How to Archive Your Wedding and Family Photos

One of the most common questions I hear from my former wedding and family portrait clients is, “How can we preserve our precious photos?”

I’m thrilled to share that my good friend Jennings King, a former professional photographer who is now a talented professional organizer, has written a fantastic guest blog post on this very topic!

Jennings, the owner of Space Maker Professional, is amazing at helping people organize, digitize, and preserve their cherished photo collections. I can’t recommend her enough! If you’re looking for assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to her. You’ll be in great hands!

Hi, I’m Jennings King! I help families organize, digitize, and protect their photos so

their stories can be shared and loved for generations. As a photo manager, I’ve

seen how much peace of mind comes from knowing your memories are safely

preserved. Whether you’re just getting your wedding photos or sorting through

old family albums, these steps will help you build a lasting photo archive you’ll be

proud of.

Let’s be honest — our photos are some of our most treasured possessions. They

tell our stories, capture our milestones, and keep our loved ones close even as

time passes. Whether it’s your wedding day or a Sunday family session, those

images deserve to be cared for and protected.

The good news? Archiving your photos doesn’t have to be complicated. With just

a few smart habits, you can make sure your memories are safe, organized, and

easy to enjoy for years (and generations!) to come.

For Digital Photos

When your photographer sends you a flash drive or download link, don’t just save

the files in one place and call it a day. Make multiple copies right away!

Here’s my favorite formula — I call it the “three places rule”:

1. One copy on your computer or external hard drive

2. One copy on a flash drive or second drive

3. One copy in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)

This way, if one location fails, you’ll still have backups. Flash drives only last

around 10 years (less if used often), so the cloud copy gives you an extra layer of

safety.

For Printed Photos

If you’re working with printed photos — maybe wedding prints, family albums, or

old shoebox treasures — it’s time to digitize them. You can scan them yourself or

have them professionally scanned at 600 dpi for high-quality digital versions.

Once you have those digital scans, store them using the same “three places rule.”

How to Keep Everything Organized

Here’s my favorite little secret: the easiest way to keep your photos organized is

to name your files by date, not by name.

Start each file name with the year, month, and day, like this:

2025-10-21-JenningsAndBrennen-Wedding-001

This way, your photos automatically sort in chronological order on your computer

— and you’ll instantly know when the memory happened. The date is the most

powerful piece of information you can include.

Try to avoid naming files like JenningsAndBrennen-Wedding-1. It doesn’t tell you

when it was taken or how it fits into your life story.

Final Thoughts

Creating a photo archive isn’t just about organizing files — it’s about protecting

your story. By keeping your images in multiple places and naming them in a way

that makes sense, you’re building a beautiful timeline of your life.

Start small, stay consistent, and before you know it, you’ll have a digital archive

that’s easy to navigate and filled with moments you’ll love revisiting again and

again.

Ready for a Little Help?

If this all sounds wonderful but a bit overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone.

I love helping families organize, digitize, and preserve their photo collections in a

way that feels simple and personal.

Feel free to reach out — I’d be honored to help you create a system that keeps

your memories safe and easy to enjoy for years to come.

Website: www.spacemakerprofessional.com

Instagram: @spacemakerprofessional

Facebook: @spacemakerprofessional

Kiawah Island Senior Portraits

Senior Portraits on Kiawah Island | Charleston Collegiate Graduate

Photographing senior portraits on Kiawah Island is always a special experience, and this session with a Charleston Collegiate School graduate was no exception. We started the shoot at her family’s home on Kiawah Island, capturing natural, relaxed portraits in a setting that meant something to her. Then we headed to the beach near Cougar Point Golf Course, where she changed into a fun Free People dress—adding a pop of personality to the coastal backdrop.

Senior portraits are such an important part of celebrating this milestone year. Whether you’re in Charleston, South Carolina, or right here on Kiawah Island, it’s about capturing who they are at this moment—right before stepping into a new chapter. As a Charleston-based senior portrait photographer, I love helping families preserve this time with images that feel both meaningful and timeless.

‘TIS THE SEASON - KATE’S FESTIVE FAMILY WARDROBE GUIDE!

Kiawah Island, SC Ocean Course family portrait 

Ho, ho, ho! Rumor has it, Santa’s workshop is buzzing up North, prepping for that jolly, worldwide sleigh ride. The Holiday season is upon us, and it's that magical time for merry greetings and, you guessed it, those fabulous holiday cards! There's something downright enchanting about having your family portrait made smack in the heart of the Christmas buzz. The air's filled with magic, excitement is on the rise, and everyone's bubbling over with holiday cheer. While some opt for warmer days for their family portraits, I say there's pure whimsy in capturing your family portrait right in the midst of the holiday season. Here are my top 6 tips to sleigh your family's holiday portrait wardrobe:

• 1. PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROPS - Let's talk settings! Take time to scout out and decide upon a beautiful outdoor location. Whether you choose the beach, the countryside, or even your own backyard, consider the background. The background will inform your wardrobe. For instance, simple outfits are stellar against busier backdrops. Simple background? Then maybe incorporate plaids and flannels!

