What are the Two Types of Cloud Storage for Photos?
When people talk about cloud storage for photos, there are two types of cloud based services to consider: Cloud backup and cloud based photo backup.
Cloud Backup
When consumers use cloud backup, this usually refers to a company that will backup files from your computer (or your phone) to their cloud service. Your files are not actually stored “in the cloud” but at data centers (multiple, redundant locations) around the country and the world. The process works something like this:
- Connect your computer to the website by installing their software on your computer
- Software automatically uploads files you wish to have backed up through the web
- View your backed up files through the website knowing your files are safe in that company’s data centers
- Recover files if needed (computer dies or is stolen)
When you use cloud based back up services, most likely your files are being “synced.” This means that when you delete a file on your computer, it is deleted in the cloud backup. Here’s an example:
iCloud (Apples Cloud Backup) – when you delete a photo or file off your computer, it is deleted everywhere.
If you want to preserve prior versions of files or have the ability to retrieve deleted files, you may wish to use computer based backup. For instance, on a Mac, you can use Time Machine and an external hard drive to save literal backups. You are able to go back in time to your backups from a particular date and retrieve files.
Cloud Based Photo Backup
Okay, now let’s talk about cloud storage for photos. There are many options to backing up your photos in the cloud. I like to think about backing photos up as part of my larger digital photo management plan. Definitely click here to learn more about choosing a digital photo management program.
In looking at photo backup options, I don’t include websites like Shutterfly or SmugMug as I don’t believe their core business purpose is photo backup. Here’s my short list:
I’ve created a chart to compare these programs with each other along with the costs.
Cloud Photo Storage Features To Look For
In my overview, I touch upon some key features to evaluate when choosing a cloud photo backup.
- Cost – may be a major consideration. But when push comes to shove, there isn’t much difference until you go to the one time purchase option (currently only Forever® offers that.)
- Files Stored on Your Computer – I believe you need to have your files stored on your computer. If you don’t have internet, you won’t be able to access your photos.
- Syncs With Your Phone – The most important thing to note here is that you turn the feature on within your phone and app settings. You’ll have the app on your phone and you can access your photos on the app’s corresponding website.
- Private – No Data Mining – This means that the company will not use personal information from your uploads for market research, etc. With any big tech company, be aware the technology exists for them to extract a lot of personal information from your photos.
- Stores Original Sized File – Very important, you don’t want your photos or video to be compressed for storage online.
- Order Prints, Photo Books, etc. – If you are not using any other photo management program, then you may like to have the ability to order photo prints, books and other photo gifts.
Download a Quick Overview of Cloud Storage Options Here
