From time to time I get questions about helpful photo and tech tools, so I want to share a sample of my favorite resources. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I have tried myself and found to be helpful.
Software and Apps
If you want to sleep comfortably at night, Backblaze is a necessity. It backs up your entire computer (not just your photos), running automatically in the background while you’re working or watching Netflix. It also backs up any external hard drives that are plugged in. Restoring files is quick and easy. No more worries about hard drive failures and lost files! Consider it a small investment in your sanity.
I regularly backup my phone to Dropbox as an additional safeguard for my photos and videos. Create an account, download the Dropbox app, go to Settings and turn Camera Uploads ON (be sure Include Videos is toggled on, too). Dropbox even preserves the date the photo was taken as part of the file name. It’s easy and affordable storage that you can use for all types of documents as well.
PhotoSync is the easiest way to transfer photos wirelessly across devices and platforms, like from an iPhone to a PC or vice versa. There are no cables to deal with, and the app keeps track of which camera roll photos have already been transferred. It’s fast and effective. Surprisingly refreshing.
Tech Basics
Storing your photo collection on an external hard drive frees up your computer’s internal storage for other good stuff. This Seagate external hard drive is my favorite choice for Mac and PC. It comes in a variety of sizes, and 2TB to 4TB should be more than enough space. For added peace of mind, buy two and plug them into your computer so Backblaze can back them up.
When it’s not plugged into your computer, store your external hard drive in this zippered carrying case to keep it safe from bumps and bruises. With a handy pocket for the drive’s USB cable, it keeps your office neat and tidy.
This USB hub with power supply answers the question “Where am I supposed to plug this in?” for all the devices and dongles we need to connect to our computer. You’ll never run out of room with 10 extra USB ports, each with its own power switch. Having to unplug devices to create space for others is a thing of the past. You CAN have it all!
For right-handed PC users with carpal tunnel issues who don’t like clicking sounds (that’s me!), this vertical wireless mouse with silent buttons can’t be beat. It reduces wrist strain and keeps misophonia in check so you can click and scroll to your heart’s content (as long as someone isn’t chomping on potato chips nearby). If only it were available for Mac users.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Photos
For a great viewing experience across all your devices, SmugMug is the perfect solution. Safely share and enjoy your collection with friends and family. Customize your library with galleries and enjoy unlimited storage for photos and videos up to 20 minutes.
Need a gift for the person who has everything? Get a Nixplay digital frame and fill it with amazing photos for nonstop enjoyment. You can load photos remotely from your computer, tablet, or phone, which keeps the display fresh and interesting. Get one (or a few) for yourself, too. You deserve it!
Mpix is my first choice for festive holiday ornaments and cards. Professionally designed templates make it easy to create beautiful personalized keepsakes and cheery greetings. The hardest part is choosing your favorites!
If you need a gift that children will love, look no further than Pinhole Press. From board books perfectly sized for small hands to the most adorable puzzles and memory games, everything can be personalized with favorite family photos. You will be deemed the best gift-giver ever when you choose these treasured favorites.
Lagniappe … a little something extra
My day isn’t complete (nor has it even really started) without several cups of coffee. There’s nothing worse than getting distracted and having that steaming cup of deliciousness turn into a lukewarm disappointment in a matter of minutes. Mr. Coffee mug warmer to the rescue! It’s simple, inexpensive, and gets the job done. Oh, and be sure not to place it too close to your electronics (or your photos).
I love streamlining home administration, and going (virtually) paperless years ago with a Fujitsu ScanSnap was a game changer. Evernote is the digital filing cabinet that gives my family access to all our stuff at home and on the go on all our devices. Need a copy of your immunization records? Got it in 10 seconds. Furniture receipt from eight years ago? Check. Favorite recipe for sausage and shells? Yep. Robust search functionality means no more paper cuts. And don’t get me started on everything else it can do. Get it and simplify your life today.
What other photo and tech tools might be helpful to you?
Click the button below to connect and tell me about your challenges.