As a photographer, my work goes beyond just capturing moments. I strive to document your unique story, preserving it in a way that can be cherished and shared for generations to come. Whether it’s your wedding day or a snapshot of your family in this season of life, these memories are worth protecting. Yet, in our digital age, it’s easy for even our most valuable photos to slip away — accidentally deleted, lost to a broken device, or forgotten in an old email. Keep reading to find out some simple steps to preserving your family's most precious memories.


These fleeting moments become distant memories all too soon, and photography is one of the few ways we can preserve the love, joy, and special times that we hold dear. After every session, I take careful steps to ensure your images are protected, backing them up in three different ways and keeping them on file for at least a year. But ultimately, safeguarding your memories for the long term is something we can work together to achieve.


Here are four simple steps you can take right after your session to make sure these memories last forever.

portrait of bride and groom by the Rogue River

1. Print Your Favorites


Printing a few of your most treasured images is one of the best ways to ensure your memories don’t fade into digital obscurity. A printed photo has a warmth and presence that goes beyond the screen. Display it in a special place at home where you and your family can enjoy it daily. These printed images serve as reminders of your story, marking the moments you treasure most and making them part of your everyday life. Your children, family, and friends will be able to appreciate them in ways that digital files can’t replicate.

groom lifts bride in a grassy field by Table Rock in Southern Oregon
bride and groom on top of the mountain in Cathedral Hills

2. Download to Your Regular Storage Space


Once you’ve received your gallery, download it to your regular storage space — be it your laptop, desktop, or tablet. This is a quick step that will ensure your photos are saved directly to a device you frequently use. It’s easy, and this step alone can be a safety net if anything happens to your gallery link or cloud storage.

Bride and groom portrait at Pacifica in Southern Oregon

3. Use Cloud Storage for Extra Backup


For added peace of mind, use cloud storage to back up your photos separately from your main device. This guarantees that if anything should happen to your computer or phone, you’ll still have access to your photos. There are several reliable online storage solutions to choose from. Here are a few popular options:

  • Google Photos: Offers free and paid storage with easy organization tools.
  • Amazon Photos: Free unlimited photo storage for Amazon Prime members.
  • Dropbox: Cloud storage with both free and paid plans.
  • Microsoft OneDrive: Integrated with Microsoft Office, ideal for easy access and sharing.
  • Apple iCloud: Great for Apple users, with free and paid storage options.
  • Flickr: Photo-sharing platform with free and paid storage plans.
  • Backblaze: Affordable, unlimited backup storage for photos and files.
  • Carbonite: Comprehensive backup solutions for added security.
  • SmugMug: High-quality photo storage and sharing for photographers.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Includes cloud storage with access to professional editing tools.


Both Google Photos and Dropbox come up as options to download to from your online gallery. By choosing one or more of these options, you’ll ensure that your memories are safe even if your device fails.

family of 3 portrait with mountain views of the Siskiyous at Pacifica
mom holds young boy for a portrait
portrait of toddler boy running
close up on toddler boy while holding mom and dad's hands
dad piggy backs young boy at Pacifica
family portrait by the pond at Pacifica

4. Don’t Wait!


I understand how busy life can get. As a mom myself, I know how easy it is to put things off. But if you don’t back up and print your photos right away, chances are it won’t happen. Take a few moments now to download, print, and back up these precious images so that they’re secure for years to come.

family portrait with fall colors in the trees at Palmerton Park in Rogue River
portrait of the siblings by the creek
baby brother laughs with his parents by the creek
portrait with 3 groupings interacting in the family

Technology has made storing and accessing our photos easier than ever, but it’s also easy to overlook those few extra steps that ensure our memories won’t be lost. By following these simple steps, you can feel confident that your most cherished moments are protected and preserved for future generations. Your family’s story deserves to be seen and celebrated, both on your walls and in secure storage — lasting reminders of the love and beauty in your life.

family laughing together by the creek

Thanks for reading!

-Alicia