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Dima

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How-to

Backup Facebook Photos (PC, Mac or External drive)

by Dima January 2, 2024

It is time to turn the clock back and rediscover the moments that once made you very happy. If you love sharing your photos on social media and Facebook in particular, maybe it is time to consider backing them up. Why would you want to back up your Facebook media files?

  • In case of accidental deletion or loss of your pictures, you will not be able to restore them. However, backing them up to a PC, Mac, or external drive will keep them safe. 
  • Another reason why backing up your images is having complete control over your own data is that Facebook can introduce any changes in how they store and use your information.
  • If you decide to leave Facebook, you will not lose any digital content, plus you will not need to save photos one by one.
  • Finally, if your Facebook account is hacked, a backup will ensure that your photos are not lost or not used against your will. 

This is why it is smart to backup Facebook photos. Fortunately, this can be easily done with the help of the Mylio Photos app. This software is a passport to relive all the precious memories you captured. Mylio helps to preserve, safely store, easily access, and share your digital photos. Saving photos to Mylio Photos Library will also leave more space on your PC, Mac, SD card, or external hard drive. 

Let’s explore how to back up Facebook with Mylio following these steps:

  1. Open the Add Media dialog by clicking or tapping the plus icon in the top app bar.
  1. Opt for Add media from an online service. The list of online services including Instagram, Facebook, Frame.io, or Flickr will pop up on the screen. Choose Facebook and log in to your account. 
  2. Enable Mylio’s access to your Facebook account.
  3. Choose one or several Facebook Albums you want to import and click Select.
  1. Mylio will automatically create a Facebook folder. Once you select the Albums you want to import, select Facebook as the destination. If you wish to change the name of the destination folder, you can do it. 
  1. If you want to add metadata such as copyright information, custom file names, custom folder organization and keywords, click Show Advanced Settings. 
  2. The last step is confirming the import of the album(s) by clicking Copy now. Your Facebook photos will move into your Mylio Photos Library instantly. 

Note that Mylio Photos app does not synchronize with your Facebook account, so in case you add new images to Facebook, they will not appear in the Mylio Photos Library. Repeat this process every time you want to back up Facebook photos to Mylio. The app allows importing the photos that you downloaded. Others’ photos will not be imported. Another thing to consider is that you can’t import photos. It works for images only. 

How to Backup Facebook Account (data download)

In this part of the article, we will talk about how to back up Facebook account and why you should do it. There are several reasons why this is a wise idea. First of all, a backup ensures you can restore your account in case you accidentally delete it. Secondly, if your account gets hacked or compromised, backup will create a “safety net” for it. Thirdly, if you are someone who adds lots of media files to Facebook, backing up your account will ensure that you don’t lose precious memories.

So, how do you backup Facebook account?

  1. Log in to your Facebook account on your desktop or mobile device.
  1. Tap your account icon and opt for Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
  1. Scroll down the menu on the left side until you find Download your information. Click on it. 
  1. You should get this notification appearing on your screen. Click Continue.
  1. You will be redirected to the Accounts Center from where you can Request a download. 
  1. Now tick your Facebook account and click Next.
  1. Select the information you would like to back up. 
  1. In the following window, you will be offered to tick the type of information you would like to download. Once ticked, click Next.
  1. Select file options and click Submit Request.
  2. Now you have four days to download your information. Use your password to access information. 

When backing up your Facebook account info, you can download your profile, friends, posts, images and other information.

January 2, 2024 0 comment
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How-to

Organizing Photos on Mac

by Dima January 2, 2024

Are you someone who takes dozens of photos every day? It is a real struggle to find the photos you need fast because there are so many of them on your Mac. Well, smart organizing photos on your Mac is essential for easy retrieval and management. In this article, we will talk about handy steps you can follow to organize your photos effectively and find them faster when you need them.

How to organize photos on Mac using a Photos app?

In this part of the article, we will talk about the features it offers and how you can benefit from them.

So, open the app and find “Library” in the menu on the left side. It contains all the media files imported into your Photos app. You can sort and view your media files in Years, Months, or Days format. It is important to sync your Mac’s Photos app with your iCloud account to see all the photos and videos you have taken. 

To import media files into the Library, do as follows:

  1. Click File
  2. Opt for Import
  3. Choose the required files

Now, the necessary files should be successfully imported into the app’s Library.

Switch Your Photo Library

You may find that some of the pictures or videos you took are automatically stored not in the app’s Library but in a different library somewhere on your Mac laptop. To store all your media files in the app’s, complete these steps:

  1. Open Finder 
  2. Opt for Applications
  3. Click Option
  4. Choose a Photo Library. You might see the default library and any other libraries you have created or used before. Click on the library you want to switch to or select “Other Library” if the library you want is not listed.

Note that the Photos app can only have one library open at a time. Each library is a separate collection of photos with its own settings, albums, and organization.

Group by People & Places

The Photos app on your Mac also allows you to sort media files by People and Places. To Group by People, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Proceed to the People Album.
  3. Click on Albums and Select People.
  4. The People album displays faces that the Photos app has recognized. Click on a face to see all the photos associated with that person. If a face is recognized but not named, click Add Name and type in the person’s name. The app may ask you to confirm or reject its suggestions for a person’s face.

For Grouping by Places, follow these recommendations:

  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Proceed to the Places Album.
  3. The Places album displays a map with pins indicating where your photos were taken. You can also use the Map by zooming in and out of the map to explore different locations, or you can add location information manually. 

The People and Places feature in the Photos app is extremely helpful for photographers, especially if you like landscape and portrait photography.

Get Creative With Memories

You should certainly explore the Memories feature in the Photos app on your Mac, as it is capable of creating collections of photos and videos with music based on specific events, locations, and people. Find the Memories feature under the Library and see what you can do with it:

  • The Memories feature displays automatically created collections like trips, events, or significant periods of time.
  • You can edit Memories by clicking Show More and changing their titles, durations, music, etc. 
  • Click the heart icon on your favorite Memory so it will appear on top of the tap in the future. 
  • The Hide Memories feature allows you to make a particular Memory not visible, yet it will not be deleted. 
  • The Create Memory feature allows the app’s users to customize their own Memory Movies using the photos, videos, and music they choose.
  • You can easily Share a Memory via email or social media.

The Memory feature may not be useful for professional photographers, but it certainly will put a smile on your face, reminding you of beautiful moments. 

Manage Your Albums

If you want to organize and categorize your photos more effectively, the Managing albums feature unfolds more opportunities.

  • Create an Album 
  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Select the photos you want to add to the new album.
  3. Right-click on the selected photos and choose Add to the New Album.
  • Adding Photos to an Existing Album
  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Select the photos you want to add to an existing album.
  3. Right-click the selected photos and choose Add to then Existing Album Name].
  • Deleting Photos from an Album
  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Click the “Albums” tab on the sidebar and select the album you want to edit.
  3. Select the photos you want to remove from the album.
  4. If you want to remove all media files from the particular album in one go, right-click and choose Remove from Album.
  • Create Shared Albums
  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Click + next to Shared Albums to create a new one.  
  3. Enter the name of a new Shared Album.
  4. Add files.
  5. Now you can Invite People from the list. 
  • Reorder Photos in an Album
  1. Launch the Photos app.
  2. Click on the “Albums” tab and select the album you want to reorder.
  3. Drag and drop photos to reorder them.

Creating and adding new albums, deleting those that you no longer need, or reordering photos in already existing albums will keep things smarter. 

Manage Your Photo Catalog in a New Folder

To easily access your media files, you can create a dedicated folder on your computer or laptop. You may find that a folder offers a better structure so that you can find the necessary files faster. Here are some of the features that might be handy.

  • Create a new folder
  1. Choose the desired location for your new folder, whether on your desktop or within your Pictures folder.
  2. Name it. 
  • Transfer photos to the new folder
  1. Open the new folder.
  2. Select the photos you want to include in it
  3. Drag and drop the selected photos.
  • Organize photos by date or event
  1. Create subfolders by dates and occasions, like “2024” or “Christmas”.
  2. Transfer corresponding photos to new subfolders using the advice above. 

You should back up your new folders to prevent data loss with the help of Google Drive or Cloud Storage. Software like Adobe Lightroom, Google Photos, or Apple Photos will securely save your files and allow you to use all the above-mentioned tools plus edition. However, you will need to buy extra space when you reach a limit.

Create New Projects

Mac’s Photos app is perfect for creative minds and your own projects. Head to the app, click Prejects, then My Projects, and see templates for Books, Calendars, Cards, and Wall Decor. At the bottom of the list, you should see Prints – the feature that actually allows you to print your project and order it to your address. These are the steps for creating a new project within the built-in Mac’s Photos app:

  • Launch the app.
  • Opt for + on the sidebar. 
  • Choose Slideshow, then Photos.
  • Name for Slideshow. 
  • Select media files, then click Add.
  • Choose the desired Themes, Music, and slideshow payback Duration. You can also change the Speed of your slideshow.

You can preview your project before saving it and ordering a print.

Sync Your Photos Through iCloud

If you want to access your media files and all your Apple devices, you need to sync. First, you need to set up an iCloud account and then store all your photos on it. This is how it can be done: 

  1. Head to Photos.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Proceed to the iCloud tab.
  4. Set up an iCloud account. 
  5. Open Finder.
  6. Choose Apple ID.
  7. Select iCloud.
  8. Mark Photos and iCloud Drive.

When using your iPhone, you have the option to optimize storage so the version of photos on your mobile device is smaller. The full-resolution photos will be stored in iCloud.

Note that it can take some time to sync. It depends on the number of media files you have. Also, you may not have enough storage in iCloud. Initially, all users get 5 GB of free storage, but if you need more, subscribe to a higher storage plan.

Best folder structure for photos

The best folder management for photos actually depends on your personal preferences, the number of files you have, and how you like to organize them. Here are a few ideas on how you can manage your media files effectively:

  • Main photo folder – the folder with all your pictures.
  • Year-based subfolders – organize your photos based on the year.
  • Event-based subfolders – create subfolders for every event, like Christmas, New Year, Summer Vacation, Wedding, etc. 
  • Topic subfolders – organize your images by topic, for example, macro, landscape, and portraits. 

These are just a few ideas of how you can structure your photos and access them without being confused and looking for particular files for hours. Find the structure that suits your workflow. 

One of the best ways to organize your and your family photos

Keeping memories alive is what every family does. If you are someone who loves to take photos of your family often and have a bunch of unorganized files, here are a few tips to help you store and find special moments easily:

  • Create a main photo folder on your device or in the app and call it Family Photos.
  • Create subfolders by year, each containing another subfolder with names of events. For example, a subfolder 2021 contains the following subfolders: Christmas, Anniversary, Graduation, etc.
  • If you use a Photos app on your Mac, do not skip such features as People Tagging and Keyword Tagging. The first one will help you to find photos of your family members easily. The second will allow you to find all related pictures to, let’s say, “wedding,” “hiking,” “sea,” etc. 

Over the years, you can find that you have too many photos: some may be blurred, or you can find duplicates. Perform regular checkups and delete images that are no longer relevant. This will provide you with more storage and help you avoid buying more space.

Other popular apps for organizing media on Mac

There are quite a few impressive photos apps that provide advanced organizational features and editing capabilities if you do not want to use a built-in Mac app. It is only a matter of choosing the one that you like using. Every photos app offers features that basically do hard work for you:

  • Has built-in organization tools.
  • Utilizes albums to group photos by theme, event, or person.
  • Uses the “Faces” feature to tag people in your photos.

