INTRODUCTION THE PROBLEM The numbers are impressive - there are an estimated 1.7 TRILLION paper photos stored in albums, attics and shoeboxes. Other estimates show that Americans have taken over 550 BILLION non-digital photos. These photos represent the heart and soul of a family's history - new babies, first steps, weddings, vacations, holidays, vintage photos of Great Grandma - and all at risk. Less than 1% of these memories have been transferred to digital, a much more durable and reliable format. The remaining 99% are still very much in danger of being lost or forgotten and with them, the stories they tell. The numbers of digital photos taken every day is also staggering. A survey of 1,169 regular photo-takers revealed that Americans now take more than 10 billion photos every month. This figure is bolstered by the ever-present smartphone which nearly 60 percent of respondents say is their primary photo-taking device. The ability to find that picture of Susie at her first dance recital or that precious photo of Grandpa holding his first grandchild has become a frustrating challenge for the average family. In addition, many families do not have a sufficient backup system in place to safeguard their family photo collection and the memories it holds. From: “The Insider’s Guide to Photo Organizing” The Photo Managers
Do you have several lifetimes of print photos scattered in boxes & drawers or falling out of old dusty albums? Do you have hundreds (or thousands?) of digital photos that are dispersed amongst your various cameras, flash drives, external hard drives, memory cards or lost somewhere on your computer? Is your cell phone’s camera roll stuffed with images, slowing it down? Do you have stacks of old home movies in formats that no longer exist? AND… How many times have you wanted to share a memory or a moment but can’t get your hands on it? Are you worried that your treasured memories are being lost to time and the environment? 3
