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

Capturing Family Memories on Kiawah Island: An Evening Portrait Session

Kiawah Island, Sunset Portrait Session

If you’re looking for a memorable family activity on Kiawah Island, consider scheduling a sunset portrait session! I recently had the pleasure of photographing a lovely family with three boys, capturing their vibrant personalities in the soft light of the Golden Hour.

We kicked off our session at their rental condo, taking advantage of the picturesque surroundings before heading to the beach. This approach not only provides interesting backdrops but also helps avoid the windy beach conditions that can toss your hair around during family photos.

For this session, we managed to photograph three generations—the grandparents, parents, and their energetic boys. It was their first professional family portrait session, and capturing these special moments together was a true honor.

Starting with the whole family together, I focused on creating those must-have images, including grandparents with grandchildren, sibling shots, and parents with their kids. The walk to the beach also allowed us to capture candid moments, letting the kids express themselves and show off their unique personalities.

As we wrapped up the session on the beautiful Kiawah Island beach, the stunning sunset provided an incredible backdrop for the final family photos. If you’re considering family portraits, don’t miss the opportunity to make lasting memories on Kiawah Island, where beautiful sunsets and family activities come together perfectly!

Sunsets book fast, get in touch!

‘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!”

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! 

Isle of Palms Vacation Guide

Spotlight on Isle of Palms, SC

Less than 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is a pristine island with a nostalgic beach town. It is easily bikeable and has just enough to keep you on the island for a weeklong vacation. Only 7 miles long, it is a bit more lowkey and less crowded than the surrounding islands and beaches. There are tons of incredible beach houses to rent, making it a premiere destination for visiting groups and families.  

Isle of Palms Family Portrait, Access 25 Beach Path

Where to Stay

Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for vacationers year-round. The beachfront resort encompasses several hotels and rental properties, incredible amenities such as tennis and golf, a spa, restaurants, pools and more!   

What to Do

Fishing Charter

Isle of Palms is perfectly situated for fishing charters! You don’t have to boat too far to find redfish, spotted trout, sharks, lady fish, and black drums. The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway. Contact Barrier Island Fishing Charters to schedule your excursion. 

County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area. 

Golf

Isle of Palms is a top golfing destination! Wild Dunes Resort boasts two spectacular courses, touted by Golf Digest as some of “the Best in the State.” The best news? The weather is so warm on IOP that you can play all year round!

Where to Eat

Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe

The Sea Biscuit Cafe a quintessential beach town diner with friendly staff and delicious breakfast staples. The tiny restaurant has been an Isle of Palms fixture since the 1960’s! 

Lunch: Coconut Joes

For lunch or dinner overlooking the beach, Coconut Joes is a local favorite. Enjoy fresh salads, fried seafood, live music, and a panoramic view of the white sandy beach from the rooftop bar. It’s a lively, casual spot just perfect after a day in the sun. 

Dinner: Coda Del Pesce

One of Charleston’s best kept secrets, Coda Del Pesce (“Coda” to locals) is an absolute gem of a restaurant. Fine dining Italian fare with a focus on fish, the view is worth an early dinner reservation alone. This is executive chef, Ken Vedrinski’s second successful local restaurant after famed Trattoria Luca, which sadly closed in 2020. 

After Dinner: The Windjammer

The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music.