What’s Your Photo Focus? This Octagon Has You Covered!

Eric Gjerde. Octagon Star with Negative Space, WIP, reverse, backlit. 03-Apr-2006. 29-Aug-2012. http://flic.kr/p/bTvq1 

You Are Thumbody!
Look into any mirror and the reflection staring back at you is guaranteed to be someone unique! In fact, we are all so distinct it is possible to take a thumbprint from each of us and no two will be inherently the same. So, we should not be surprised to learn our personal preferences about the photos we take and cherish are also based upon different focuses.

An Octagon of Preferences
An experienced individual familiar with personal photo organizing will understand there are at least eight different points from which people approach their photo collections. Realizing this helps to gain insight into what we believe to be most important and how individuals choose to approach their photograph collections.

1. The Organizer - Always involved in activities connecting people together with an admirable flair of being able to somehow get it all done! Looks to finding ways to use their photos to better connect and share with others. Curious about new technologies that may give them that organizing edge.

2. The Preserver - A saver who has a story for every photo in their collection and wants to make sure it is passed on so generations to come can enjoy the legacy too. Interested in the order of their collection, making sure milestones and timelines are preserved, as much as the photographic images themselves.

3. The Quality of Lifer - Quality counts much more than quantity. Their collections often are comprised of unique one-of-a-kind creations. Always tuned in to the most current trends in displaying personal photos and chronicling their lives through imagery.
4. The Gift Giver - Understands the fundamental reason we take pictures is to share memories. Seeks to fulfill the pursuit of sharing their collections through creative gift giving of personalized photo items. They imagine the possibilities a photo can offer in sharing that special moment or message, then sets about to create it.

5. The Family Archivist - Not only has their photos, but has inherited responsibility for their family’s collections. Usually technology savvy and considered the reliable 'do-er' of the clan, this individual has lots weighing on them as they consider not only how best to tackle their own aggregation of photographs, but also the legacy of family pictures entrusted to them for safe-keeping.

6. The Possibility Dreamer - Driven by an interest in how to make better use of their photo collection. Seeks out possibilities to learn new ways of improving upon their current techniques, which sometimes are less than fully adequate. Technology tips for enhancing access or organization of their collections are guaranteed to stop them in their tracks and warrant a second look.

7. The Celebrate a Lifer - Memories collected through photos may often be the most important thing left behind. Persons who have collections with emotional ties to those they want to celebrate their life with offer an opportunity to extract most completely the mystic power contained within a photograph’s collection to rekindle once-in-a-lifetime memories.

8. The Downsizer - As the baby boomer population ages, this segment is beginning to seek ways to reduce possessions, including their collections. Many welcome new innovative techniques now available to digitize and preserve original paper photographs while allowing full control under compact, mobile conditions.

Getting My Photos Organized With a Personal Photo Organizer
So, just like the other ‘things’ in our lives that may need special attention in order to get organized - many people’s photos, slides and home movies end up in places where they will likely never see the light of day without someone to come alongside and help you make it happen.

That’s where the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (Appo) can help. Its members specialize in understanding this octagon of primary photo collection focuses! Photo Organizers work with clients on a personal level. They will help find the type of solutions that meet your unique needs. As a result, you will be proud to share your collections with family or friends – now and for years to come.

If you would like to talk to someone about your photos and memories, there is an Appo member in your area ready to take on the challenge.

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Organizing and preserving photos is important, and Digital Directions sponsor E-Z Photo Scan can help! Learn more about how photo scanning can help you to keep, protect, share, and connect with your photos. Blog Contributor, Richard (Rick) Lippert, is a Certified Appo Member.