Got a lot of photos? Do you want to be able to enjoy your pictures instead of having to search and search to find your favourites? Does the thought of tackling your photo collection seem so overwhelming that you keep putting it off? Me too!
That's why this month I'm hosting the 31 Day Photo Decluttering Challenge! Each day I'll share tips to help you declutter your photo collection so you can really treasure and enjoy all the best ones. And I'll share my progress as I declutter my photos along with you :)
Today I'm talking about creating a family photo archive to help your whole family enjoy your photos.
Today's Photo Decluttering Tip - Create a Family Photo Archive
As you decluttered your photo collection, you probably thought of other family members who would love some of your photos. You may have even given them some of the photos you were letting go of.
But an even better idea is to create a family photo archive. Here are a few reasons why:
- All family members can enjoy one common photo collection
- Various members of the family can contribute to your family archive
- Your memories will be preserved for future generations
- Each family member can choose their favourite photos from the archive to display
- Slideshows for special events (weddings, memorial services, milestone birthdays, etc.) become easier to create because all the family photos are in one place
- Family members can add descriptions and details that help tell the story of your family
- Shared history brings families closer
How you choose to do your family photo archive is up to you. A common online space is ideal so everyone has access at any time. There are free options or paid services with varying degrees of space, privacy, ownership of photos, etc. Make sure you do your research to find the best one for your family.
Alternatively, one family member can be the "keeper" of the family archive. They can hold all the original copies of the photos and share with other family members when they are interested. This often happens "unofficially" anyway... there's usually one family member who tends to take more pictures, keep photos organized, and share them with others.
Alternatively, one family member can be the "keeper" of the family archive. They can hold all the original copies of the photos and share with other family members when they are interested. This often happens "unofficially" anyway... there's usually one family member who tends to take more pictures, keep photos organized, and share them with others.
If someone in your family has an interest in genealogy you may be able to combine the development of a family tree with a family photo archive. Photos would really bring family history to life.
A family photo archive tells the story of your heritage. Where you came from. Your family's values. How you collectively got where you are today. What foundation you're leaving for the next generations to build on. Your family's hopes and dreams.
And now that you've decluttered your photos, you're well on your way to being able to contribute to your family's narrative :)
My Photo Decluttering Progress
Nothing to report today. In fact, I added to my digital collection :( I forgot to copy photos off my hubby's phone from the last few months so I finally added those into our main photo collection. Also, I took a bunch of photos and videos yesterday of my son doing a variety of sports for a video he's working on for a sports program he wants to apply to for high school. Those won't stay forever, but we need to sort through all the footage and decide which ones he'll use. So for now they're all on my laptop in my main photo collection.
I will be focusing on my digital collection for the remainder of the month. So many photos to declutter!
I will be focusing on my digital collection for the remainder of the month. So many photos to declutter!
Your Turn!
Today your task is to think about whether a family photo archive is something your family would enjoy. Connect with a few other family members and see if there's interest in pooling some favourite family photos that tell the story of your family. Research possible options for how to collect and store these photos.
If you'd like more decluttering ideas, you can check out my Decluttering/Purging Tips & Ideas board on Pinterest.
How are you doing in the 31 Day Photo Decluttering Challenge so far? How do you think today's tip will help you? What photos are you decluttering today? Do you have a family photo archive? Who would you consider the "keeper" of the photos of your family?
Happy decluttering and organizing!
Here are the rest of the posts in this challenge:
