Preserving Images

Digital Images - Hard disk drives, thumb drives, memory cards

The majority of my work sees me handling digital files almost exclusively. Images, videos, project save files, pdfs, audio, and I'm sure there's more. It's very important to keep these safe in each step of the production.

Pre Production

Planning ahead is crucial. If you don't have enough storage on your memory cards, you're not going to have enough space for the shoot.

You're going to to want to make sure you have memory cards (SD cards, CF cards, portable hard drives, mini SD, whatever format it may be). One's that fit in your camera of course, and are compatible. I've had no issues with SanDisk or Sony branded cards. I started out using 32GB and 64GB cards, and when transferring the files to the computer, I would cut them before pasting so the cards would be cleared upon completion. This does open up the potential for something happening with the cable during transfer,

You'll also want to have space on your computer or a hard disk storage device.

External Storage Devices are Very Handy!

Hard Drives

I've trusted my files to two different companies products - Western Digital (also known as WD) and Seagate. I haven't had any issues with their hard drives, and they offer great warranty options. Early in my career, I would use 250 GB, 500 GB, and 1 TB drives, as I didn't have much need for huge storage options at the time.

Nowadays, I have a different system for backing things up and have actually gone up to 8 TB for long term storage of larger projects. Once I arrive back from a shoot, I gather all of the cards and sticks with relevant files, and begin copying those files to the folder on my computer. Down the line, all the cards, and files being transferred, I then copy that entire folder, and paste it into a partition drive on my PC. That drive specifically is for working files, and I can keep the external drive in a separate area or fire safe.

Finding a process to keep your work safe is very important, and I'd highly recommend figuring that out early on.

VHS & Cassette Tapes are Physical Media

Physical Photos or Physical Film (16mm, 35mm, VHS, Cassette, etc.)

Digitization is the only way to preserve these memories long term. The recording tape itself lasts for 10 to 30 years, so many from the 1990s to early 2000s are beginning to deteriorate. The degradation is random and varies, so please don't wait to get that handled!