Are You Overthinking Your Photo Organization Projects?
The photo above came from Sue, one of our YouTube viewers. Her bins and batches look pretty organized but she found she needed some help. She reached out to me with the following message:
"I want to open a Forever account but I am struggling with file names. I want to get the file names correct before I upload them to Forever. I am the unofficial photo keeper for my family and my husband’s family. I believe I am overthinking the file structure. I’ve watched your YouTube videos and somehow can’t apply it to my photos. I am making it my mission to scan all of our photos and organize them on Forever so they are available to our families. I have some family photos dating back to around 1900."
Sue’s message resonated deeply with me. As someone passionate about helping people organize and preserve their family’s photo legacy, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to tackle such a meaningful project. The fear of making mistakes or not getting it "perfect" can cause many to overthink and stall their progress.
With that message, Sue scheduled a phone call to get some advice. During our conversation, I shared some tips, guidance and resources to get her moving again. I also recommended she open a complimentary FOREVER Account and upload a couple batches of photos she had completed. This way, Sue could actually see her efforts start paying off.
Afterward, I received this email from her:
Subject: Thank You!
Good Morning, Mollie,
Our talk yesterday helped me get a clearer picture of what I want to accomplish. I read all your books and watched your YouTube videos, and everything made sense at the time. Then, as I was scanning photos, I started second-guessing myself. . . . I opened my FOREVER Account last night. I created a couple of albums and uploaded a few photos. I’m so excited that I’m finally on my way with a clear plan. I’ve started and stopped this mission several times over the past ten years, but I finally feel like I have the right tools to actually see it through. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement!
Thank you,
Sue
Sue’s story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, we just need a little clarity and encouragement to move forward. If you’re feeling stuck or overthinking your photo organization or scanning project, here are some tips that might help:
- Start Simple - Don’t overcomplicate your file naming or folder structure. A good starting point might be organizing photos by decade or family group. You can refine the system later if needed.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection - Remember, the goal is to preserve your memories for future generations, not to create a flawless system. Any step forward is a step in the right direction.
- Leverage Tools and Resources - I shared several resources with Sue, including guides on naming and nesting folders for multi-generational collections, tips for sharing Forever albums, and details about Forever’s digitization services.
- Celebrate Small Wins - Sue’s excitement about opening her Forever account and uploading a few photos is a great reminder to celebrate every milestone. These small victories build momentum and confidence.
Before talking with me, Sue even started doubting her work, thinking it might be a waste of time. But she realized if she doesn't do it, who will? She lost her mother when she was 23 and her father when she was 39. She wrote this to me as well:
As I've been going through this process, I so wish I could talk to my parents about their pictures. If only in my 20's and 30's I would have seen the value in our family history. I will see to it that the pictures are saved, and I'll add as much of their story as I can. Even if only one of my nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, or great great nieces/nephews wants to look at our "Forever" collection, I will have done what I can to pass the family history on. That is what keeps me going. Once I get my family done, I will start the process with my husband's family. I can't wait!
Many people find organizing photos to be a daunting project. Are you looking for a system, tech support, and possibly dedicated time to work on your projects? That is why we've developed The PIX PLAN, a place where you can get help, tech support, dedicated time to working on your photos. To learn more, visit www.thepixplan.com.
