Wasim Ahmad, Quinnipiac University

Taking photographs used to be a careful, conscious act. Photos were selective, frozen moments in time carefully archived in albums and frames. Now, taking a photograph is almost as effortless and common as breathing – it’s something that people do all the time in the age of smartphone cameras with seemingly endless digital film.

But the downside to capturing every moment is that it creates a mountain of those moments to save for the future. Those photos can be easily lost if they’re not archived properly. All it can take is one accidental dip in the toilet for your phone, and all that data is lost forever.

So what’s a practical backup strategy for the average person? Here are a few ways to make sure memories are never lost:

Cloud storage

The simplest way to archive your photos is cloud storage. For Apple users, there’s iCloud, which starts at US$0.99 per month for 50 gigabytes all the way to $59.99 per month for 12 terabytes with various tiers in between. With an average iPhone photo clocking in at 3 megabytes, that’s a little over 16,000 photos for the cheap plan and 4 million or so for the largest plan. Google’s Google One cloud storage is most cost effective for yearly plans, with 2TB going for $99.99 per year and 5TB going for $249.99 per year.

The actual amount you can store in that space does vary greatly with how a file is shot. Video has larger file sizes than photos. HEIF files, a newer format on Apple phones, compresses files into smaller packages, but long-term compatibility is unknown since the format hasn’t been in use for as long as the standard JPG file, which has been around since 1992.

While cloud services from big providers generally provide the easiest way for most average folks to back up their photos, and operate with little to no intervention via apps that are already on the phone constantly uploading every photo taken, there are risks involved.

Big companies often change their policies about how photos are saved. For instance, depending on what phone and when it was bought, Google’s cloud storage may have saved photos in a “storage saver” format that lowers the quality of images by sizing them down or compressing them differently. This affects your ability to make high-quality prints or view the photos on high-resolution screens down the road. Unless someone is astute enough to notice small text here and there that mentions it, most users won’t even realize it’s happening.

And what happens to cloud services when things go badly wrong? Users of photo backup service Digital Railroad found out the hard way. In 2008, the company abruptly shut down and gave its users 24 hours to download everything before the servers were shut down. Photographers rushed for the exits, trying to grab their photos on the way out, only to strain the servers to the point where few were able to recover anything at all. If this was the only way photos were backed up, it’s a lost cause.

Advertisement

So while the cloud is easy, costs can add up and terms of service can change at a moment’s notice. What are some ways for photographers to control their own fate?

Hard drives and network-attached storage

Manually taking photos off a phone may take some extra time, but the approach offers peace of mind that cloud services can’t necessarily match.

Almost all phones can plug into a computer’s USB port and use the built-in photos app on both Windows or MacOS to download photos to a computer. Apple users can use a method called AirDrop to send photos wirelessly to other Apple devices as well, including laptop and desktop computers.

Now loading photos onto a local hard drive built into the machine can fill it up quickly, but there is a cost-effective way to get around that – namely, external hard drives. Theses are storage devices that you can plug into your computer as needed. They can be of the older and less expensive type with spinning platters or more modern solid-state drives that can survive a drop and greater temperature changes than the older drives can.

These are different than flash drives, more commonly known as thumb drives because of their small size, that are designed as temporary storage to shuffle photos from one place to another.

It’s easy to buy more than one hard drive to have duplicate backups in case of failure or catastrophe, but the downside is that there’s no easy access from the internet to your photos, and backup is generally a process that users must remember to do.

Network-attached storage is one way to solve the cloud storage problem while retaining the ability to access photos from the internet. These are essentially hard drives – sometimes multiple hard drives linked together for even greater or faster storage – that are connected to a router that allows for access to the internet through specialized software.

Advertisement

While not as easy as most third-party cloud storage services, once it’s set up, a network-attached storage unit is a flexible way to store your photos safely and accessibly. There are even companies that specialize in fireproof and waterproof units for extra insurance in case of disaster.

Printing photos

If cloud storage and hard drives seem too complicated, there’s always the old-fashioned approach of printing. There’s still something magical about seeing a photo on a wall or in an album, and thankfully there are ways to print professional-quality archival prints without having to go to a drugstore.