See! You do not need to do a lot of manual work. Some of the good apps that we came across are Mylio Photos, Google Photos, and Adobe Lightroom, each having all the above-listed features.

Mylio: smooth app that you will love

If you want to organize your pictures on your Mac more efficiently, give Mylio a go. It is a free app that automatically imports files from your smartphone or tablet and allows you to share them with your friends, family or colleagues. Mylio provides a convenient library, making it easy for you to find and access media files. Importing media files is simple: from your hard drive, camera or USB memory card, scanner, phone or tablet. The surprises are not finished here. The app can connect to social media as well as photo sharing sites and import everything you have already shared. You can also post via the app. 

Quick tutorial on organizing photos on Mylio:

  1. Install Mylio Photos on your Mac.
  1. Add photos, video and other files to your Mylio library. CFnd an icon “+” in the top right corner, then choose “guide import”, now follow instructions on the screen to add media to your Mylio library.
  1. Use dynamic search and quickfilters to find your favorite photos and videos faster. After transferring the necessary media files from your hardware or device to the library, click “all photos”. Here you can review files by year, rating, label, flag, by event, by album, etc. 
  1. Mylio also allows you to edit photos to enhance their quality. Make edits to change color, exposure and details, crop photos to change composition and size.

Adobe Lightroom and its great features

We decided to use Adobe Lightroom to demonstrate how to start organizing your media files with ease. Please check this guide below.

  1. Install the Adobe Lightroom app by downloading it from the Adobe website or the Mac App Store.
  2. Open Lightroom and create a new catalog or use an existing one. Then click on the “Import” button to bring your photos into the catalog. Now select the photos you want to import, choose the destination folder, and configure import settings.
  3. You can create collections based on events, themes, etc. Drag and drop photos into collections for easy access.
  4. If you wish, add keywords for better searchability. If you have an extensive photo library, this feature will save you much time. 
  5. Use the rating and flagging features to identify your best photos or those that need further attention.
  6. Lightroom photo app has powerful editing tools. Explore the “Develop” module to adjust exposure, colors, and more. Notice that changes made in the Lightroom app are non-destructive, which means your original photos remain unchanged.
  7. Now, you can sync your Lightroom catalog across multiple devices. You will need a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to do so. 
  8. The app also has an export feature, so you can share them on social media when you are happy with your edits.

If you decide to use Photos App for organizing images on your Mac, do not forget to regularly back up your catalog to prevent data loss.

FAQ:

How do I put photos in the Finder folder on Mac?

The first simple method that you can use to manually Drag and Drop necessary files. Open the Finder, find the Destination Folder, and Navigate to the location where you want to create or use an existing folder to store your photos. In another Finder window, navigate to where your photos are stored. Hold the left mouse button or use the trackpad to select the necessary photos, drag them to the destination folder, and drop them directly onto it. If using the Photos app on your Mac, then start with launching the app. Select the photos you want to import and drag the selected photos into the app window. Your files should be imported. 

What is the difference between an album and a folder in Mac photos?

Actually, both albums and folders are organizational tools. However, they have different purposes. An album stores media files based on a specific theme or event. Users can create new albums and share them with other people. A folder in Mac photos is supposed to have subfolders for better organization. One folder can store a few albums. Use a folder for structured hierarchy. For example, the main folder named “Family”, then a subfolder with years 2011, 2015, and 2024, then subfolders in each containing events like New Year’s Eve, Anniversary, Hiking, etc. Each folder should unfold another folder, helping you structure your memories.

January 2, 2024 0 comment
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How-to

Property Photography (Tutorial)

by Dima January 2, 2024

To create visually appealing images that highlight the property’s strengths, photographers are advised to use professional equipment, including a camera, tripod, and wide-angle lens, as well as specific camera settings to provide clear and attractive images. A photographer must understand what features in the house may potentially attract buyers, such as a fireplace, panoramic windows, or spacious kitchen, and be able to highlight such selling points via photography. Consider this article as your guide to taking captivating photos of properties.

What Is Real Estate Photography?

Property photography is the practice of capturing high-quality images of real estate for marketing and promotional purposes. Through real estate photography, agencies can provide potential buyers with features, designs, and overall appeal of apartments, houses, villas, and other types of real estate. Quality pictures play a massive role in creating a first impression and attracting clients. 

What Equipment Is Required For Quality Real Estate Photos?

As a realtor photography, you want to use the right equipment. Do you need a professional camera? Ideally, yes. However, a smartphone camera can also work if you know how to use its features to deliver high-quality images. 

In this part of the tutorial, we will discuss the advantages of using DSLR, mirrorless or compact cameras, action cameras, and advanced smartphone cameras. Read and choose the best option for your real estate photography, considering all the pros and cons. 

DSLR, Mirrorless, or Compact Camera

Since house photography requires still images, you do not need to purchase the most expensive equipment. A beginner DSLR camera can actually be a good choice, offering all the necessary features for capturing high-quality images of properties. Each type—DSLR, mirrorless, and compact camera comes with its own set of pros for the purpose of real estate photography. Let’s look into them in detail. 

Advantages of using a DSLR camera:

  • Larger sensors for better image quality.
  • Interchangeable lenses for versatility.
  • Manual control over settings for precise adjustments.
  • Better low-light performance.

Advantages of using a mirrorless camera:

  • More portable and easier to handle compared with DSLR cameras.
  • Real-time preview of the exposure and depth of field.
  • Advanced autofocus systems.
  • In-body image stabilization that results in sharper photos.

Advantages of using a compact camera:

  • Lightweight and portable choice. 
  • Automatic mode excludes the need for extensive manual adjustments.
  • Versatile zoom ranges.
  • Built-in flash.

Action Camera (e.g., GoPro)

Even though action cameras like GoPro were originally developed for extreme sports and various activities and events, you can still use them to capture photos of apartments, houses, and other properties. Newer GoPro camera models provide improved features, including enhanced stabilization and better image quality, which will help you take proper real estate photos. 

Advantages of using an action camera:

  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Wide-angle lenses assist in capturing small spaces.
  • Versatile mounting options for creative shots.
  • Some camera models come with 4K video capabilities. 

The only consideration you may have with shooting real estate photos with an action camera is lower image quality compared with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The pictures taken in low light do not come out great when using GoPro. However, it should not be an issue anyway since quality real.estate photography should be done in natural light. 

Smartphone camera

Advantages of using a smartphone camera for property photography: 

  • Always at your hands.
  • Advanced cameras with multiple lenses for versatility.
  • Built-in HDR and computational photography features.
  • Each access to photo editing apps.

However, only some smartphones will allow you to take top-notch photos. Recommended models for quality home images are Samsung s24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, or OnePlus 12. These smartphone cameras have telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, and enhanced low-light features that take crisp and detailed images at night or in the dark.

Real Estate Drone Photography

Drone or aerial photography has become a popular type of art widely used for offering “live” visualization of properties. It is used for completed projects and ongoing ones to present different stages of construction.

The main advantage of drones is that they can take pictures from angles that traditional photography does not reach. Utilizing aerial photography, you can showcase the whole property, including parking space, pools, and playgrounds, emphasizing its size and architecture, like roof design, facades, and exterior details. With the help of a drone, you can show landscaping and neighborhood areas, which is especially important for people buying a home. 

And if you want to take your photography to the sky, you need special equipment. The top three drones for aerial photography that come at a fair price and offer all the necessary features are:

  1. DJI Mini 4 Pro – a great drone with camera switches for optical portrait mode, 4K 60fps shooting capability, all-round collision sensors, up to 20km (over 12 miles) of theoretical range, top-notch reception in sensible operational distances, and 34 minutes battery life. 
  2. HoverAir X1 – a lightweight drone with a convenient folding design that will automatically follow you and take raw photos, yet it can fly for only 11 minutes. 
  3. Potensic Atom – is one of the best drones for budget 2024 that features a stable 4K camera, excellent wind resistance, subject tracking, sharp video, and a battery life of 32 minutes. 

When buying a drone for a real estate photoshoot, consider camera quality, stabilization system, flight time, design in terms of size, and app compatibility to share your content easily. 

What Software Should You Install to Deliver the Best Real Estate Photo?

Let us navigate you through three solid software that will allow you to improve the quality and appeal of property images to boost buyers’ interest. This software will do most of the work for you, leaving you more time to take photos than edit them. 

1. Canva

Canva is a beginner-friendly photo app that will significantly suit the editing of real estate images. To get started, create an account and use simple drag-and-drop UI and pre-designed templates to create a professional-looking appeal. Some editing features that Canva offers are color adjusting, filters, cropping, and enhancing the quality of shots. Canva Pro account will enable even more features like graphics, logos, and textures to make your realty photography look professional. Note that Canva supports JPEG files only. 

2. Adobe Photoshop

The famous photo editing app will also work well on property photos. The software offers various design tools, such as advanced editing, retouching, and manipulation. Even though Adobe Photoshop does not increase the resolution of photos, it has techniques for upscaling images without losing the quality. The good thing is that the software accepts JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW formats, giving photographers the flexibility to work on various files. The only thing to consider is the software is quite advanced and needs time and effort to understand its layout. 

3. PicMonkey

The software comes with many creative filters that will allow you to highlight the pros of a property and enhance the overall quality of images. Apart from powerful editing tools, the software allows you to add text and graphic overlays to real estate photos, making them more custom-oriented. The convenient transfer option enables uploading and moving photos from your PC, laptop, or tablet to PicMonkey for editing. To work with high image size, a pro version is required. 

To choose the best software, consider the accepted file formats, editing options, and variety of templates. These features make it easy for a photographer to hand over unique and attractive images of real estate.

How to Work With Lighting?

To deliver clear residential photography, you want to have all the right lighting equipment. Some real estate photographers use external flashes to enhance lighting conditions. The good option is Godox V1, which offers suitable features, including soft natural light, stable color temperature, and a range of color filters. Softboxes can also be handy for creating diffused lights and evenly illuminating rooms.

How to Take Real Estate Photos Using Interior/Exterior Light?

Before taking photos of a property, visit it and define its strong points. Plan the shooting schedule considering the position of the sun. For exterior pictures, the golden hours are the best time to take photos of a property, thanks to the warm and soft light. However, for interior images, choose daylight. 

When you choose to use natural light, you just need to work with your camera. Therefore, the shooting time is minimal. Still, you need to consider using post-processing with the help of the software we provided above. Flash photography gives you more control over lighting conditions and allows you to highlight the selling points of the property. 

Make use of ambient light by positioning yourself near windows and avoiding harsh contrasts. Consider closing blinds or curtains to manage excessive contrast between indoor and outdoor lighting.

Set your camera to manual mode to fully control the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This will allow you to achieve the desired exposure and minimize noise. But do not neglect editing software to fine-tune your images to perfection. 

Composition In Real Estate Photography

Composition plays an important role in creating attractive real estate photography as it helps to show properties most aesthetically. Aim for balanced compositions to create harmony and visual stability. Ideally, elements should be evenly distributed on either side of the frame.

Use walls and floors to guide the viewer’s eye through the image and draw attention to key points of the property. Try the rule of thirds and position focal elements along the three lines. This tip will help you deliver a more visually appealing composition.

Add depth and perspective to your photography of houses by including foreground, middle ground, and background elements. Use furniture, plants, or architectural details to create an immersive experience.

A great composition is always reached by combining experimenting and rules. Shoot property from different points, angles, and heights until you achieve the most appealing images. 

How to Get Correct Exposure in Real Estate Photography? 

