devices, syncing your photos can save you time and keep your memories accessible wherever you go.
iCloud (iOS and macOS): Syncs photos across all Apple devices automatically. Just ensure “iCloud Photos” is enabled on all devices.
Google Photos (Android, iOS, and Web): Syncs photos across devices and provides easy access from your browser at photos.google.com.
OneDrive (Windows, Android, iOS): Ideal for Windows users to sync photos between their PC and mobile devices.
Final Tips
Regularly Clean Up: Make time every month to go through your photos and delete unnecessary ones. It’s easier to handle a few at a time rather than thousands!
Keep It Simple: Don’t overthink it. Create a basic folder structure that works for you and stick to it.
