Nothing says “Hello, new year!” better than a fresh start to your digital image collection, so let’s start the year off right with these five tips to organize your photos in 2022!

We set so many goals as we turn the page to a new year, but it’s important to honor the year we leave behind, too. And what better way than going through your memories? If not once a month, I recommend going through images to organize your photos at least quarterly to make a plan for sorting, backing up and printing your favorite images. (While some of us enjoy a tidy house, the feeling of a clean and orderly mobile device is pretty nice, too!) Sure, not everyone has a digital SLR camera, but almost all of us have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos in the palm of our hand every day. If we don’t set aside time to go through them, it can leave all your memories in disarray (and your device storage pretty full)! So let’s get started…

1. Find a system to organize your photos

Whether you’re an iPhone, Android or Samsung user, now’s the time to find an organizational system that works for you. You can choose to store everything on your cloud or phone memory, or use apps/programs like Google Photos or Dropbox. In addition to cloud-based storage, I highly recommend backing up your images on an external hard drive. 

2. Clean up duplicates

Did you know there are apps that help find the duplicate photos on your phone for you? Search your app store for Clean Sweep or Photo Clean Up! They’ll identify any repeated images on your phone and even remove them for you. It’s an easy way to free up space, organize your photos, and pair everything down to just what you need. 

3. Create albums on your phone 

iPhones only sort by the date and location your photos were taken, so the best way to find what you’re looking for quickly is to create albums from different events. While it may sound daunting to go through all your photos, I recommend starting small: Sort the important events (or the ones that you’re usually searching for) first, then organize your photos from there!

4. Set aside time to pick out some prints

When you organize your photos, make sure to include a “To Print” folder. If not for yourself, print a few pictures for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, or even significant others! Sending some snail mail? Stick in a photo! Reaching out to a friend? Include a print from one of your favorite memories together. If you’re looking to redecorate your home in the new year, replace the photos in your frames with your most recent favorites. It’s not the price of the prints that add up, it’s the cost of the frame! My favorite place to order is mPix… they’re high quality at a great price! With prints around, you’ll always have tangible memories.

Bonus Fact: Did you know that having family portraits displayed in your house increases your children’s self-esteem? Research has shown that having loving portraits around your house reminds children that family is important, and honoring the memories created together is special. Still not convinced? Check out my five favorite reasons to take family photos, here. 

5. Create an annual photo book

Creating an annual photo book lets you organize your photos in a way that keeps a visual timeline of everything that’s happened in your life. I love looking back at memories, and while some would argue it’s nice to live in the moment, we take photos so that we can relive a time that brought a smile to our face. If you dread the idea of picking out the pictures yourself, send them my way! I can put together an artistic layout and design just for you.

If you’re new to creating photo books, don’t worry! Here’s my process (Or if you want to bypass the DIY, send me a message and we can chat! I’m happy to help):

To organize your photos in a photo book:

• Make sure all your photos are backed up to an external hard drive (I have 2!) 

• Review your 2021 folder and each month’s folder within the year 

• Ensure any big events have their own folder. If there weren’t specific events in a given month, a collection of photos is okay, too. 

• Scroll through your photos at a glance using an application that allows for larger format viewing. Rate the pictures that you’d consider including in the book. (Shoot for 5-7 images per month to keep the photo book at a good length.)

• Upload your top-rated photos to a photo book creation program. Two of my favorites are Blurb (best discounts and price) and Artifact Uprising (more expensive, but beautiful, timeless, artistic layouts.) A few tips for laying out your book: Vary the layouts, leave some pages with white space (and include some with full bleed), vary the number of photos per page and double check that the resolution is high enough for printing. Phone photos have a lot more megapixels today than they used to, so many phone photos will turn out just fine – but it’s worth double checking!

For many years I’ve loved creating customized photo books for figure skaters that commemorate their season, or even their entire career. I’d love to create one for your skater, student or family! To get started, check out my customized photo book pricing & information page. 

Welcome to 2022! I hope these tips to organize your photos are helpful as we start off a brand new year. At the very least, I hope you take the time to look back on your memories before driving into the next thing. Last year went by so fast, and I have a feeling 2022 will feel even faster! Take a moment to stop, think and reflect on all that’s happened. Through the images we capture, we can allow ourselves to absorb the memories that make our lives!

It takes some location scouting and time to adjust to a new city before you really know the most scenic places. I moved to town in August 2015, and since then, I’ve continued to seek out the best places for graduate, family, couple, and wedding photography. For engagement sessions, locations that have highlight a beautiful sunrise or sunset, and space to move are desired. Family photo sessions typically go well when I’ve researched a spot that has a parking lot in close proximity to our photo destination. It saves us time on the commute and reduces the risk of kids running or tripping and getting their clothes dirty. 

From mountain views, canyons, ridges and rock formations, Colorado Springs views offer a unique type of scenery you just don’t see everywhere. Here are my top five favorite photographic locations in Colorado, Springs!

1.     Garden of the Gods

While it may be a touristy spot, it’s one of the best — and for good reason. The unique rock formations that are close to the mountains provide a classic Colorado Springs look. I’ve photographed many new families here, as well as visitors. One of the great things about photographing in Garden of the Gods is that the park is so big and offers a variety of locations. The longer I have lived here, the more I’ve change up where I like to go in the park. Some spots allow you to park and walk right out to a gorgeous view, whereas others require a 10–15-minute walk from the main parking lot to a specific destination within the park.

Tip: Always make sure you have the appropriate footwear for your photo session, especially if it includes walking. Read my tips for selecting the perfect photoshoot outfit.

2.     The Broadmoor

First, the hotel is absolutely gorgeous! Due to the property being only for guests, it’s important to check in first to see if you need a permit. If you can get onto the golf course for photos, the landscape is pristine. The Broadmoor is great for families or couples who are looking for a different type of view than mountains. 

3.     Palmer Park

I discovered this place when I started taking my dog, Cooper, to one of the best off-leash dog trails in the city. Palmer Park is a little quieter than Garden of the Gods, but still boasts amazing mountain views. If you’re looking for that dusty road, but more greens and blue than reds, this is the place for you. There are pockets within this large park that you can tuck away from the bikers, walkers, and runners, too!

4.     Cheyenne Mountain State Park

While this park does require a $7 parking admissions fee, the views are stunning, and it’s not too crowded. It’s important to note that some trails do not allow dogs, so for a city that is incredibly dog-friendly, be sure to check out the map so you know where you can take your furry friend. The views at Cheyenne Mountain State Park are the same mountains you get at Garden of the Gods, but the landscape tones are more blues and greens than reds. There are several pull-off spots within the park, so if you’re looking for a bit of variety within one location, this is the place to go!

 5.     Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley is a very popular places for family photo sessions. The parking is so close to the entrance of the park, making it an easy and accessible location. I’d describe the views to also be more greens and blue, but also cream-colored rocks. The good news is this park is so big as well. One of my latest couples took me to a “secret” spot that was just stunning! It was a five-minute walk from the parking lot and was a secluded spot where nobody was at. I encourage photographers to venture around and find those pockets that are less crowded, yet still special and beautiful, to take your clients. 

It’s hard to go wrong with any photographic locations in Colorado Springs. There is so much variety at each location that it’s hard to get bored with the scenery. If you are unfamiliar with the area, it’s always a good idea to location scout first. You’ll want to know the best places to park and where to possibly avoid foot traffic. And don’t be afraid of the weather! I’ve photographed at all of these locations, which are also wheelchair accessible, in sunshine, overcast, snow, and rain — it can surprise you how well the photos can turn out with some help from Mother Nature!

 Sarah Arnold of SArnold Photo is a portrait, engagement and wedding photographer located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.