Achieving correct exposure in estate photography includes applying two main techniques:

  • HDR blending: capture multiple exposures of the same scene at different brightness levels and blend them using editing software. Professional photographers take 3 to 5 exposures per photo, covering a range of exposure values from underexposed to overexposed. A standard sequence includes exposures at -1.5, 0, and +1.5 EV (Exposure Value) for 3 images or -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2 EV for 5 images. Combining these exposures assists in creating a final image with optimal exposure. This technique will work excellently for achieving a natural look. 
  • Flash photography: use artificial lighting sources, like external flashes, to illuminate specific points of a property. Take multiple shots using flash, adjust the position and intensity of the lights to highlight the interior spaces. Directing the flash towards the windows will help to achieve a clean and professional appearance.

Experiment with both techniques and see what pictures get more attention. Note that flash photography requires equipment. Therefore, you will have to spend more money. 

10 Extra Tips For Real Estate Photography

We added a few more tips to help you plan your budget and work on the skills you are missing. 

  1. Create a list with your prices and images you are willing to take for a certain type of property. 
  2. Choose golden hours to take soft, warm photos.
  3. Keep the light off when shooting inside the property. Instead, use daylight for natural photos. 
  4. Use a tripod for stability and shooting in low light.
  5. Choose a perspective to present the property’s selling point. 
  6. Shoot with a 16-35mm zoom lens.
  7. Take pictures at chest height.
  8. Work together with a talented stager. 
  9. Make sure the property is clean.
  10. Polish your images using various post-processing software. 

Now you know how to photograph real estate. It is just a matter of time and practice to start delivering visually pleasant pictures. 

Tips on Real Estate Photography Pricing

After reading how much effort goes into creating this type of photo, you must wonder how a real estate photographer defines a rate. Well, to set your price, you need to:

  • Understand the home values in your area by researching the types of properties and the demand for professional photography services.
  • Consider your equipment costs, transportation, and marketing expenses. Do not forget to include the time you spend editing and refining images. 
  • Define what types of photography services you will offer clients. This may include interior and/or exterior shots, aerial photography, and virtual tours. Each service should have a different rate since it requires different equipment, skills, and time to deliver the result.  
  • Analyze competitors’ pricing based on their location, experience, and services. 

Following these tips, you will be able to start your own real estate photography business and offer reasonable prices that reflect your experience and skills. 

Where Can I Be Hired as a Real Estate Photographer?

To start your business and advertise yourself as a professional, consider popular freelance services like Fiverr, Upwork, The Creative Loft, and Flexjobs. These platforms offer beginners and professional photographers multiple job opportunities posted by clients daily. After registration, you will be able to bid on projects, submit proposals, showcase your portfolio, discuss job details, and collaborate with clients on real estate photography projects.

Create an account and search for job offers at Indeed, Glassdoor, and Linkedin. All three websites are free job boards that list vacancies with detailed descriptions and approximate salaries. Here, you will be able to search for full-time and part-time vacancies as well as freelance projects. Filters like desired salary, job title, company name, and location will help you find more specific vacancies and apply instantly. 

If you seek job opportunities in real estate photography, register on at least 2 or 3 platforms to increase your chances and compare which websites cater to your requirements more. Not only can you search for vacancies, but meet other professionals and expand your network.

January 2, 2024 0 comment
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Photography

The Ultimate Guide to Family Photography

by Dima January 1, 2024

From newborn shoots to graduations, there are countless milestones that can be used as an event for family portraits. That said, family photography doesn’t necessarily just need to be reserved for significant moments and any day can be used for a posed portrait session. To help capture those special times together and preserve them for generations to come, here’s an overview of all the fundamentals of family photography.

What Is Family Photography?

In short, family photography refers to any event where you photograph a family together. The photos can be a mixture of posed portraits or spontaneous interactions caught on camera. 

There is also no limit as to how many family members can be present and this type of photo shoot can also be used for bigger groups to accommodate extended family like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Here are a few popular examples of events where a family photographer might be needed:

  • Maternity shoots
  • Births
  • First day of school
  • Religious festivals like Christmas
  • Birthdays
  • Graduations
  • Weddings
  • Family reunions

Larger groups, in particular, can make it more challenging as you’ll need to be able to accommodate various needs. For example, for photo sessions that include grandparents, accessibility might become an issue. On the other end of the spectrum, newborn photo sessions will probably need to be planned around sleeping and feeding schedules.

Best Locations for Family Photo Shoots

Just like with other types of photoshoots, location is a key consideration. The challenge with family photography is that you might not always have a choice. For example, if it’s a wedding, the shoot will most likely be limited to the church or reception venue booked months in advance. 

Even if the venue has not been decided yet, it’s best practice to ask your client – the family – for recommendations. The chances are good that they already have a venue in mind that’s special to them. 

If they’re open to ideas, you can suggest taking it at their home or visiting you at your studio. Both these locations remain firm favorites. 

To help you identify a possible location, keep in mind these guidelines:

  • The location should be big enough to accommodate the group. If you need to photograph an extended family, a two-seater sofa won’t work. 
  • If the family wants to include children, the venue should be kid-friendly. Nowadays, it’s also common practice for families to include their pets. If this is the case, you’ll also need to find out beforehand if pets are allowed at the venue. 
  • It should be easy to access. Most family photoshoots involve young or older family members who might have difficulty walking long distances, climbing stairs, or standing on uneven terrain. 
  • The location should allow you to capture various portrait styles and poses.

Ideally, you should visit the venue beforehand. If this isn’t possible, be sure to ask the family or venue owner to tell you more about the location before the shoot date. 

What Should Family Members Wear for a Photoshoot?

In addition to the location, the wardrobe must also be sorted out beforehand. While it’s the family’s final decision as to what they want to wear, you can offer some guidelines as the photographer. 

For group shoots, the biggest consideration is the color scheme. Coordinating colors is always a good idea. This doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone needs to wear the same, but you can also suggest that they wear colors that work well together, like pastels. 

If this isn’t possible, the next best thing is to double-check that the colors don’t completely mismatch. This applies to patterns, too. A red floral dress and a pink striped T-shirt can be too much and distracting from the primary object —  the beautiful family. 

If young children will be included, you can even suggest that the kids dress up in costumes. Not all parents will like this idea, but for those that do, it can help to get the kids more at ease in front of the camera and unfamiliar face holding it. 

Above all else, though, is that they should feel comfortable in whatever outfit they wear. This doesn’t mean they must rock up in their tracksuit pants, but if the outfit makes them feel self-conscious, it will show in the family pics.

Three Top Tips for Taking Good Family Photos

Photographing products or a landscape differs quite significantly from photographing a family unit. Here are key tips to keep in mind to help you apply your skills to this genre.

1. Use an assistant

A family shoot typically takes longer. You’ll need time for the family members to get comfortable in front of the lens (especially when working with younger subjects). You’ll also need to change positions and poses which can be a time-consuming activity when you’re photographing larger groups. 

Hiring a photographic assistant for a family shoot is strongly recommended. Your assistant will be able to get the group together and help everyone assume the correct positions.

2. Keep it fun

As your subjects are inexperienced models, they’ll need extra help to get comfortable in front of the camera. One way to do that is to keep the session fun for everyone.

Your energy will decide the atmosphere’s tone and the day’s success, but you can also use props to add that fantastical element. For example, when the shoot will involve kids, use a plush toy. Not only will this help them relax in front of the camera, but it can also guide them as to where they need to focus. Props can also be used for other family photo shoots where adding a playful element is part of the brief.

3. Let them take the lead at times

Adding to the previous tip, it might be necessary to let your subjects sometimes take the lead. This is especially important when you photograph children. You want to photograph their natural smiles. By giving the family members the chance to direct the photoshoot, you’ll create those golden moments when they can be their natural selves. It’s typically at this time when their natural smiles also appear.

Essential Family Photography Equipment to Pack for Better Portraits

The results that a digital SLR camera will create are far superior to any smartphone camera. After all, families have many pics snapped with their smartphones, and the appeal of hiring a professional photographer is to have better quality photos. 

If you’ll be concentrating mostly on newborn photography, it’s key that the camera is geared for low-light settings. Newborns’ eyes are more sensitive to light, so you’ll need to rely less on artificial lighting. 

In addition to a reputable digital SLR camera, you’ll also need the following equipment and accessories:

  • A 35mm lens
  • A 24-70mm lens
  • An external flash
  • Reflectors
  • A tripod

While all this equipment will be important, a tripod is essential. Not only will it help to reduce camera shake, but it also gives you more freedom to help your family members with their poses. 

After you’ve set up the composition, you can quickly adjust a family member’s pose if needed. Without a tripod, having your shot and all the members set up correctly simultaneously becomes very challenging. 

Best Camera for Family Portrait Photography

As for the best camera for family portraits, several makes and models will deliver great results. Needless to say, what you can afford to spend will play a key factor. If you’re on a tight budget, check out the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80. It’s a solid, all-in-one superzoom camera with a good face detection and autofocus system. 

If you’re still relatively new to the profession, your skill set will also guide your camera choice. In this case, you can, for example, look at the Canon EOS Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera. Not only is it user-friendly, but it’s also reasonably priced compared to other camera models.  

Then, for professionals, there’s the Sony Alpha a9 II Full-frame mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. Its autofocus system is virtually flawless and will make shooting in various lighting settings much easier. Plus, its setup is also easy, and you’ll only have to change your settings occasionally. 

That said, always remember that each camera has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a certain camera might take great photos but lack the same video quality. While price will always play a role, it’s only one of several factors. Just because you bought the most expensive camera does not guarantee you’ll take the best photos. 

Rules for Black and White Portrait Photography

If you aim to capture a personal family portrait, opting for black-and-white photography can be a good path. It’s a timeless favorite. 

However, to get the best results, there are a few considerations. You won’t be able to use color for dramatic effect. Instead, you can rely on form, texture, light, and contrast. By experimenting with these elements, you can create powerful photos.

Best Poses for Photographing Families

Most of the time, you’ll find that a family wants a combination of staged and more natural photos. If the family wants to go this route, it’s best to start with the staged photos first. 

This is especially helpful if you’re working with kids. Not only will they most likely lose focus towards the end, which will make it harder for them to look in a specific direction for those staged family photos, but it will also give them time to become more comfortable in front of the camera for those more candid shots. 

The location will also determine which type of poses will work better. You’ll typically find yourself switching between photos where everyone stands, sits, or reclining on the floor. You can also combine these poses by, for example, letting the parents sit while the kids stand. This way, everyone will more or less be at the same level, making it easier for the viewers to focus. Alternatively, you can let the parents sit on the floor, with the kids playing at their feet. 

All in all, the best approach is to capture a few different poses on the day.

Wrapping Things Up

The best family photographs manage to capture the love and warmth shared. This becomes more difficult if the members feel rigid, which will happen if the environment isn’t conducive. In addition to selecting the right location, spend some time with the family before taking photos. This will help them to feel more relaxed in front of the camera. 

That said, even if you spent extra time before the shoot getting everyone and everything set up correctly, there could be unforeseen circumstances during the shoot. This is especially true of working with kids or pets. When this happens, be willing to adapt and keep calm. Flexibility is a key skill that professional family photographers should develop.

FAQ

How much should you spend on family photography?

Professional family photographers can charge between $100 and $400 per hour. You’ll typically find that family photographers in urban areas charge more. Also, remember that prints and extras like a printed photo album will cost extra.

Are professional family photos worth it?

The short answer is absolutely. There are a few reasons why. Firstly, they can capture special family moments, which are difficult to do if one of the family members is responsible for taking the photos. Secondly, while smartphones can capture great-quality photos, when you hire a professional family photographer, you’ll also get access to state-of-the-art equipment and photo editing software. Lastly, and this is probably the most obvious reason, family photos capture family members and key milestones in digital format to be enjoyed and treasured forever. 

How long should family photos take?

A family photography session typically takes 45 minutes and an hour and a half. Several factors will impact the duration, including the number of family members that need to be photographed, the light conditions, and the mood of individual family members (this is especially true if you’ll be photographing young kids).

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Reviews

What is the Best photo scanning service?

by Dima January 1, 2024

Not only can time cause memories to fade, but so too the photos meant to capture these special moments forever. Luckily, technological advances have presented a solution — photo scanning.

Sure, you can probably use your three-in-one printer, scanner and copier that you use at home, but it’s time-consuming and, for the best results, some manual edits will be needed. The best option — using one of the following 10 leading photo scanning services instead.

1. ScanMyPhotos.com

The story of ScanMyPhotos dates back as far as 1990. They initially started out as a boutique retail photo center that offers cost-effective photo processing services to their local market.

Thanks to the advances in tech, they spotted a gap in the market and started to focus on scanning services. Not only that, but they also shifted their company online, helping them to serve an international audience too.

One of their key features is that they can handle bulk photo scanning for various formats including film negatives and 35mm slide scanning. That being said, their high-speed, same-day scanning is only available for scanning prints.

The process is very straightforward. You simply send your photos to them and their pros at their facility in California will scan it into a JPEG file and send you your digital download via email.

Mylio has partnered with ScanMyPhotos to offer Mylio customers up to 50% discount on services provided by ScanMyPhotos. When you subscribe to Mylio Photos+, you’ll get a unique discount code that can save you hundreds of dollars on scanning services from the industry leader – ScanMyPhotos.

 Other key services include:

  • Photo restoration
  • VHS and film transfer

2. ScanCafe

ScanCafe’s photo scanning service has already saved millions of memories in only a few years. Like with most good brands, it all started from humble beginnings when one of the co-founders offered to scan in all his late grandfather’s old photos. 

Fast-forward a couple of years and all the processing has been moved to their sophisticated facility in Indianapolis where everything gets completed now. They chose this location so that they could easily serve customers from all over the United States.

In addition to offering a convenient, central location, they’re on a mission to offer quality and trustworthiness. Human editors have the final say about key choices like color and they’ve put in place several security measures to ensure all your precious memories remain safe.

To date, they’ve received hundreds of online reviews. Many have highlighted their reasonably priced services as one of the main reasons for choosing them. Happy customers have also praised them for making the process easy and less daunting.

Other key services include:

  • Video scanning
  • Home movie transfers
  • Audio scanning
  • Photo restoration

3. Memories Renewed

Founded in 2005, Memories Renewed offers professional media digitization services to help preserve analog formats. They have a team of digital archivists that will scan photos in any size or condition. 

While you don’t have to organize your photos in a specific order, they suggest that you group them into a zippered plastic bag. However, if your photos are currently in a photo album, you can send it to them as is. They also accept physical photo albums and will remove the photos to be scanned carefully and replace all of the photos again. If it’s a scrapbook with the photos glued to the page, no problem. They can scan the full pages individually to preserve the original page layout.

Then, to ensure high-quality results, photos get custom edited individually for key elements like color and contrast correction, cropping, and orientation. Plus, as part of a final measure, a senior editor reviews all the images for quality. That said, if you’re equipped to take care of the editing yourself, they also offer a discounted scan-only option.

They’ve received dozens of five-star online reviews. Customers have praised them for their quick turnaround time, quality, and customer service.

Other key services include:

  • Memorabilia scanning
  • Slide scanning
  • Negative scanning
  • Film scanning
  • Videotape transfer

4. EverPresent

EverPresent might be a family-run business, but that didn’t stop them from becoming one of the biggest photo scanning services. Their team of over 70 employees work from more than 40 locations all across the US. To date, they’ve served 50,000+ clients and on average they scan millions of photos each year. Not only have they’ve worked with thousands of clients, but their photo scanning services have also been featured by leading publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times.

Their philosophy — photos should be enjoyed and shared daily.

Before undertaking any new scanning project, they’ll first consult with you telephonically to understand your requirements. On top of scanning your photos, they can also create custom labels for better organization (and you don’t have to organize any of your photos before sending them). You can either use mail order or drop off your photos at one of their dozens of satellite locations. If you’re located in the Northeast, you also have the convenient option of taking advantage of a home pickup service.

They’ve received over 1,000 online reviews already. Their accuracy and on-time delivery are two features that stand out.

Other key services include:

  • Slide scanning
  • Video transfer
  • Audio transfer

5. ScanDigital

ScanDigital has scanned over 50 million images into a digital format that will last forever. Everything gets completed by hand — both the scanning as well as the editing.

One of the advantages of working with ScanDigital is that they’ll take great care to respect the way you’ve organized your photos. After completing the scans, they’ll return all your hard copies in the same way that they’ve received it. What’s more, they’ll categorize your new digital copies in the same manner. For example, if your photos came in labeled photo albums, they’ll make sure to use the same labels when they create your digital folders. This makes them a great choice if you’ve spent hours organizing your physical photos already.

However, if the photos that you wish to be scanned are a disorganized mess, they can still help.

Another plus point of using ScanDigital is that you can select between premium and expert resolution. And, if you have a larger print that needs to be scanned, they can do that too at an extra cost.

Other key services include:

  • Negative scanning
  • Slides scanning
  • Special media digital transfers

6. iMemories

Named by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the world, iMemories is one of the leading names if you have any old photos that you need to digitize. They’re trusted by more than one million customers and have helped to digitize millions of assets.

They have a team of 200+ digital restoration specialists boasting nearly 20 years of experience. All photos get scanned at their new top-of-the-line facility in Arizona. The reason why they’ve picked this location is because it’s not prone to natural disasters. That’s how much they care about keeping your memories safe.

Then, to help keep your precious photos safe on its journey, it also includes a safe shipping kit. Using this kit, you can send your photos by yourself knowing that they have been packed correctly.

Other formats that they can digitize include:

  • Video tapes
  • Movie films
  • Photo slides
  • Photo negatives

7. Memory Fortress

Similarly to some of the other service providers in this niche, Memory Fortress originated from humble beginnings. With simply an old box of photos and an entry-level flatbed scanner, they got to work. Fast-forward more than a decade and they’ve upgraded to a facility in Georgia from where they serve all the US states.

Whether you want regular resolution or need a higher resolution, they can offer both for loose, individual photos as well as photo albums and return them in the same way that they have received them. As for delivery format, they offer several options including USB flash drives, external hard drives, DVDs, or cloud storage.

What’s more, included in their very low photo scanning pricing are services like color correction, cropping, image rotation, and sharpening. As for organizing your files, they’ll also create a folder system and customize the file names.

Other key services include:

  • Video and movie film transfer
  • Scrapbook scanning

8. Digital Memories

Digital Memories is a small, family-owned service provider that’s been transforming traditional media collections into digital format for over two decades. All their services are done in-house. 

While they’re based in Ohio, they serve customers from all over the United States. Whether it’s for your personal family collection or you’re a professional photographer, they offer a solution to match your needs. From loose, individual photos to photo albums to slides and film, they can digitize various popular formats. They also offer a special service for your special snapshots.

You simply complete the order from, prepare your material to be scanned for shipment, and send it. You’ll receive an email notification informing you when your shipment has been received and the order has started. Your hard-copy photos will be shipped back to you via FedEx Express.

Not only can you enjoy peace of mind knowing that the process is straightforward, but also that your photos will be scanned using state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, all optimizations and color adjustments are done manually.

One of their unique selling propositions is that unlike most of the other service providers, they also include a money-back guarantee. Plus, if you have a time-sensitive project, they do have a rushed service.

Other key services include:

  • Photo restoration
  • Online backup and sharing
  • DVD slideshows

9. Legacybox

For family photographs, you can check out Legacybox. Trusted by more than 1 million families, their team boasts 10+ years experience.

The process is very straightforward. You add custom barcodes to all your items, fill your Legacybox and then simply send it to them. Their team will digitize each item manually and keep you up to speed regarding the process. The digital versions will be sent to you via a secure online like or a USB flash drive and the originals shipped back to you.

They’ve received hundreds of online reviews. Their clear shipping instructions is one of the traits that have impressed customers the most. However, when it comes to customer service, some customers feel that there is slight room for improvement.

Other formats that they can digitize include:

  • Video tapes
  • Films

10. DiJiFi

DiJiFi is a digitizing company that was started in 2007. While they’re based in New York City, they serve customers from all over the world. From families to artists to government agencies, various clients have turned to their digital conversion services.

Their philosophy — do it right the first time.

They can scan any type of photo up to more or less 14 by 20 inches. What’s more, they can also offer various resolutions. For example, if you opt for full resolution, they’ll get all the useful details from the photo and future-proof the scans too. This way, it will display the best fidelity on the next generation of digital display.

All in all, what makes them one of the best photo scanning services is that they managed to find the right balance between quality and price. They’ve invested a lot of time and energy into testing various scanners to find the one that can offer the best quality without making the service too expensive.

Other key services include:

  • Large format scanning
  • Document scanning and shredding
  • Film, video, and audio digitizing

FAQ

What should you look for when choosing a photo scanning service?

While the rate per photo is a deciding factor, you should consider more than just the pricing. Also keep in mind what size photos they can scan, which image enhancements are included in the price and in which format the scanned images will be shared. It’s also very important to double-check that your photos won’t get shipped to another country, this increases the risk of damage or images getting lost.

How much do photo scans cost?

Prices range quite a lot. You can expect to pay anything from $0.30 per photo to $0.71 per photo. Keep in mind that factors like the resolution and photo sizes will impact the pricing.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Top photo software
Reviews

Top 15 Photo Management Software – Free, Paid & Trial

by Dima January 1, 2024

Digital photography has enabled everyone to take photos using common devices, such as cameras, smartphones, tablets, and even laptops (e.g., downloads, screenshots, drawings, etc.). 1.72 trillion photos are taken each year. We benefit from large storage space on our devices and even more on the cloud. Nothing can stop us from capturing family moments or special events, keeping photographs we receive from others, or creating images to illustrate our work.

But while it’s very easy to acquire and store images, it’s not that easy to organize them and find quickly what we need.
Photo manager software represents tools that help us categorize and organize digital assets, search, browse, and even rate our images. Furthermore, a digital photo organizer may provide other useful features, such as an in-built photo editor, share functionalities, metadata management, and automatic backups. It is much more than a folder structure. So, check out the best 15 photo manager software and choose the one that suits your workflow.

1. Mylio Photos (free + a premium plan with a 30-day free trial)

Mylio offers two photo library managers: Mylio Photos and Mylio Photos+. The first is free and features basic photo organizing tools, such as photo management, AI-powered search, collecting files from devices and photo-sharing sites, and interactive views. However, Mylio Photos+ is the ultimate photo manager.

The software offers automated backup and syncing with an unlimited number of devices, browse tools, theft and loss protection tools, and even tools to recover your photos from disk failure. Both Mylio’s photo library managers include a photo editor for quick retouches and connect with professional photo editors for advanced editing.

Pros: It imports photos and videos from any device plus social media accounts, is free for 30 days, and offers webinars and learning events.
Cons: The free application doesn’t include automatic backups and other advanced features.

2. Adobe Bridge (7-day free trial)

Why we like it: It integrates smoothly with Adobe software, such as Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop.

Adobe Bridge is Adobe’s digital asset management solution and goes beyond a photo library. It keeps all your Adobe projects in the same place and provides various tools for organizing them, such as labels, metadata, ratings, and keywords. Furthermore, Adobe Bridge offers exquisite search tools that use filters and collections. Being an Adobe product, Adobe Bridge integrates with Adobe’s photo editing programs, Adobe Stock and Portfolio, and Creative Cloud.

Pros: It provides good searching tools, options for working on multiple folders at once, and a customizable interface.
Cons: It only offers a 7-day free trial and may require a steep learning curve.

3. Google Photos (free + Premium plans)

Why we like it: It’s free and links to an existing Google account.

Google Photos is one of the many free apps Google offers its customers. If you have a Google account, you have access to up to 15GB of storage space you can use for storing emails, docs, and photographs. Google Photos include all the basic picture organization tools one needs, such as categorizing photos in albums and favorites, a search engine, a share functionality, a backup option, and a printing service.

Pros: It’s easy to learn and use and syncs with all your Google devices.
Cons: It doesn’t have advanced features and the free storage space is limited.

4. Magix Photo Manager (free + Deluxe plan with 30-day free trial)

Why we like it: It supports RAW formats and offers virtual albums for saving storage space.

Magix Photo Manager is a great choice if you work with many file formats, cloud services, and devices. It can easily import images from cloud services and devices and mix them with local files, identify duplicates and poor photos (e.g., blurry), and create backups or send you reminders to do so. The program also recovers files deleted by accident, allows you to protect files with passwords, and works with virtual albums so you don’t store the same image in multiple locations. Magix Photo Manager includes a photo editor for basic retouches, creating panoramas and slideshows, and applying photo filters.

Pros: It includes a quite good photo editor, a panorama tool, and an animation tool for travel routes.
Cons: It only works on Windows and doesn’t offer free upgrades.

5. digiKam (free and open-source)

Why we like it: It’s an open-source digital photo manager, meaning you can contribute to making it better.

digiKam has reached the 8.0.0 version. It’s a digital photo manager for those who not only want a good photo organizer but also want to get involved and develop the best one. digiKam can handle large libraries with up to 100,000 images, process RAW files, work with metadata, share photos on social media, rate and label files, search using advanced filters, and display histograms and ICC profiles.

Pros: It’s free and includes a photo editor that supports RAW files.
Cons: The interface is not very intuitive. Installing and managing an open-source app may not be for non-tech users.

6. FastStone Image Viewer (free for non-commercial use)

Why we like it: It’s a free and straightforward photo manager and converter and supports many file formats.

For amateur photographers, a free and simple digital photo organizer is the best solution. FastStone Image Viewer allows you to browse through your photos, convert them using the most common file formats, and edit them. It doesn’t have all the functionalities of a professional photo editor, but it provides the most used functions, such as scaling, resizing, red-eye removal, and color adjustments. You can use it to compare photographs and cull the best ones, send your images via email, create slideshows, tag and rate your photos, and visualize histograms.

Pros: The software includes image management, batch processing, photo retouching, and even image comparing (up to 4 at a time).
Cons: It doesn’t have advanced search tools.

7. StudioLine Photo Basic (free for non-commercial use)

Why we like it: It’s an image management tool that includes photo editing and presenting features.

StudioLine Photo Basic helps you manage large volumes of images but also provides editing and presenting features. The program includes functionalities for importing images from various media, sorting them based on custom criteria, working with metadata, batch processing, and quick searching and browsing. It allows you to export images in various formats, create backups, and edit your photos. Furthermore, StudioLine Photo Basic includes tools for creating web pages, sending photos via email, and creating calendars and greeting cards.

Pros: It features tools for large photo library management.
Cons: It is only available for Windows and supports only five languages.

8. Adobe Lightroom (7-day free trial)

Why we like it: It is a powerful and popular photo editor that perfects your images in seconds.

Adobe Lightroom is mostly a photo editor, but it also includes online photo storage and image organizing features. The program uses AI-powered algorithms to provide intelligent search, offers 1TB of cloud storage, has a complex system of albums and folders, and allows collaborative editing. And because everything is securely saved in a cloud-based location, you don’t risk losing your images and can access them from any device.

Pros: It features exquisite photo editing functionalities, offers cloud storage, and is accessible from any device.
Cons: The program may be too complex for people who don’t need the photo editing capabilities.

9. XnView (free for non-commercial use)

Why we like it: It provides batch tools that speed up your photo management workflow.

Supporting more than 500 file formats and exporting to 70 file formats, XnView is a powerful image viewer and manager. It allows you to browse large photo libraries, make the most common and needed adjustments, compare images, and apply the same function to multiple images simultaneously (e.g., resize, add text or watermark, enhance, filter, etc.).

Pros: It provides batch functionalities and diverse modalities to view, browse, and organize image files.
Cons: It doesn’t have advanced search tools or AI-powered features.

10. Phototheca X (15-day free trial)

Why we like it: It is a dedicated photo-organizing software that keeps things simple and efficient.

Phototheca X focuses on photo management and provides functionalities for every step of your workflow, from importing images from local drives, memory cards, network shares, and iOS devices to sharing your photos on social media and online galleries. In between, the program helps you add tags and keywords, work with metadata, create photo descriptions, and organize images based on event, location, album, and more. It also provides an advanced search (with facial recognition), smart albums, multiple viewing possibilities, duplicate removal, and easy export.

Pros: It is an advanced photo manager with smart tools for organizing, browsing, and searching images.
Cons: It only works on Windows systems.

11. Photo Organizer (free)

Why we like it: It’s a good solution for clutter-free photo management and is free.

If you want to have all your photos in a single place, without duplicates, and always at hand, Photo Organizer may be the answer. It’s free picture organization software that scans your computer and moves all image files to a single destination location. It can rename multiple files at once, create sub-folders based on criteria, work with metadata, delete duplicates, and sort your photos based on your preferences. It’s designed to release you from manually managing your files and is good at it.

Pros: The program provides automatic tools for organizing images.
Cons: It only works on Windows systems.

12. Photoscape (free)

Why we like it: It’s free, simple, and compatible with old Windows versions.

Photoscape is a simple photo manager that incorporates a few photo editing tools. It isn’t professional digital asset management software, but it doesn’t need to be. It focuses on home users who need a simple and quick way to deal with their holiday photos. Photoscape features an image viewer, a RAW to JPEG converter, a batch file rename tool, photo retouching tools, and functionalities for creating collages and animations.

Pros: It provides free tools for basic image organizing and editing.
Cons: It works only on Windows systems, and the interface looks a little bit outdated.

13. Nikon ViewNX-i (free)

Why we like it: It’s free, photography-oriented, and includes RAW editing.

Nikon ViewNX-i software is compatible with Nikon cameras and offers an intuitive way to manage photos and videos. The program features tools for organizing files, creating slideshows, adding GPS information, visualizing histograms, editing photos and videos, and sharing your photos. And because it is developed by Nikon, ViewNX-i provides RAW editing and has impressive results in this department.

Pros: It’s easy to use and learn, supports Nikon RAW formats, and includes photo editing capabilities.
Cons: It is only available for Nikon users.

14. Pictomio Image Management (free)

Why we like it: It shows photos in 3D models, which makes image culling and browsing extremely fun.

Pictomio is a cool photo organizing software that includes features such as categorizing photos by topics, sorting, rating, viewing and zooming, and managing files and folders. In addition, it displays histograms and EXIF information, creates slideshows, and saves the user settings. And it does everything by showing 3D models for photos, albums, and categories and applying 3D effects to photo collections.

Pros: It is easy to use and learn and provides straightforward tools for rating and labeling photos.
Cons: It works only on Windows systems.

15. Excire Foto (Paid)

Why we like it: It is an AI-powered photo manager with many automatic features.

Excire Foto is the photo-organizing software you want for automating image management workflow. It uses AI-based algorithms to provide automatic image analysis and tagging, smart search tools, an efficient duplicate finder, and content-based navigation. The program includes face recognition, search by people, keyword, face, an example image, and sharing tools.

Pros: The program includes automatic AI-powered features that simplify searching and browsing.
Cons: It only supports two languages and requires a lot of working memory and HDD space.

Conclusion

The best photo organizer may be simple or complex, versatile or on-point, available for any device or working on just one. Your workflow decides the features the software must provide. So ensure you list your requirements before deciding on a photo manager and remember to include your budget, hardware and software resources, image volume, and technical skills. In the end, the most advanced photo-organizing software may be a failure if it doesn’t suit you.

FAQs

What is photo organizing software?

Photo organizing software is an application that helps you manage image files, from storing photos on your computer or in a cloud-based location to browsing, searching, classifying, and sharing them. It helps work with big volumes of image files and includes features such as filters, categories, tags, keywords, and search criteria.

What is the best photo management software for Mac and Windows?

Mylio is the best photo management software for Mac and Windows because it provides all the tools you need within an intuitive interface. It’s easy to learn and use and suits everyone, from professional photographers and content creators to amateur photographers. Mylio collects your images from various sources, offers quick filters, organizes your folders automatically, and helps you eliminate bad photos.

What is the best free photo organizing software?

Google Photos is the best free photo organizing software because it’s available to all Google users free of charge. It provides basic photo management tools, storage space, and quick access to printing services and sharing tools. Furthermore, you can access your photos from any device.

How do you organize thousands of photos?

You need a file naming system and a well-organized folder structure to organize a large volume of photos. Whether you prefer to store your photos on a local disk or in a cloud-based location, you need the file and folder name to match the photo’s content. For example, you can classify your photos based on date, location, content, purpose (e.g., family or professional photos), or aesthetic (e.g., color, black and white). Metadata can help you with that because it includes location, date, camera, and keywords. Auto-tagging software may also help because AI-powered algorithms recognize the content of a photo (e.g., people recognition, photography genre recognition, etc.).
So, start with a personal file naming system and continue with classifications, metadata, tagging, and advanced image management tools.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Photography

Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas

by Dima January 1, 2024

Family photos are our pride and joy. They may be the photographs we look at and share the most, the ones we keep in albums or display around the house, the ones we transform into greeting cards for Christmas or Mother’s Day.  

But although our family will always look good in our eyes, how we dress for a family photo shoot is key for a successful family portrait. And we can’t use the same outfits again and again or rely on clichés. We need inspired clothes that match our family’s personality, taste, and lifestyle. Family photo outfits should also match the occasion, season, and photo shoot location as well as the photographs’ aesthetic. 

So it’s not easy to come up with the perfect outfit. And if you do a family photo session a few times a year, you’ll run out of ideas very quickly. Thus, check out our tips for how to dress for family photo shoots based on various criteria and choose what suits your family style.