The easiest and most cost-efficient types of printers are dedicated 4×6 printers using a technology similar to professional labs called dye-sublimation. These yield high-quality, waterproof prints that cost about the same as what one would pay for drugstore developing. HP makes its popular Sprocket line of printers, though those require a phone and an app to print from, which makes plugging in a memory card from a professional camera out of the question. However, Canon’s Selphy lineup includes many models with screens and a card slot to make that possible.

The rabbit hole goes very deep, and there are many professional printers that can print even larger sizes. Canon and Epson dominate this space, marketing a range of pigment- and dye-based printers that can emphasize archival needs or color saturation, respectively.

Another option is ordering a photo book, which, as the name suggests, is a physical bound book of your photos. However, photo books are probably more appropriate for memorializing an event – trip, wedding, project – than general archiving, given the typical costs and number of photos involved.

There’s little reason to not make some sort of backups of photos in 2024, whether that’s on printed media, hard drives or in the cloud. The important thing is not which method to use, but to do it at all.

Wasim Ahmad, Assistant Teaching Professor of Journalism, Quinnipiac University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Advertisement

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

As the spectacle of San Diego Comic-Con 2024 unfurled its myriad colors, an awe-inspiring booth experience unlike any other captured the imagination of attendees. The LEGO Group, marking more than two decades of inventive participation in the convention, introduced the world to Space Station 8R1CK5. This wasn’t just a booth; it was a portal to the cosmos, combining the infinite possibilities of space exploration with the timeless joy of LEGO® building.

Step Into Interstellar Wonders
From Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 29, Comic-Con visitors embarked on a stellar journey at Space Station 8R1CK5. Beth McKenna, Head of U.S. Marketing at the LEGO Group, stated, “We’ve always aimed to create a space that resonates with both young hearts and seasoned builders. This year, we’ve taken it to the stars, ensuring that every fan leaves with memories as enduring as our bricks.”

Highlights of Space Station 8R1CK5:

• Immersive Experiences:
  Dive into an expansive space station setup featuring beloved LEGO properties, complete with interactive and virtual elements. Relish first looks at LEGO Star Wars™, interact with alien specimens, or drift through cosmic landscapes via enchanting digital windows.
• Hands-On Building:
  Participants got the chance to design and build their own LEGO rockets. Post-build, these personalized spacecrafts were set against a dynamic LED backdrop, simulating a launch into the far reaches of space, with each builder receiving an exclusive Comic-Con mission patch in recognition of their creativity.
• Exclusive First Looks:
  More than 50 LEGO sets were on display, including never-before-seen creations from top franchises like LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Minecraft®, LEGO Super Mario™, and LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog™. These sets showcased inventive interpretations of popular characters and themes, ensuring there was something to ignite everyone’s building spirit.

New Set Reveals Delight Fans
Several new LEGO sets were unveiled, stirring excitement amongst the community:

• LEGO Star Wars Adventures:
  Attendees witnessed the unveiling of three novel sets coinciding with the Disney+ animated special, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Highlights included the debut of Jedi Bob’s Starfighter, The Dark Falcon featuring Darth Jar Jar, and an innovative TIE Fighter & X-Wing Mash-up.
• Shadow the Hedgehog Comes to Life:
  In collaboration with SEGA, the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog universe expanded with the introduction of the Shadow the Hedgehog set, packed with Easter eggs and dark charisma.
• Dungeons and Dragons in Minifigure Form:
  LEGO’s Minifigures lineup grew richer with characters from Dungeons & Dragons®, offering everything from a Tiefling Sorcerer to the notorious Strahd von Zarovich.
• Celebrate with LEGO Minecraft:
  The delightful Minecraft Baby Pig’s Birthday Celebration set was also revealed, featuring a cast of adorable mobs ready for a blocky birthday bash complete with a buildable cake.
• Relive Memories with LEGO Travel Moments:
  Inspired by the LEGO Masters show, this set allows builders to construct their memorable travel moments with a World Wonderliner jet and customizable world map, perfect for displaying treasured memorabilia.

