These are the most frequently asked questions about Digital Photo Organizing projects. If you have questions that are not answered here please go to the Contact Us page and send us a message!
What is a Digital Photo Organizing Project?
In a Digital Photo Organizing Project we bring order to your scattered digital photos and videos. We gather everything to a single location, remove duplicates, sort into chronological folders and make a back up copy of your entire collection. You receive a photo collection that is safe and easy to understand, use and maintain. We will make sure you are feeling completely confident with your organized photo collection before we finish the project.
What is screen-sharing software?
Screen-sharing software lets us connect online in a meeting. We may use screen-sharing software so I can demonstrate something on my computer for you. In this case I will send you a link. When you click on the link at the appointed time we will be connected in a meeting. I often use Zoom to connect this way.
We may use screen-sharing software if we are connecting remotely and I will be working directly on your computer. In this case I will send you an invitation with a link. When you click on the link at our scheduled time we will be connected. I will start as the host. I will then help you give me control of your mouse. We will both be looking at your computer screen but I will be able to move your mouse and interact with your files. You can watch everything I do and sever the connection at any time by ending our meeting.
What is a "source"?
A source is anything that holds your photos and videos - your computer, your phone, an external hard drive, a camera, an old camera memory card, a USB stick, a DVD or CD, etc. Each separate item is considered a source - if you have 5 DVDs, that's 5 sources.
What is a Searchable Digital Photo Organizing Session?
A Searchable Digital Photo Organizing Session is an optional add-on to any Digital Photo Organizing Project. This session adds the extra step of adding keywords to the photos in your collection making it more searchable. Perhaps you vacation at a cottage every year - adding "Cottage" as a keyword to these photos allows you to search by that term and find all the photos from your vacations in your collection.
How long does a Digital Photo Organizing Project take?
Projects generally take 4-8 weeks to complete. It will depend on the number of photos and videos in your collection, the complexity, internet connectivity, uploading and downloading speeds and how quickly we can connect when we need to.
What if I'm not comfortable with you accessing my computer?
If you are not in Calgary and you're not comfortable with me working on your computer remotely, you are welcome to gather all your photos and videos to an external hard drive and send it to me. Alternatively, you can upload everything to an online storage site where I can access your photos and download them to work on them.
Can I re-schedule a Project?
I book a very limited number of projects. I will work with you to try to re-schedule your project to a better time. If you need to re-schedule, please contact me as soon as possible.
Why are there so few time slots?
As you can imagine, these organizing projects are time consuming and require a great deal of attention. I need this much time to give each project the attention it deserves.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, if you are unable to secure a session during the current openings you may contact me and ask to be placed on the waitlist. Clients on the waitlist will have the first opportunity to book a session when the next round is offered.
What if I need to cancel my Project?
You may cancel your project (in writing) at any time. The initial $100 deposit made at the time of booking is non-refundable so we will do everything we can to help you re-schedule your project.
How does payment work?
$100 is due within 24 hours of booking to confirm your project. This $100 payment is non-refundable as we are holding the start date for you. An additional $400 is due the day we begin working on your project. The balance is due at the end of your project.
What if it's too much of a mess?
If it's a bigger mess than most then it will just take a little longer. My processes work for every project. And don't be embarrassed! EVERYONE has a mess! That guy over there in the suit? He has a mess! That mom who always has a snack ready when she picks up the kids? She has a mess! I have seen lots and lots of messy collections 🙂 We will get through it.
How can you ensure none of my photos get lost?
I create an inventory of all the photos and videos in each source file and track them as I move through each step in the process. I also make regular backup copies of the entire collection after each step so if something like a power outage were to happen while I was working I can double check everything and move back a step if I need to.
What kind of prep work do I need to do?
If you are delivering your photos to me you will just need to locate your sources - the camera memory cards, external hard drives, DVDs, etc. You can just collect them in a box and drop it off.
If we are working remotely it's important that we back up your computer before we start your project. You can do this ahead of time or I will help you with this task in our first session. When the start date is confirmed for a remote project I'll send you a Project Information Kit with a few things you can do ahead of time if you want to get your project moving faster 🙂
What if I can't keep my collection organized?
You are going to take more photos, that's a given. Your collection is organized with this in mind. When I'm finished organizing your project I will walk you through everything I've done and explain how to maintain it. I also provide detailed instructions you can refer to when you're ready to add new photos to your collection. And if you decide you'd just rather have me do it, I offer maintenance packages.
I have an old External Hard Drive. Can we use it?
An external hard drive has a life span of 4-5 years. After that it becomes unreliable. We don't want to store your precious photo collection on an unreliable drive. We're making a clean start with your photo collection, let's make sure it stays safe.
What if I have photos on a DVD but I don't have a DVD drive on my computer?
If you have photos on media you can no longer read we have a few options:
- you can purchase a device to read it - an external DVD drive or memory card reader is inexpensive and can be found on Amazon. You can find links to them on the Resources page of this website.
- or, you can just put them in the box and bring them to me.
Can't I just do this project myself?
Of course you could do it yourself. But you haven't yet. It's OK to hire a pro. Think of this project as an investment in your family memories. If you think you just need some guidance and accountability we offer online courses and coaching to help you finish the project.
Um, what if there's embarrassing stuff in there?
No worries, for the most part I'm working with the technical part of your photos, I very rarely actually look at a photo. For me it's all about the numbers and the data! That being said, I think I've pretty much seen it all flash by - babies being born, babies being made, before and after weight loss photos, before and after surgery photos, injuries, rashes, 80's porn, you name it, I've already seen it!
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