How to Dress for Family Photos Based on Season

Dressing according to the season enhances the visual story of your family pictures. It’s part of what photographers and filmmakers call localization: establishing where the action takes place in space and time. Your family’s outfits may indicate the season in the absence of other cues, such as a relevant background. Choosing a family photo outfit based on season refers to warmth, texture, fabric, colors, and style.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for a Summer Photo Shoot

Summer means sunny days, vacations, and warm weather, which translates into casual family photo outfits in light colors and natural fabrics. It’s also a season full of leisure activities, such as hiking, biking, camping, and going to the beach. Get inspired by the colors and textures of summer and translate them into the perfect clothing items for your family photo shoot. Here are some ideas:

  • Neutral colors with white pieces and natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen. You may want to include straw hats, sandals, and handmade bohemian accessories.
  • Bright greens, yellows, and orange shades are impossible to ignore in any context. They scream vacation, freedom, and joy and look perfect in a travel-theme photo session. You can pair strong colors with white and beige items.
  • Ready-for-adventure sports outfits, such as hiking equipment, hats, and boots. It’s funny and sends a message: We are out for adventure; see you in the fall! Use white T-shirts to brighten up your faces.
  • Marine-inspired outfits that include multiple shades of blue and a lot of white, fluid dresses, stripes, and natural fabrics. You can pose barefoot if you want.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for a Winter Photo Shoot

Winter is about snow and snow-related sports but also about the coziness of a warm house, the delight of a hot drink, and the winter holidays. Incorporate all these characteristics in your family photo outfit, focusing on what is relevant for your family.

Earth colors, such as grays, browns, and dark greens, complement the winter landscape. Use thick and textured fabrics such as knitwear and leather. Don’t forget about accessories: long boots and shawls go well here.

  • Layers are a must in winter. Why not use them for your photo session? You may want to use long, fluid dresses and sweaters, tight trousers and oversized shirts, or any other combination that matches your style and attitude. Make sure you don’t use too many different textures and patterns.
  • Winter sports equipment, such as ski and snowboard equipment, looks adventurous in an outdoor photo session and hilarious in an indoor photo session. Nevertheless, it conveys your spirit and makes a fun family photo shoot.

Warm outfits that include heavy coats, gloves, and wool hats are perfect for an outdoor family photo session. You may want to use strong colors to stand out from the background and convey energy and happiness.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for a Spring Photo Shoot

Spring is well-known for its blossomed trees and beautiful colors. All you have to do is match your outfits with the natural beauty that surrounds you. But if you prefer a less-is-more approach, here are some ideas:

  • Floral outfits are a good choice, but add a twist. Don’t go all floral; use just one clothing item with a floral pattern, such as a shirt or a skirt. Use plain colors for the remaining pieces, such as green, brown, or purple.
  • Camouflage outfits but not the military way; the blossoming way. Do you plan a photo shoot in a blossomed cherry orchard? Wear pink. In a rapeseed field? Wear yellow. Blend in the landscape.

Go green is a great approach for spring family photo outfits. Find clothing items in the same shade of green as the fresh foliage of the trees. Use statement items, such as T-shirts, and pair them with denim.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas for a Fall Photo Shoot

Fall has the best light for photography. Just imagine a sunset, the golden autumn colors, and the deep blue skies. If you don’t know already what to wear for a fall family photo session, here are some ideas:

Autumn color outfits, the obvious choice, are suited for an indoor photo session. If you and the background have the same colors, you will blend in too much. So, either pair autumn colors (shades of red, brown, and orange) with cold shades (blue, gray) or use a studio.

Cold colors outfits contrast the warm autumn colors and make you stand out. It’s a good moment for an all-denim outfit, for example.

  • Minimalist outfits look good in the fall because the landscape already has plenty of texture. A simple monochrome outfit will create a focal point. You may want to try overalls, long dresses, suits, and matching shirt and trousers sets.

How to Dress for Family Photos Based on Occasion

If you want to transform your family photo shoot into a memorable event, consider the occasion when you choose your outfits. Keep in mind that you don’t need to match the entire outfit to the occasion. A single clothing item or accessory acts as a powerful hint.

Family Christmas Photo Outfit Ideas

Christmas photos are so used that often become a cliché. So avoid reindeer sweaters and complete matching outfits in red and green. Instead, try one of these ideas:

  • T-shirts with Christmas messages tell everything you need to tell without making the photos tacky. You can be as stylish as you are in your normal life. And you can use the canvas to say something meaningful to you.
  • Velvet, whether it is red, green, or another color, is a symbol of Christmas in a very subtle way. It’s classy and elegant and looks amazing in photos.

Three Festive Colors is a family photo outfit idea that leaves you plenty of creative freedom. You can go for a traditional red-green-dark blue or a glamorous white-silver-gold, but also for something that represents your family, such as red-white-black, purple-gold-cream, or light blue-silver-dark green. Choose one bright color and two softer ones.

Beach Family Photo Outfit Ideas

If you are on holiday or live near a beach, you have the perfect location for a family photo session. However, you need multiple beach family photo outfit ideas if this is your favorite décor for family pictures. Here is what we propose you wear:

  • Bright colors and beach-themed accessories are a faultless idea. It provides endless combinations and authentic approaches, such as colorful swimsuits, beach toys, surf costumes, and light clothes that flatter your skin tone. You choose the clothes you love and make them look ready for the beach.
  • Black items are often avoided when it comes to a beach photo session. But black is so classy and stylish, making your pictures elegant and timeless. Avoid black if you don’t have a tan, and stay away from all-black outfits. Otherwise, you are good to go!
  • Light materials create a romantic atmosphere on windy days. Choose white, soft pastels, and neutral colors to complement the flow of the clothes and let the wind play with your hair. For this outfit, you don’t need shoes or hats; just a kite for kids to play with.

Newborn Family Photo Outfit Ideas

When a newborn is welcomed into the family, the outfits have to match the occasion. But celebration meets practicality because you can’t wear clothes that will make the baby uncomfortable. But don’t worry; there are some tricks a happy family with a new baby can easily implement.

Minimalism always works. Choose matching outfits in plain colors for the entire family, but start by dressing the newborn. Then, adjust the color palette to meet his or her needs. Avoid patterns and rich textures, and choose comfortable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Use just one or two colors that complement your skin tone.

Knitwear is comfy, warm, and photogenic. And it allows you to use saturated colors and create a fun and joyful atmosphere. Not all baby photos have to be white, delicate, and serene. If your family’s personality suits colorful outfits, knitwear is your friend.

  • Patterns like stripes, paws, and hearts are often part of a newborn’s wardrobe. Why not use them for the family’s outfits as well? Don’t mix too many patterns and colors; you’ll create fun and eye-catching family portraits.

How to Dress for Family Photos Based on Location

Location is also an important factor in your decision on what to wear for a family photo shoot. And not just because taking photos outdoors means you depend on the weather conditions. But what goes for an indoor photo session isn’t always appropriate for an outdoor one and vice versa. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best outdoor and indoor outfits.

Outdoor Family Photo Clothing Ideas

Consider the weather, landscape, and atmosphere for an outdoor family photo session. For example, if you have the ocean as the background, dressing in blue makes you blend in, while dressing in orange makes you pop out. 

  • Activity wear is appropriate when your family photos capture a particular moment of your life. It may be an exotic holiday with water sports activities, preparations for a camping trip, gardening, or running a marathon. Whatever brings your family together deserves to be in your family portraits.
  • Color contrast with the background is a good idea for family portraits because it makes you stand out. Choose reds and oranges for a blue background, purples and violets for a green background, and bright colors for a neutral background.

Blend in with the background to emphasize your connection with nature. Choose similar clothing items for your family members, such as denim jackets, white T-shirts, and matching shoes. Choose organic fabrics and sustainable items to tell your story and raise awareness.

Indoor Family Portraits Outfit Ideas

For indoor family portraits, you can opt for more elegant outfits. Your photo session will most likely be static and require you to pose and be aware of the camera. It’s your time to shine and create beautiful family portraits.

Evening wear is a good idea if you intend to transform your family photos into wall art or greeting cards. Choose glamorous fabrics, such as velvet and silk, wear accessories, and visit a hairdresser and a makeup artist.

Outfits that match the interior will help you create clean family photos with fewer distractions. If your home has Mediterranean or countryside influences, ensure your outfits use the same color palettes, accessory styles, and textures. You want your photos to look natural and honest.

  • Funny outfits are an excellent touch-up when you take photos at home. You can wear pajamas, funny T-shirts, crazy accessories, and princess skirts. Showcase your family’s portfolio in terms of Halloween costumes and unconventional ideas. Be yourself!

How to Dress for Family Photos in Every Situation

A photo shoot is about your family; every member should be considered. It may be easy to dress two people in matching outfits, but finding matching outfits for a large family with diverse sizes, styles, and preferences is a challenge. Check out our ideas to maintain peace in the family. 

Large Family Photo Outfit Ideas

A large family photo session usually means static poses. Therefore, people’s outfits need to match in color, style, and texture. As some people may refuse to wear a particular color or style, discuss the outfits as a group and come to a common decision.

  • A neutral color palette allows every family member to find something appropriate in their wardrobe. Some may want to go for white or black, but others may want something in between, such as beige, gray, brown, or burgundy. And if you have a common color palette, you may much more easily incorporate different textures.

Gradient color shades are a great way to offer flexibility, display the relationships within your family, and add a new dimension to family photos. Choose a color everyone likes and invite your family to select a particular shade. Some may prefer a bold shade; others prefer pastel tones or even white. It’s OK as long as everyone stands in line.

  • Thematic outfits are fun and engaging. Family members receive a theme and can choose any clothing that fits the theme. You can use a chromatic theme (e.g., yellow, all-black), a seasonal one (e.g., spring vibes), something related to the photo shoot’s location (e.g., Earth Day), or something specific to your family (e.g., Italian background).

Plus-Size Outfit Family Photo Ideas

When you dress for family photos, what you like to wear comes first. Even the most gorgeous outfit can’t hide the fact that you are uncomfortable wearing it. Besides, family photo sessions are long and tiring. You need comfortable clothes and shoes to make it through the day. So, if one of the family members is a plus size, see what makes them feel at ease and go from there.

  • Black and white outfits create an appealing contrast and geometric design. They are also elegant, sophisticated, and easy to wear in any size. You can go for plain black or white clothing items or items with black and white patterns.
  • Colorful patterns, especially flowers, make any outfit look fun and joyful. Choose bold colors and match them with denim, linen pieces, and festival accessories. Make a fashion statement and wear the colors that make you smile.
  • Monochrome outfits are another excellent choice for plus-size families. They show there’s no place for judgment and comparison within your family. If you prefer black or white, the photos will be elegant. But if you prefer a happy color, such as yellow or lime, your family portraits will document your mood and family spirit. 

Conclusion

Family photos should represent your family and capture the personalities of each of its members. Although outfits should match and look good on camera, it’s more important that they provide the right mindset and mood. Family photo outfits are more about you as a family than they are about the photographs. So, discuss with your family and agree on outfits that make you happy, relaxed, and ready for the next adventure.

FAQ

How should I dress for a family photo shoot?

Dress according to your personality, style, and mood. Also, consider the location, occasion, and family story. You may consult the photographer to guide you through colors and patterns to ensure you choose something that works in the photo environment.

What are the best colors to wear for family pictures?

It depends on where you take the photographs, on what occasion, and for what purpose. It also depends on your skin tone and personal style. Black and white convey an elegant and serious attitude, while bold colors are fun and happy. Neutral and pastel colors create a romantic or nostalgic mood. But it’s more about how you wear a color than the color itself.

What to wear in family photos to look thinner?

You will look thinner if you wear colors that blend in the background. If you take photos outdoors, that means natural shades of blue, green, and brown. In a group photo, people look thinner if they wear dark clothes and stand near people wearing bright clothes.

What not to wear for a family photo shoot?