• 2. PLAN THAT FLAIR - Set aside quality time to ponder your family's own personal style. Outfits are your portrait's backbone, so choose wisely! Santa's keeping an eye on your wardrobe choices! There is no wrong way to cull your own creativity and pick outfits that you feel accurately complement your family’s personality. 

• 3. COLORFUL COORDINATION - Matchy-matchy? Nah, let's coordinate without cloning! Sync those colors, patterns, and styles. Keep it unique, reflecting your family’s vibe this year. Whether you're glam or laid-back, it's all about showcasing your family's personality, not a picture-perfect match.

• 4. COZY CHIC - ‘Tis the season for snug styles! Add some warmth with textured sweaters or a cozy scarf. Texture is the secret recipe for a spot on the Nice List! Don’t forget those faux-fur throws for that extra cozy touch during outdoor shoots.

• 5. ACCESSORIZE WITH CAUTION - Less is more in the accessory department. Sure, holiday props add flair, but too much can steal the show. Rock your gloves and hats, but let's keep the focus on your family, not the patterns or puffy coats. Also, no plastic Santa gnomes, please. Maybe we can try that route next year.

• 6. HOLIDAY FUN, NOT STRESS - This is about capturing your family's essence. Embrace those candid moments! Cozy winter wear and a splash of cohesive colors are all you need to let your family's true colors shine. Trust me, those spontaneous snaps beat the 'perfectly posed' images every time! It's the Holidays—let’s cherish the moments, revel in our loved ones, and freeze this wonderful chapter in time. Enjoy, play, and relish the childlike joy with you and yours!

Let's capture the joy, Charleston-style! Click, click!”

Summertime Kiawah and Seabrook Island Senior Portraits

A High School Senior Portrait on Kiawah Island, SC

Capturing the Summer Glow

As summer draws to a close, the golden light and lingering warmth make it the perfect time to capture senior portraits. There's something magical about the way the sun kisses the skin during those late summer days, giving seniors a radiant glow that symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Whether you're a high school or college senior, here are some tips to ensure your end-of-summer photoshoot captures your unique personality and that coveted summer glow.

1. Dress to Impress: Casual, Dressy, and Fun

When it comes to senior portraits, variety is key. Bring along three different outfits to showcase the different sides of your personality:

Casual: Think of your favorite everyday outfit. This could be a pair of well-worn jeans, a comfy yet stylish top, and a pair of sneakers or sandals. The goal here is to feel comfortable and authentically you.

Dressy: Choose something a bit more polished for a timeless look. A sundress or a button-up shirt with slacks can give your portraits a sophisticated edge while still feeling appropriate for the season.

Fun: This is where you can let your personality shine. Maybe it's a bold color, a quirky pattern, or an accessory that stands out. The fun outfit is all about showing off your unique style.

High School Senior Portrait on Kiawah Island, SC

2. Bring Along a Buddy: Mom, Best Friend, or Both

Senior portraits are not just about capturing how you look—it's about capturing who you are at this pivotal moment in your life. Bringing along your mom, best friend, or both can add an extra layer of authenticity to your photoshoot. They can help you in numerous ways:

Styling Assistance: They can help with outfit changes, ensure your hair and makeup stay in place, and offer advice on which accessories to wear.

Emotional Support: Having someone who knows you well can help ease any nerves. Plus, they'll be there to share inside jokes, making you laugh and helping your true personality shine through in the photos.

Extra Hands: Whether it's holding reflectors, props, or just helping you navigate the location, an extra pair of hands can make the session smoother and more enjoyable.

The presence of someone close to you will not only make the shoot more fun but will also help you feel more relaxed, leading to more natural, candid shots.

3. Time It Right for the Perfect Glow

Late summer afternoons offer the best natural lighting for portraits. The sun is lower in the sky, creating a soft, golden light that's incredibly flattering. Aim to schedule your photoshoot during the "golden hour"—the hour or two just before sunset when the light is warm and diffused. This time of day will highlight your skin's natural summer glow, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to your photos.

If you're an early riser, the hour after sunrise offers similar lighting conditions. Whether you choose sunrise or sunset, timing your shoot to take advantage of this light will ensure your photos have a natural warmth and glow that can't be replicated.

Seabrook Island, the perfect location for a high school Senior Portrait

Capturing the Summer Glow on Seabrook Island, SC

How to Photograph your Children on Vacation

I was feeling nostalgic, so I decided to take my three daughters – Claire, 12, Mary, 11, and Sadie, 4 – out to Folly Beach for some sunset lifestyle photos. Here are a few tips I have for capturing the essence of your children and freezing time, if just a bit. 

Lifestyle Photos of my children: Claire, 12, Mary, 11, and Sadie, 4 at Folly Beach, SC, Summer 2024

1. Timing is key - aim to shoot early in the morning or near sunset for the best lighting and to avoid squinting in the sun.

2. Set limits - dedicate about 20 minutes each day to taking photos to prevent burnout and allow you to fully enjoy your vacation.

3. Let them be themselves - encourage natural expressions by letting your children be themselves and interact with them in a fun and engaging way.

4. Get on their level - squat or kneel to create a more intimate composition and capture their expressions at eye level.

5. Focus on the details—instead of just smiles, pay attention to unique details like hands, sand between toes, or their oh-so-valuable seashell collection. 

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and create lasting memories with your family!