Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a Certified Pro to organize my photo collection?
The Photo Managers Certification Program is more than just a professional milestone; it’s a mark of quality, trust, and expertise recognized across the industry.
Developed by a professional instructional designer in collaboration with over 20 experienced subject matter experts, the program is grounded in proven photo management principles and reflects the real-world standards today’s clients and professionals expect.
The program is thoughtfully designed to build knowledge, reinforce best practices, and ensure delivery of high-quality services.
Do you work with clients outside the San Francisco Bay Area?
Yes, we can work with clients anywhere in the United States.
How do I get started with organizing my photos?
We begin with a FREE discovery call to discuss the project at a high level to determine your photo organizing needs, budget and timing considerations and your overall project objectives.
If we decide to move forward with the project, we get a contract in place along with the initial deposit.
Next, we receive the project materials and perform a detailed inventory and assessment to develop a statement of work which includes a good faith estimate of overall cost. You can alter the scope or terminate the agreement at this point. If you terminate, the deposit is returned minus the labor charges for the inventory and assessment process along with your project materials.
If you approve the project scope, we finalize the statement of work and begin to execute on the plan as agreed.
How long does a photo organizing project take?
No two projects are the same. Small digital projects may take 1 to 2 weeks, while large multi-format collections may take several months to complete. Timelines vary based on:
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Volume of photos
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Number and complexity of formats (prints, slides, negatives, digital, etc.)
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Condition of materials
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Level of existing organization compared to desired level
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Complexity of metadata configuration
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Budgetary considerations
How much does professional photo organizing cost?
Preparing, organizing, and archiving activities are based on an hourly rate. Scanning fees are based on volume and image resolution per item. Specifically, pricing depends on:
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Volume and condition of printed photos, negatives, slides, etc.
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Complexity and formats of digital photo footprint
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Scan resolution of physical media in the collection depending on format
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Complexity of desired metadata configuration
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Level of desired photo correction and enhancement
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Capacity and features of organizing drive
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Number and type of archival storage containers
Larger projects can be broken down into smaller sub-projects which can be spaced out to align with budgetary considerations. Clients have an opportunity to collaborate on aspects of printed photo organizing and metadata development to minimize labor costs.
I only have digital photos in my collection; can you still help me?
Yes, we do work with digital only clients who have photos to organize. This service is ideal for clients with years of digital clutter across phones, digital cameras, computers, and cloud accounts. A digital only project priced on an hourly basis rather than per item pricing.
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Consolidate photos from multiple devices
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Remove duplicates and poor-quality images
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Rename files in a standardized format to enhance searchability
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Add desired level metadata configuration in a platform independent manner
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Set up long-term storage and backup systems
Previously scanned photos have far less embedded metadata then native digital photos and require more labor to configure metadata. Duplicates and poor-quality images are not deleted but segregated for client review and further instruction.
What happens to the printed photos and other physical media?
The organized printed photos, slides, and negatives which are part of the final organized collection are labeled and stored in archival boxes and binders based on the project plan developed with the client.
Any photos which are duplicates or poor-quality images are also returned to you for review and disposal as you see fit.
There are several status meetings during the project to discuss these matters throughout the process. It's worth noting that most final collections only retain between 50% and 65% of the original materials. Only the final collection materials are scanned into digital format.