Don’t wear too many different patterns or too many bold colors. Try to harmonize the color palette of the group and alternate saturated colors and patterns with neutral tones, soft fabrics, and plain color items. Also, unless it’s intentional, you may want to avoid reflective pieces that may catch the flash and create glares. Discuss with the photographer and ask for professional advice based on lighting design and photo setup.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Reviews

Good Cameras for Photography & Vlogging

by Dima January 1, 2024

From digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to mirrorless cameras to compact cameras, there are various types of cameras that can take great family photos. The best option will be determined by your budget, skill set, and needs. Some prefer a small, compact camera, while others aren’t intimidated by long zoom lenses. 

To help you find the best camera for family photography, here are 10 great choices:

1. Best Cheap Camera for Family Photography

For budget-conscious photographers, there’s the Panasonic LUMIX ZS80, a great all-in-one superzoom camera. It has a solid build and super quick autofocus system. Its face detection also deserves special mention, making it a great choice for family photography. 

Other notable features include its very responsive LCD touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi, and RAW shooting option.  

All in all, it’s a great fit if you don’t want to lug a big camera around with you and you also don’t want to spend a large sum of money just on a camera. On the downside is its image quality. It’s not the best, but considering that it’s not the most expensive camera either, it’s a case of you get what you’re willing to pay for. 

2. Best Camera for Beginners

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera is a great choice for aspiring family photographers new to the industry. It’s an entry-level DSLR that’s not only easy to use, but it’s also one of the more affordable options. 

If you’ve been using a mobile device’s built-in camera up until now, this Canon will be the next logical step and the jump between the two isn’t that big. Its clear LCD screen makes it easy to find the right camera settings and, to help you take better pictures, it includes manual and autofocus support with multiple autofocus (AF) points. 

While it’s intuitive, it’s not at the expense of functionality. It still offers plenty of powerful features and connectivity including image stabilization, Wi-Fi integration, and optional GPS. 

Compared to other Canon models, you’ll find that its sensor is more powerful and the body more compact. Though, its ISO range has room for improvement. 

You can pair it with a standard 18-55 lens kit which is one of the more affordable zoom lenses. For portraits, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a good choice, while the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM works well for headshots, but it’s less versatile.

3. Best Camera for Professional Family Photography

The Sony Alpha a9 II Full-frame mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera offers a near perfect autofocus system, helping you to photograph in a range of lighting settings. After the initial setup, you’ll also find that you’ll rarely have to change the settings. 

What makes it such a good choice for professionals is its RAW noise levels and faster wired transfer speeds. You can also look forward to a consistent experience, helping you to deliver the same high-quality family photos that you’ve become known for. 

One drawback, though, is its video capabilities and rear screen. You might also find that it’s not the best choice for landscape photos. However, if you’re going to stick to family events, it’s a solid choice and you can count on it to catch all the action. 

4. Best Camera for Vlogging With Your Family

If you’ll be vlogging mainly, you’re spoilt with two top choices: The DJI Osmo Action 3 (or GoPro) and the Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera With Vlogger Accessory Kit. 

While DJI is synonymous with drone photography, it also offers a selection of compact action cameras. What makes the DJI Osmo Action 3 such a good choice for family photography is its focus on portrait-mode shooting. You can also shoot in 4K resolution, which is key for successful vlogging. 

Plus, if the action gets a bit intense (or literally too cool), it offers great image stabilization, HorizonSteady and HorizonBalancing features, and improved heat management. Not only can you count on it that it will be able to capture even the most action-packed moments, but thanks to its great battery capabilities, you won’t miss out on any action. According to DJI’s product info, it takes only 50 minutes to charge the battery fully and on a fully charged battery you can record about 2.5 hours. 

Other useful features of the DJI Osmo Action 3 include: 

  • A protective frame which supports vertical and horizontal mounting
  • A quick-release design
  • Two touchscreens
  • Three-mic stereo recording
  • 4X digital zoom

For something compact, yet powerful, you’ll like the Sony. Its size is probably its biggest attraction. That being said, it still offers impressive depth. Thanks to its optimized audio system, it’s perfectly suited for vlogging. If you know that you won’t need interchangeable lenses, this pocket-sized camera is great for family filmmaking. 

5. Best Camera for Travel Family Photography

For families that often hit the road, there’s Nikon’s 20.9 D500 Sports & Wildlife Kit With 3.2” LCD. As its name suggests, it’s actually aimed at sports and wildlife photography. However, for families who love to spend time outdoors, this camera can help to capture the best of worlds — family life and wildlife. That being said, it’s not meant for the amateur. It’s a high-speed, advanced-tier camera, which is made clear by its heavy body. 

Its notable features include the image quality and autofocus system. It’s great at capturing fine details, actions, and even landscape settings. However, for shooting video mode, there are better options available. 

6. Best Camera for Landscape Family Photos

The Nikon D5600 offers a great balance of control and ease of use. There are enough features, but not too many to confuse you if you’re still learning the basics of the finer art of landscape photography. 

Included in its honourable features are dozens of autofocus points ensuring accurate focus shot after shot, Wi-Fi, and video capabilities. With the D5600 in your camera bag, you can look forward to sharp, crisp images.

The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality might be disappointing, but the pros of this camera far outweigh the cons. 

7. Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

The Sony α7R IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera offers great resolution at a great price. It will help you to capture great detail and its autofocus system is one of the most powerful available on the market. With the help of its Pixel Shift Multi-shooting feature, you’ll end up with impressive image quality, making it a great choice if you plan on enlarging many of your family prints. 

Another standout feature that deserves special mention is its 4K video capability. It lets you capture great slow motion video for slowing down those magical milestones like a baby’s first step. 

If you plan on using multiple lenses, you’ll love its huge lens range. In addition to Sony’s own range, you can also check out third-party lens makers.  

8. Best for Family Photography and Video Content Creation

The Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with 4K Video is a great camera for family photography. It offers very impressive autofocus capabilities and equally great image stabilization. It’s also great for low-light conditions and will deliver crisp and detailed shots without fail.  

Keep in mind, though, that some users have complained about the battery life. So, you might have to budget for more batteries. You might also find that its resolution is not the best, compared to similar cameras. 

All in all, it’s one of the best cameras for family photography and handles well. Advanced amateurs will love its ability to capture moving objects, like toddlers. 

9. Best of Both Worlds 

If you can’t decide between buying an entry-level DSLR or a compact camera, there’s the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 20.1 MP 4K Point and Shoot Digital Camera w/ 16X Zoom Leica Lens. It offers a great selection of features to help you create high-quality photos and videos. Basically, if you want to enjoy DSLR-like controls and the convenience of a single fixed lens, this is a great solution. 

You can get about 360 shots per charge which is not that great compared to similar cameras in its category. It’s also slightly heavier.

10. Best DSLR Camera for Family Photography

If you prefer a DSLR over a mirrorless camera, be sure to check out the Nikon D850. It remains one of Nikon’s most iconic cameras and a firm favorite among professional photographers. While it only offers a mechanical viewing system, its image quality and range of features give even the best mirrorless cameras a good go. 

Its standout features include its ability to shoot in low light. Plus, if you have a nice collection of older lenses, you won’t need an adapter.

FAQ

What is the best camera for family photography?

Your needs, skill set, and budget will impact which will ultimately be the best camera for family photography for you. The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is a great choice for beginners, while professionals can check out the Sony Alpha a9 II Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. If you’ll be using more for vlogging than photos, you’ll want to pay attention to its video capabilities too, in which case the DJI Osmo Action 3 and the Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera With Vlogger Accessory Kit are great options.

Which type of camera is best for photography?

The short answer is that every camera has its own unique pros and cons. It will mostly depend on which type of photography it will mainly be used for. For example, if you’ll be using it mostly for family photography, you’ll want to pay attention to features like its autofocus system. Price is only one factor and shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

How do I choose a camera?

Family photographers are blessed with a selection of great cameras which can make choosing the best camera more challenging. Here are key things to keep in mind which will help with the process of shopping for a new camera:
1) The image quality should be better than your mobile phone’s photo quality.
2) The camera should have a good grip to suit your hands and habits. Light and compact cameras are better, for example, for parents with young kids, while a larger camera can make more sense if you typically walk around with a bag.
3) If you prefer a bigger camera, an interchangeable lens camera that suits your budget can be the smarter investment.
4) Where possible, avoid older models. Tech advances quickly and you’ll want the latest model in order to leverage the new features.

Do expensive cameras take better pictures?

The short answer is no. If you don’t know how to use the features, it will be useless if you have the most expensive camera. What you need to be able to take great photos are the skills and knowledge to know how to use your gear. You’ll also need a good grip on the basics of photography. To sum up, it’s knowledge about gear and the fundamentals of photography as well as basic skills that are needed to take great photos.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Education

Best Ways to Store Photos Forever

by Dima January 1, 2024

Preserving memories is important, and digital photos have made it easier to keep them for a long time. However, not all storage options are created equal. Here are some of the best ways to store photos, with a focus on reliability, security, and ease of use.

1. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular as a way to store digital photos. Some of the best options include:

  • Google Drive: provides 15GB of free storage and allows you to upload photos directly from your phone or computer.
  • iCloud: Specifically designed for Apple devices, it offers 5GB of free storage.

One of the main advantages of cloud storage is that you can access your photos from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This makes sharing your photos with friends and family easy and provides extra protection in case your computer or external hard drive fails. However, it is essential to remember that you are entrusting your photos to a third-party service, which means there is always a risk of data breaches or hacking.

Regarding cloud storage, it is important to research your options and choose a provider that meets your needs. Some cloud storage providers offer automatic backup and synchronization across devices, while others require manual uploading and downloading. Some cloud storage providers offer unlimited storage, while others have strict storage limits. It is also essential to consider the security of your photos when using cloud storage. While most cloud storage providers take measures to protect your data, using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication is recommended.

2. External Hard Drives

Another option for storing digital photos is to use an external hard drive. This physical device connects to your computer and provides additional storage space. Some popular brands include:

  • Seagate
  • Micron

One of the benefits of using an external hard drive is that it allows you to store your photos offline, which means they are not vulnerable to hacking or other digital threats. However, it’s important to note that hard drives can fail over time, so it’s essential to back up your photos regularly and keep the hard drive in a safe place.

When choosing an external hard drive, many factors must be considered. For example, you will need to choose a storage capacity that is appropriate for your needs and a brand and model known for reliability and durability. You may also consider additional features such as password protection and automatic backup software. It is also important to format your external hard drive before using it to ensure it is compatible with your computer and operating system.

Another important consideration when using an external hard drive is the file format of your photos. Some external hard drives use the FAT32 file system, which has a maximum file size of 4GB. If you plan to store high-resolution photos or videos, you may need to use a different file system, such as NTFS or exFAT.

3. Physical Storage Formats

In addition to cloud storage and external hard drives, there are other physical storage formats that you can use to store your photos. These include:

  • CDs and DVDs
    USB drives
    Memory cards

While these formats can be convenient, they also have some drawbacks. For example, they can be easily lost or damaged and become obsolete. They often have limited storage capacity and may require special equipment to access the photos.

If you have an extensive collection of photos, it can be time-consuming and difficult to organize manually. Automatic face recognition software can help simplify the process by identifying the individuals in each picture and automatically tagging them. This makes it easy to find specific photos and create personalized albums.

4. Photo Organizing Software

Automatic face recognition software is an AI technology that uses algorithms to identify and recognize faces in photos. Mylio Photos is an example of such software offering advanced face detection and tagging capabilities. With features like automatic geotagging and calendar views, Mylio Photos makes organizing and simplifying photo management easy. Additionally, it provides a secure and private way to store your cherished memories in one place.

