Yesterday, we worked on determining the scope and goals for your photo organizing plan by exploring the reasons why you want to embark on this project. Today, we are going to zero-in on your criteria for sorting your photos.
Tip #9
Determine Your Criteria
The criteria you decide on for sorting your photos is an important part of the guidelines of your photo organizing plan. The criteria determine what to keep based on what is most important to you. To establish your criteria, try the following exercise:
- Choose your favorite 100 photos out of your collection.
- To help you with this task ask yourself, “If I could save only 100 photos, which ones would those be?”
- Write down what is special about these 100 photos that makes them so important to you.
- Scan your list and focus on specific attributes that make your 100 photos stand out.
- From your list of attributes, create a criteria for sorting your photos. This could look something like this: photos must be clear not blurry or must be able to identify people in photos.
Your criteria is a personal thing so take your time with this step.
To help you with this process, there is a method called the ABCs. Cathi Nelson, founder of The Photo Managers, developed this system for sorting both digital and printed photographs.
A is for Album—These photos would be your favorite 100. The photos that belong in your photo album or displayed in your digital photo frame. These are the photos that mean the most to you.
B is for Box—These photos aren’t your favorite ones but you aren’t ready to part with them either. These photos are the ones you want to archive for safekeeping.
C is for Can—These are the photos that you feel comfortable deleting or taking out of your collection.
S is for Story—These photos tell a story. They might not be your favorite photos but they are important because they illustrate a story.
For more information about Save Your Photos Month or about the products and services that we offer, please contact us at info@goldstarphotosolutions.com or call us at 530-264-5995.