In a world where capturing moments has become second nature, safeguarding these memories is crucial. As a journalist, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Thompson, a tech-savvy photographer and IT consultant, who shared her insights into the best practices for backing up photos in 2024. Through Sarah’s journey and expertise, we delve into the ‘rule of three,’ a strategy she swears by to ensure her precious images are never lost.
Sarah, whose love for photography started in her teenage years, has always been meticulous about keeping her digital memories safe. “I remember losing a whole year’s worth of photos from a summer trip because I relied solely on my laptop,” she recalls with a wistful smile. “That was a hard lesson learned.”
Determined to never experience such a loss again, Sarah turned to the ‘rule of three,’ a comprehensive strategy involving three distinct backup methods: two on-site and one off-site. “It’s about minimising risks,” she explains. “Whether it’s a technical failure, theft, or even a natural disaster, this method covers all bases.”
On-Site Backups: The First Line of Defence
Sarah’s first line of defence involves keeping her photos on her computer and a USB flash drive. “My computer is my primary working tool,” she says, “but we know that hard drives can fail.” To mitigate this, she employs automated backup software that regularly transfers her photos to an external USB flash drive.
“I prefer USB drives for their portability and ease of use,” Sarah continues, pulling a sleek device from her bag. “They’re perfect for quick access and transport.” She advises using a high-capacity drive, which can handle large volumes of data, and suggests regularly verifying the integrity of the stored files.
Alongside the USB drive, Sarah also utilises an external hard drive as her second on-site backup. “This drive is my workhorse,” Sarah laughs. “It’s where I archive older images I don’t use daily.” She stresses the importance of using a reliable external hard drive, preferably an SSD for its stability and speed.
The Off-Site Backup: A Safety Net
While on-site backups are crucial, Sarah underscores the importance of having an off-site backup. “The cloud is my go-to for this,” she states. “It’s a seamless way to keep a copy of everything away from my physical location.”
Sarah utilises a reputable cloud storage service that automatically syncs her photos. “The beauty of cloud storage is accessibility,” she says. “I can be anywhere in the world, and still have access to my entire library.” She advises choosing a cloud service that offers ample storage space and robust security features.
Routine and Redundancy: Keys to Consistency
For Sarah, the real magic lies in establishing a consistent backup routine. “I have reminders set up on my calendar,” she reveals. “Regularity ensures nothing slips through the cracks.” By scheduling weekly backups, she maintains a systematic approach that guarantees her photos are always protected.
Additionally, Sarah emphasises the importance of redundancy. “It’s not just about having backups, but having backups of your backups,” she explains. By maintaining multiple copies across various mediums, she adds another layer of security.
Final Thoughts from Sarah
As our conversation draws to a close, Sarah offers a piece of advice to amateur and seasoned photographers alike: “Photos are memories frozen in time. Don’t take them for granted.” Her dedication to safeguarding her digital memories is a testament to the effectiveness of the ‘rule of three.’
In 2024, with countless options available for backing up photos, Sarah’s approach is a timeless reminder that a little preparation goes a long way in preserving our most cherished moments. By following the ‘rule of three,’ anyone can create a foolproof system to protect their digital memories from the unexpected.
As I packed my notepad and bid farewell to Sarah, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her commitment to preserving memories. Her approach not only ensures the safety of her photos but also offers peace of mind—a priceless asset in today’s digital age.
Fallon Foss