This technology can organize photos by identifying the individuals in each picture. Once the software has identified faces, it can automatically tag each person in the photo to make finding pictures easier. Regardless of your storage option, it is important to regularly back up your photos to prevent data loss in case of a hardware failure or other disasters. In addition to backing up your digital photos, you may also want to consider creating physical prints of your favorite photos as a backup option. Printed photos can last for generations and provide a tangible way to preserve memories.

5. Online Backup Services

Online backup services are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your photos. With online backup, all your photos and files are automatically saved to a remote server, which means you can access them anytime and anywhere. This storage method is particularly helpful if you’re worried about losing your pictures because of theft, accidents, or natural disasters.

Some popular online backup services include Backblaze and Carbonite, which offer plenty of storage space, security features, and affordable pricing plans. However, before you choose an online backup service, it’s essential to research and compare different options to find the one that suits your needs the best. Consider storage space, pricing, security features, and customer reviews.

Mylio Photos is an advanced photo manager that uses AI technology to identify and recognize faces and objects in your photos. Still, it also provides one of the best backup services available. With Mylio Photos, you can store your photos securely and privately on your devices without an internet connection. Mylio Photos offers automatic face recognition, allowing you to easily organize your photos by identifying the individuals in each picture and automatically tagging them. Additionally, Mylio Photos provides advanced object recognition capabilities that can help you quickly find specific photos based on the objects within them. With features like automatic geotagging and calendar views, Mylio Photos makes it easy to simplify photo management and back up your cherished memories in one place.

The best way to store and organize digital & printed photos

Preserving your memories is vital; you can do so effectively by selecting the right storage option. With so many options available, each with advantages and disadvantages, choosing based on your needs and preferences is important. Whether you store your photos on cloud storage, external hard drives, physical storage formats, or online backup services, it’s crucial to ensure that your photos are backed up regularly to avoid data loss.

In addition to backing up digital photos, it’s also a good idea to create physical prints of your favorite photos as a backup option. Printed photos are tangible and can last for generations, making them an excellent way to preserve memories. Remember that preserving your memories is essential, and by selecting the right storage option, you can protect your photos from damage or loss.

The key to selecting the right storage option is considering factors such as storage capacity, device compatibility, security features, and ease of use. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your cherished memories are preserved for years.

If you want a reliable and secure way to store your digital photos, consider using Mylio Photos. With its advanced face and object recognition capabilities, Mylio Photos makes it easy to organize and manage your photos while providing a secure and private way to store them on your devices. Whether you’re using cloud storage, external hard drives, or physical storage formats, Mylio Photos can help simplify the process and ensure that your photos are backed up regularly to avoid data loss.

In addition, it is worth noting that different storage options can have different implications for the quality and fidelity of your photos. For example, when using cloud storage, it’s essential to consider the compression and encoding of your photos, as this can affect their resolution and overall quality. Similarly, when using physical storage formats like CDs or DVDs, it’s essential to consider the longevity and durability of the media, as well as the compatibility with different devices and players.

Another factor to consider when choosing a storage option for your photos is the level of accessibility and sharing that you require. While cloud storage and online backup services provide convenient access and sharing options, they can also be subject to network connectivity issues, data caps, and other limitations. On the other hand, physical storage formats like USB drives or external hard drives may offer more reliable and flexible access but may not be as easy to share or collaborate on with others.


Ultimately, the choice of storage option for your photos will depend on various factors, including your specific needs and preferences and the technical and practical considerations of the different options available. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options and by regularly backing up your photos, you can ensure that your cherished memories are preserved and protected for years to come.

FAQ

What is the best way to store videos?

The same way as for photos. Cloud storage, external hard drives, and physical storage formats are all viable options.

What are the best ways to store photos from a phone (iPhone or Android)?

Cloud storage is the easiest and most convenient way to store photos from your phone. Google Drive and iCloud are great options, allowing you to upload photos directly from your phone.

What are the best ways to store photos on Windows or Mac?

The best way to store photos on Windows or Mac is to combine cloud and physical storage. This will ensure that you have multiple copies of your photos in case one storage option fails.

What is the best way to store thousands of photos?

Mylio Photos is an excellent option for storing and organizing thousands of photos. Its advanced face recognition technology and automatic geotagging make finding and organizing your photos easy, no matter how many you have.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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Education

What to do with old family, friends and school photos

by Dima January 1, 2024

As we age, we often accumulate boxes of old photos, photo albums, and other images that we don’t know what to do with. These pictures are often memories of our loved ones, our childhood, and important events in our lives. However, as time goes on, these photos can become disorganized, damaged, or lost. In this article, we will discuss what to do with old photos and how to organize and maintain them using software, as well as some other ideas for how to use and display your old photos.

Creative Things to Do with Old Pictures

1. Create a Photo Book

One great way to display your old photos is by creating a photo book. Many online services offer photo book creation, allowing you to design and customize your own book with your favorite photos. You can also include captions and other text to accompany your photos. This is a great way to preserve your memories and create a physical keepsake. You can create a photo book for a specific event, such as a wedding or a vacation, or for a specific person, such as a family member

Creating a photo book is ideal for those who want a physical keepsake of their memories. The ability to customize the book and include captions and other text makes it a personal and unique keepsake.

Key features:

  • Customizable photo book with captions and text
  • Online services available for creating photo books
  • Ability to create a photo book for a specific event or person

2. Make a Collage

Another fun way to use your old photos is by creating a collage. You can use software to arrange your photos into a collage that you can then print and display in your home. You can also add text or other design elements to your collage to make it more personalized. This is a great way to showcase your memories in a creative way. You can create a collage for a specific event or person, or for a specific wall in your home.

Creating a collage is ideal for those who want a creative way to showcase their memories. The ability to add text and other design elements makes it a personalized and unique way to display your photos.

Key features:

  • Software available for creating collages
  • Ability to add text and other design elements
  • Ability to create a collage for a specific event, person, or wall in your home

3. Create a Digital Slideshow

If you have a lot of photos that you want to display, you can create a digital slideshow. There are many software options available that allow you to create a slideshow with music and special effects. You can also add captions or other text to your slideshow to provide context for your photos. This is a great way to share your memories with others in a dynamic and engaging way. You can create a slideshow for a specific event or person, or for a specific audience, such as a group of friends or family members.

Creating a digital slideshow is ideal for those who want to share their memories in a dynamic and engaging way. The ability to add music and special effects, and include captions and other text makes it a unique and personalized way to share your photos.

Key features:

  • Software available for creating digital slideshows
  • Ability to add music and special effects
  • Captions and other text
  • Ability to create a slideshow for a specific event, person, or audience

4. Share with Family and Friends

Finally, one of the best things you can do with your old photos is share them with your family and friends. You can use software to create an online album that you can share with your loved ones, or you can print copies of your photos and give them as gifts. Sharing your photos with others can help preserve your memories and ensure that they are passed down to future generations. This is a great way to connect with your loved ones and share your stories. You can share your photos with a specific group of people or with a wider audience, such as on social media.

Sharing your photos with others is ideal for those who want to connect with their loved ones and share their memories. The ability to create an online album or print copies of your photos makes it easy to share your photos with others.

Key features:

  • Software available for creating online albums
  • Ability to print copies of photos
  • Ability to share your photos with a specific group of people or with a wider audience

5. Use Photo Organizing Software

Organizing old photos can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of photo organization software, it can be made much easier. Here are some of the most popular software options available:

Mylio Photos

Mylio Photos is a powerful photo organizing and sharing app that is designed to keep your photos in sync across all your devices. You can store your photos in the cloud, on your computer, and on your mobile devices. One of the best features is its ability to automatically organize your photos based on the time and location they were taken. This app also has a batch photo sharing option, which makes it easy to share lots of photos with just a few clicks.

One of the advantages of using Mylio Photos is that it allows you to create custom albums and tags, which makes it easier to find specific photos. Additionally, you can edit your photos within the app and even create slideshows and collages. Mylio Photos also has a feature called “Sync,” which allows you to sync your photos across multiple devices.

Mylio Photos is a great option for those who have a large collection of photos and want to keep them organized and accessible across multiple devices. The automatic organization feature makes it easy to find specific photos and the batch photo sharing option is ideal for sharing photos with friends and family.

Key features:

  • Automatic organization of photos based on time and location
  • Batch photo-sharing option
  • Ability to store photos in the cloud, on your computer, and on your mobile devices
  • Custom albums and tags
  • Editing tools for photos
  • Sync feature to sync photos across multiple devices

Google Photos

Google Photos is another popular photo organization software option. It offers unlimited free storage for photos and videos, as long as you don’t mind the compression of the files. Google Photos also has powerful search capabilities that allow you to find specific photos based on people, places, and things. Additionally, this app has editing tools that allow you to enhance your photos.

One of the benefits of Google Photos is that it allows you to create and share albums with your friends and family. You can also add captions and locations to your photos, which makes it easier to remember the details of your memories. Google Photos also has a feature called “Assistant,” which automatically creates collages, animations, and movies from your photos.

Google Photos is a great option for those who want unlimited storage for their photos and videos. The powerful search capabilities make it easy to find specific photos and the ability to create and share albums is ideal for sharing photos with friends and family.

Key features:

  • Unlimited free storage for photos and videos
  • Powerful search capabilities
  • Editing tools for enhancing photos
  • Ability to create and share albums
  • Captions and locations
  • Assistant feature to automatically create collages, animations, and movies

Apple Photos

Apple Photos is the photo organization software that comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. It offers a range of editing tools that allow you to enhance your photos, as well as features that allow you to create photo albums and share your photos with others. Apple Photos also has a Memories feature that automatically creates slideshows and collages based on your photos.

One of the benefits of using Apple Photos is that it allows you to create shared albums that your friends and family can contribute to. This is a great way to collaborate on photo albums and share memories with each other. Apple Photos also has a feature called “Live Photos,” which captures a few seconds of video and audio before and after you take a photo.

Apple Photos is a great option for those who use Apple devices and want to keep their photos organized and easily accessible. The editing tools are powerful and the Memories feature is great for creating slideshows and collages. The ability to create shared albums is also ideal for sharing photos with friends and family.

Key features:

  • Pre-installed on all Apple devices
  • Editing tools for enhancing photos
  • Memories feature for creating slideshows and collages
  • Shared albums
  • Live Photos feature to capture a few seconds of video and audio before and after you take a photo

What to do with old family photos no one wants?

In conclusion, there are many things you can do with your old photos, from creating a photo book to sharing them with your family and friends. Using software to organize and maintain your photos, you can ensure that they are preserved for years. While Mylio Photos, Google Photos, and Apple Photos are excellent options for photo organization, many other software options are available, so be sure to compare and contrast them to find the best one for your needs. Remember, your old photos are precious memories that deserve to be preserved and cherished.

FAQ

What to do with old family photos no one wants?

Save it to the archive (cloud or physical hard drive). Maybe sometimes it will be needed for someone from your family.

What to do with old duplicate photos?

Use a duplicate removing software. For example – https://manual.mylio.com/22/en/topic/finding-and-removing-duplicate-media

What to do with old photos after scanning?

Save and organize it. You can save it into cloud or to the hard drive. To organize and manage these photos you need to use a software, for example Mylio.

How to enhance old digital photos with low resolution?

You can use special Photo Enlargement Software, but anyway you should save original files because all modern image enlargers are not perfect yet and, maybe in 5-10 years you will be able to enlarge your photos with better quality.

January 1, 2024 0 comment
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