What Managing Thousands of Photos has Taught me
As a professional photo manager, I have the privilege of looking into the personal lives of my clients - one photo at a time. It’s a unique role that allows me to see the beauty, the chaos, and the meaning tucked within the frames of everyday moments. Rest assured, I hold confidentiality and privacy in the highest regard, as they are cornerstones of my profession. But today, I want to share some valuable lessons I've learned - not through specific photos, but through broader observations about how we document our lives and what we hold dear.
As you read, take a moment to reflect on your own photo taking, photo saving and photo deleting habits. Think about how often you reach for your phone to snap a picture, whether you still use a dedicated camera (like a DSLR), and what drives you to capture certain moments over others. A simple shift in perspective might just help you preserve and celebrate your memories in new, meaningful ways - just as these lessons have done for me.
I’ve arranged my top 5 tips in reverse order, starting with what I find valuable and building toward what I believe to be the most significant lesson of all.
5. Screenshots Are a Surprisingly Important Part of Your Photo Collection
When we think of photography, we often picture family portraits or scenic landscapes - not screenshots of funny memes, recipes, or meaningful text conversations. But in today’s digital age, screenshots are a unique time capsule. They capture not just images, but context - conversations, jokes, and little moments of connection that might otherwise fade away.
Instead of automatically deleting screenshots, consider placing them into an appropriate album (college information, health advice, work) and labeling the ones that hold personal value. They’re part of your digital legacy, offering a glimpse into how you live and communicated in this era. Once you’ve curated the important ones, clear the rest to keep your collection manageable. Screenshots may not be traditional “photos,” but they’re undeniably part of the modern photographic journey.
4. We hold on to WAY too many photos
Capturing freely and embracing imperfection are essential steps in documenting your life (as outlined below), but the act of curation is just as important. While you should take the photo and hold onto images that may seem “bad” now, it’s also important to sort through your collection with intention later.
I have screenshots for social media, nutrition, college research, etc.
Delete with purpose
One thing I often observe in camera rolls is the clutter of unnecessary photos: duplicate shots, accidental screenshots, or blurry images with no real meaning. By curating your collection after you’ve captured it, you allow the most meaningful photos to take center stage. Decluttering doesn’t mean deleting recklessly, rather it’s about preserving the best moments and letting go of distractions that don’t add value.
So, capture freely, keep the meaningful ones and delete with purpose to ensure your camera roll tells a clear, impactful story of your life.
3. Don’t Delay - Stop Saying “Someday”
I often hear people say they’ll do something with their photos “someday”. They’ll organize them, create albums, or make a memory book… eventually. But the hard truth is, someday often never comes. Time slips away, life gets busy, and those thousands of digital images sit untouched, buried in the ever-growing camera roll.
Your photos hold your legacy - your travels, friendships, milestones, and quiet moments. And if they’re scattered and uncurated, they lose their impact. Rather than putting it off, take small steps now to make sense of your collection. Create just one album in your Apple Photos Library or Google Photos account. Start a memory book of a recent trip. Organize a handful of your favorite images into folders.
Set a micro-goal so that “someday” happens today
Setting micro-goals makes the process manageable, and completing even small tasks brings deep satisfaction. Don’t wait for the perfect time to organize your memories because the perfect time is now. A little effort today ensures your photos tell a rich, meaningful story that won’t get lost in digital clutter.
2. The Photos You Think Are "Bad" Now Might Be Priceless Later
Let’s face it: not every photo we take is “Instagram-ready.” A slightly blurry shot, an unflattering angle, or an awkward smile might seem like a candidate for the digital trash can. But think twice before hitting delete.
However, years from now, that imperfect photo might be the only tangible connection to a time, place, or person you hold dear. When you look back, it won’t be the technical quality of the image that matters - it’ll be the memory, the emotion, and the story behind it. Life is short, and memories are fragile. A “bad” photo with meaning far outweighs the absence of a photo altogether. So, this is not to confuse point number 2 above to edit with intention. There is a distinction, and knowing the difference can be a challenge. The big take-away here… if the photo includes a person or event that is significant, but it isn’t perfect, it’s ok to keep. If the photo is a copy of a schedule, receipt, or someone’s feet (yes, feet), then it’s probably ok to delete.
In the end, embrace imperfection. Remember that preserving memories is the goal, not achieving aesthetic perfection.
And, my number one take away:
My dad’s last birthday, the photo is blurry, but it’s priceless
Life is short, and memories are fragile.
1. Take the Photo—Even if the moment feels insignificant!
I fall into this category so much which is why it’s my number 1 tip.
Some of the most cherished photos are of moments that seemed trivial at the time. That messy kitchen, the pile of homework on the dining table, or a grandparent quietly napping on the couch. These are the small, unpolished slices of life that often evoke the strongest emotions years later.
And although milestones like weddings, graduations, and holidays get a lot of photo attention, it’s the quieter, in-between moments that often hold the most emotional weight.
Think about it: Sunday morning pancakes, a messy art project spread across the table, or a grandparent reading to a child. These are the moments that fill the spaces between the big events - the ones that truly define a life.
When you look back on your photo collection, it shouldn’t feel like a highlight reel of special occasions. It should tell the full, nuanced story of a life well-lived. Don’t wait for a grand event to pull out your camera; your ordinary days are just as worthy of being remembered and celebrated.
Life is comprised of everyday moments. It’s not a highlight reel. So take the photo!
Not all of these lessons will resonate with everyone, but I hope they inspire you to think differently about your own photo collection. The next time you're sitting with friends over coffee or enjoying a quiet moment with family, don’t hesitate to capture it. That snapshot could become a treasured piece of your story - one you'll be grateful to have years from now.
Datenight with my husband, just “because”.
Are you frustrated with your camera roll? Do you have some tricks that you use on a regular basis? Shoot me a note, I’d love to hear about it!
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