How do you store your photos?

[berrywise]

I just bought a new computer (yay!) and am in the process of transferring a lot of data between my old machine and the new machine. The old computer got all screwed up and it got me thinking that I really need to start backing up my images.

Currently I have a folder (My Photos) and inside I just create more folders all with a description of what is inside. What I am finding is that if I want to backup my photos (burning to DVD) I need to add some kind of dating system so that I know which files haven't been backed up yet. Something that would allow me to do this but still be able to find the photos when I want to look at them or use them.

I was wondering if anyone has a good system to use or any programs that will do this for me. Right now I have about 20,000 images on my machine and I'm looking at quite the task I think.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

scott (this probably could go in the help files but figure more of the "hard core" users are in this forum).

[Arctirus]

I have a photos folder and under that a photo for every year, under those a folder named first with a date then a very brief description. I copy the entire contents of the root folder onto an external usb harddrive which I store at work. Even if the house burns down I still have all my photos.

[another view]

I create a separate folders for a shoot or session with a filename like "20050112_Stuff". This may be images from one card or several. That way it sorts by date and I have an idea what's in the folder without having to open it. Then that folder will go in "2005_Images" in my external hard drive. Tip: Make sure it's USB 2.0 or Firewire, or set a good book by the computer that you can read while it's transferring data with USB 1.1. ;) I'll also burn a copy to CD in case both get wiped out (like it did recently). I don't usually keep much on the internal drive.

I'm not sure how to automatically re-name each of the files but taking time to do a few here and there would get it done, and you'd maybe have an easier time of finding a shot later.

[Asylum Steve]

Adobe Photoshop Album is a very good and inexpensive photo storing program...

[berrywise]

Thanks gang. I think I'll start with a date system and then also look into incorperating a program to help find images faster.

I do own Adobe Photoshop Album but it really moves slowly with the amount of images I have. I own a version of Canto Cumulus that came with my camera but its really pretty high tech I think. Maybe its time to sit down and try to learn how it works.

[berrywise]

Well after installing Canto Cumulus again and getting completely messed up on how to set it up (came with my camera so it doesn't have a manual) I gave up and ordered myself Extensis Portfolio 7.0.

I have to say it almost seems to simple. It's taking a little while because I've decided to assign keywords to all the folders of images I have so I can search them easily. It also has a burn to disc feature so it can burn cds and dvds directly for me for backup.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on what I think looks like a good product.