13 Things I've Learned as a professional Photo Organizer & Small Business Owner
This month marks 13 years since I launched Infinity Photo Solutions. While I've been helping people organize, preserve, and celebrate their photos for nearly 25 years, starting the company in August 2013 allowed me to make an even greater impact on the families I serve. Since 13 has always been my favorite number, I couldn't resist celebrating by sharing 13 things I've learned as a professional photo organizer and small business owner.
1. You don't need every photo.
Curating your collection is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. No one wants to inherit 40,000 photos. Instead, leave them a thoughtfully curated collection of your family's best memories, and the stories that bring those photos to life. The goal isn’t to keep every photo; it’s to preserve the ones that matter most.
2. Back up your photos, even if they're a mess.
A disorganized collection is still infinitely better than losing it altogether. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep three copies of your photos, on two different types of storage, with at least one copy in the cloud or another off-site location. And don't forget to download and back up those priceless voice memos and voicemails.
3. Chronological order usually wins.
When organizing printed photos, arranging them by date (even if it’s estimated) is almost always the simplest and most useful approach. Today's photo apps can recognize faces and let you search by names, places, and keywords, making elaborate filing systems unnecessary. Sorting chronologically also allows your scanned photos to blend seamlessly with the digital photos you've taken over the years.
4. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Organizing a lifetime of memories isn't a weekend project. You’ll likely make multiple passes through your collection, and the process may stir up a few emotions along the way. Give yourself grace, be patient, and celebrate your progress.
5. Think big. Work small.
Gather all of your photos in one place so you can see the big picture. Then, instead of trying to organize everything at once, work through one box, folder, album, or category at a time. Before you know it, those small steps will add up to meaningful progress.
6. Organize your photos before you need them.
Most people finally tackle their photo mess because something forces the issue, such as a move, a milestone birthday, or the loss of a loved one. Whenever possible, make the decision to get your photos in order before life makes it for you. Your photos are meant to be enjoyed now, not someday.
7. Progress beats perfection.
Many people delay organizing their photos because they want to do it "the right way." The truth is, there is no perfect way. Start where you are, make the best decisions you can, and keep moving forward. Your future self (and future generations) will thank you.
My parents during the filming of their video biography in 2016.
8. Photos capture moments. Stories give them meaning.
It’s not just about sorting photos, but capturing the stories that go with them. Ask your loved ones questions about the photos in your family collection. Record conversations with parents and grandparents using your phone or a storytelling service. My family enlisted help to create a video biography of my parents, and it has become one of our most treasured possessions. (Yes, it is triple backed up!) You simply can't put a price on seeing their smiling faces, hearing their laughter, and learning their stories. However you choose to preserve those stories, just do it.
9. Tools come and go. Good organization lasts.
Over the years, I've seen countless photo storage platforms, apps, and AI tools come and go. Technology will continue to evolve, but the fundamentals of good photo organization don't. When your scanned and digital photos are well organized with dates, tags, captions and other metadata embedded in the files, you're much better prepared for whatever technology comes next. Your hard work won't be tied to a single app or platform.
10. The best system is the one you'll actually use.
You don't need a complicated system to keep your photos organized. In fact, simpler is usually better. Choose a system that's easy to maintain because, as long as you're making memories, your collection will continue to grow. Adding and curating new photos should become part of your routine instead of another overwhelming project.
11. Do what you do best.
When I first started Infinity Photo Solutions, I enjoyed helping people with all kinds of photo-related projects. Over time, I discovered that my greatest joy, and where I can make the biggest impact, is helping families organize and preserve large, multi-generational printed photo collections. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping families bring order to generations of photos so they can be enjoyed, shared, and preserved for years to come.
12. It’s about so much more than photos.
While photo organizing is our primary service, it’s about so much more than neatly organized photos. It's about helping people reduce the stress of overwhelming collections, rediscover memories they haven't enjoyed in decades, and make it easy to enjoy and share those memories with the people they love. Our clients don’t just hire us, they invite us into a very personal part of their lives. It is truly a joy and privilege to do this work.
13. I’m grateful I took the leap.
Starting Infinity Photo Solutions was a big leap of faith. I knew I loved helping people with their photos, but launching and running a business came with a steep learning curve. There was so much to learn, and at times it felt overwhelming.
Looking back 13 years later, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do meaningful work, help families preserve memories, and be part of such a supportive and collaborative photo management community. I'm equally thankful for the trust my clients have placed in me over the years. Their stories, kindness, and encouragement have made this work even more rewarding.
I hope I've also shown my children that it's never too late to pursue something you’re passionate about and build something meaningful through hard work and determination.
Thank you to every client, colleague, friend, and family member who has trusted, encouraged, and supported me over these past 13 years. Whether you've been with me since 2013 or just discovered Infinity Photo Solutions, thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to the next chapter!