Times have definitely changed fast since I got into the photographic industry about 10 years ago. And I do believe they will continue to change even faster in the years to come. A lot of photographers, including myself, have started to use online galleries that allow for immediate downloads which has been great for events, headshots, and some of my portrait clients. The CD is dying off as more and more people move to a quicker and easier method of storing files on USB (also referred to as flash drives or thumb drives). Apple has continued to release computers without disc drives since 2008. I used to think storing files on USB was a bad idea. I have corrupted USBs in the past and I remember specifically telling my father, “Do not save anything on USB. It is a transport method. Not a storage system.” But, the truth is ALL methods of data storage are susceptible to damage. The only fail-proof method is to backup. That being said, I’m a little late to transition my clients to a USB. But, I do believe that having something tangible to store your images still matters. If anything, at least I’ve saved you the trouble of transferring files from one computer to the next. But, as an artist I do believe in pretty packaging as well. So if I haven’t said it enough, I’ll say it again. Backup, backup, backup!! Please backup files that are important to you on two different computers preferably in two locations. There are so many options now for cloud storage which can be your secondary backup method. Also, please make sure to eject your flash drive before pulling it out of the computer. This is a really easy step to miss which can corrupt your data.
For more tips on how to avoid corrupting your flash drive: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-use-a-jump-drive-corrupting-data/
And if you really want to geek out on USB info go here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-guide-to-a-usb-thumb-drive/
Dream Focus Studio has 2 different types of USB drives for clients. The cute square (4 gb) for portrait clients and the elegant swivel drive (16 gb) for wedding clients. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions regarding file storage. It is so important to me that you keep these precious memories safe for many years to come. One day we will view these USBs as retro but, until then embrace and protect!
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