This document provides guidelines for photographers on backing up their photo files. It recommends keeping backups organized, using the right storage medium like hard drives, and having multiple copies of files with at least one local backup and one offsite backup. Having backups is important in case of hardware failures or disasters like fires or floods. The document discusses sample backup workflows and software and hardware options for creating backups.

1. Backup for Photographers Stuart Clark [email_address] A Necessary Evil

2. Who is this guy? What will I get out of this presentation?

3. There are two kinds of people in the world those who have had a hard drive failure and those who will.

4. What would I do tomorrow if none of my data was retrievable.

5. Some Basic Steps / Guidelines

6. K.I.S.S Philosophy The more ‘friction’ you put into a task the less likely you will do it. Find something that works for you Automate when possible

7. Keep it organized Keep a clean / original copy Use the right storage medium Keep it separate

8. Keep it organized Have a good understanding on where your photo’s and other support files are located on your computer.

10. Keep a clean / original copy After transferring photos from your camera, make a copy of the original photos before doing any editing. Some software will do this for you.

11. Use the right storage medium Hard Drives are the most ‘friction’ free method to use. DVD’s Tape etc. have cost and reliability issues and can be hassle to use for the large storage requirements that photographers have.

14. Why offsite backup? Having the onsite backup beside your computer is convenient but what if one of the following happens? Fire Flood Your computer and your external drive is stolen.

15. Sample Workflow Copy Files from Camera to Computer Copy to onsite and offsite backup Verify Verify Edit your pictures When done make onsite and offsite backups

16. Software There is a wide variety of software. Use something that your comfortable with.

19. Enclosures

20. Docks

22. Test your backups! Once in a while try restoring some files to make sure things work as you expect. If you start getting read/write errors then replace the drive right away.

23. Questions? Contact Info [email_address] www.sclarkconsulting.ca stuartclark