I’m supposed to delete? Delete photos?
I know. I avoided it for a long time too.
My digital photo collection just grew and grew, becoming more overwhelming every year. Then I came across this simple statement:
Photos you don’t need are digital clutter. Keep the best and delete the rest.
That idea changed everything. I started looking at my photos differently. I began thinking about them as part of our permanent family photo collection. When I did that, it became clear that a lot of what was in my photo collection didn’t belong there at all.
Our best family photos and stories were getting lost in the digital clutter.
Start by separating photos into groups
One of the easiest ways to make decisions is to deal with different types of photos separately. Try grouping your photos into categories like:
- Screenshots
- Business or work-related photos
- Temporary or reminder photos
- Family photos
Screenshots
Screenshots are rarely meant to be part of a permanent family photo collection. Learn to save them in folders or notes on your phone, not in your camera roll.
Many phones automatically group screenshots, making them an easy place to start cleaning up. If you’re working on a computer try searching for the .png file extension. Screenshots are most often saved as PNG files.
Business photos
If you take photos for work, volunteering, or side projects, learn how to save them directly to separate folders or notes. When cleaning up an existing collection, you’ll likely need to scan through your photos and move these individually. They’re important photos and sorting them differently will make them easier for you to find and use them. They do not belong in your permanent family photo collection.
Temporary or reminder photos
We often use our phones to take photos we never intend to keep: parking spots, shopping lists, serial numbers, or reminders. These photos served their purpose and can safely be removed. They are truly digital clutter.
Family photos
Even your family photos can be cleaned up so the best ones are easy to find and enjoy. When you’re ready to clear out the digital clutter, here are some helpful guidelines:
- Delete the obvious bad ones
Blurry, out of focus, poorly lit, no clear subject, or major distractions – these are easy wins. - Eliminate similar photos
Did you take six photos of your child blowing bubbles? Pick the best one and delete the rest. To choose:- Look for the best quality (clear subject, good lighting, sharp focus, minimal distractions).
- Choose the one that best shows personality.
- Or simply keep the one you love. If it speaks to your heart, it’s the right one.
- Think in stories, not quantities
For each event, ask yourself: What story am I telling?
Imagine creating a single page in a book about that moment. For a child’s birthday party you might need about 6 photos that tell the story:- One great close-up
- A photo of your child opening presents
- Candles being blown out
- The activity at the birthday party
- One or two group shots
- Keep photos that document your life
A photo doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. A slightly blurry photo of your first car may be the only one you have – and that makes it a keeper. - Ask: “Is this worth showing to someone?”
What would you say if you shared this photo? If the story is “and here’s another one of Emmy blowing out her candles,” you already know the answer. - Ask: “Does this photo illustrate a memory?”
Our photos capture our stories and memories. If a photo doesn’t hold meaning for you it can go. - A note for the Mom or Poparazzi
If you take lots of photos of your kids, clean them up now. In ten years, every photo will feel precious. Right now, you know the story you’re telling, and it’s easier to choose the best images and let the rest go. Don’t let your best photos get buried in clutter. - Make it easier on yourself going forward
Think about the story you’re telling as you take photos. Once you’ve captured what you need, put the camera down and enjoy the moment. Clear out duplicates and clutter soon after the event so your best images can shine.
Keep the big picture in mind
Your goal isn’t to keep everything, it’s to create a curated digital photo collection that highlights your best photos, captures your memories, and tells the most important stories of your family’s life.
When you keep that big picture in mind, deleting becomes easier, and your photos become far more enjoyable.