Getting started with any project is sometimes the hardest part, especially if you don’t really know HOW to get started. And when it involves organizing photos that have sentimental value it gets even harder, particularly if your photos have been piling up for years on your computer or you’ve inherited boxes of photos from your parents — it can feel down right paralyzing.
You have great intentions of getting them in order and presenting them in a way that makes sense to you and the rest of your family but each time you open the boxes in the basement or the folders of photos on your computer you get caught up reminiscing about the memories and lose track of time.
Leaving you with a fun trip down memory lane, but no closer to your goal of having your photos more accessible to you and your family.
I’ve found that the best way to get started dealing with your photos is to begin with the end in mind.
An end that has a purpose and a deadline — like creating a photobook for a parent’s milestone birthday or anniversary, a child’s graduation or a family reunion.
Having a purpose like one of these events helps you focus your attention and activities on how you want to display your photos and for whom. And, targeting one of these events establishes a real deadline, (not just an arbitrary one that you’ve set for yourself and can change whenever you feel like it!) that will incent you to create a plan to hit it and hopefully motivate you to stick to it!
By identifying a purpose for your photos you shift your mindset from them being something you to need to organize to something more meaningful that you can enjoy. Something you want to give as a gift to someone else or that you’d like to display on your coffee table.
Once you know your purpose you can start brainstorming how you want to display your photos in a way that tells a story. I like to start by identifying:
- who the main character(s) is along with the supporting cast,
- how and when the story should begin and end,
- what the main chapters looks like — basically how the story unfolds and evolves from the beginning to the end.
You’ve now got a story board outline that you can use to organize your photos, stories, and memorabilia. And, a better sense of the types of photos you are looking for when you dive into your boxes and computer file folders.
Making the project feel like a fun and guided treasure hunt, not an organization project!
Getting started may not seem so daunting after all and might even become one of the most enjoyable parts of your project.
Are you looking for some expert advice on how to get started on your photo project? Book a Complimentary Curator Consultation today!
Or, if you’re excited to tell your loved one’s story and want to jump start your efforts, then schedule your Quick Start – Story Board and Roadmap session.