From a booth to a gust of interstellar marvel, Space Station 8R1CK5 at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was a landmark in the LEGO odyssey, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and the boundless joy of building. As explorers of this miniature cosmos, attendees left with not just exclusive sets and memories, but with a renewed zest for the infinite possibilities that LEGOs can create.

Stay connected for more updates and explore the wide array of exhibits from the event at LEGO.com/san-diego-comic-con. For additional information, direct your curiosity and inquiries to press@america.lego.com.

About The LEGO Group
Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen and based on the Danish ethos of ‘Leg Godt’ (Play Well), the LEGO Group remains a family-owned enterprise headquartered in Billund, Denmark. Emphasizing the power of play through its LEGO System in Play, it continues to inspire builders of tomorrow, one brick at a time. Explore more at www.LEGO.com.

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

and let your entertainment journey begin!

Please leave this field empty

Want more stories
“Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!”

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Please check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Advertisement

Unleashing Creativity and Imagination with LEGO’s Latest Workshop Series for Kids

ENFIELD, Conn. — The LEGO Group has announced an exciting continuation of its celebrated series of free in-store and online interactive creativity workshops. This initiative, known as “Play Unstoppable,” is specially designed to spark the imaginations of young creators aged 6-12. The latest chapter in this innovative series focuses on the power of Imagination and “DREAMZzz,” offering a variety of hands-on, playful learning experiences.

Dual Opportunities to Explore Creativity

LEGO fans can choose between two engaging formats to participate in these creative fests:

1. In-store Creativity Workshops: Scheduled for August 17 and 18 at select LEGO Store locations throughout North America, these sessions promise a dynamic environment where children can engage in a spin-the-wheel game to decide what they’ll build. Whether it be a quirky animal, a dream house, or a fantastical vehicle, LEGO store associates are ready to guide each builder through their creative journey. Due to limited space, advance booking at LEGO.com/CreativityWorkshops is required, ensuring a personalized and immersive building experience.
2. Creativity at Home – Online Workshops: For those who prefer the comfort of their home, LEGO has lined up Amy Jones (aka @studiojonesie), a renowned artist and illustrator, to lead virtual workshops. Participants will learn how to construct decorative and functional LEGO items such as vases, memory boxes, and artwork, enhancing their living spaces with a touch of LEGO charm. These sessions are accessible via LEGO’s dedicated workshop webpage.

A Commitment to Empowering Young Minds

These workshops are integral to LEGO’s longstanding commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence in young girls and boys alike. By rotating themes that include Entertainment, Space, Gaming, and now Imagination and DREAMZzz, LEGO continues to cater to diverse interests and inspire participants to explore boundless creative possibilities.

Star-studded Guidance

The Online Creativity Workshops feature a lineup of influential creators, including Dianne Buswell, known for her electrifying dance moves; Alexandra Doten, who brings a cosmic perspective as Astro Alexandra; and Kennedy, a gaming legend who guides attendees through the virtual realms of possibilities with LEGO.

Visit and Participate

To dive into this enriching LEGO experience, fans can now watch the online workshops or register for an upcoming in-store session. A list of participating stores in both the USA and Canada is available, covering a wide geographical area to ensure that many have the opportunity to join in the fun.

For more details about the workshops and to secure a spot in the nearest store, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit:
www.LEGO.com/CreativityWorkshops

About the LEGO Group

Founded in 1932 in Billund, Denmark, by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the LEGO Group has grown from a small carpenter’s workshop to a global enterprise that is now one of the world’s major manufacturers of play materials. The LEGO name is derived from the two Danish words “LEg GOdt”, which mean “Play Well”. LEGO aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through creative play and learning. LEGO bricks are developed to provide fun and learning to children all over the world, and LEGO sets are sold in over 130 countries.

SOURCE The LEGO Group

LEGO: Inspire and Develop the Builders of Tomorrow

With each brick laid and every imagination sparked, LEGO continues to build a future where play is the foundation for creative problem-solving, innovation, and boundless creativity in children. We invite young builders to join us in these thrilling workshops to explore, learn, and nurture their creative spirits. Play well, dream big, and become unstoppable with LEGO!

Advertisement

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.