In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to let photos pile up on your devices or memory cards, turning cherished memories into an overwhelming digital mess. But with a few simple steps, you can take control of your photo organisation and set yourself up for long-term success—all while juggling the demands of motherhood. This guide is designed for busy mums who shoot with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, edit their photos in Lightroom Mobile, and want an organised workflow that’s simple and stress-free.
This is sort of an ‘ideal situation’ so even if you just get close, it will mean that you will always have your precious photos at reach when you need them. I have kept this simple, and actionable! You can do thiisssss!!!
1. Declutter Your Photo Library (Fast!)
The first step is to clear the clutter so you can focus on what matters most. Here’s how to streamline your photo collection efficiently:
- Cull on Your Camera: Before transferring your photos, delete obvious duplicates or blurry shots directly on your DSLR or mirrorless camera.
- Cull During Import: Once you’ve transferred photos to your phone or tablet, use Lightroom Mobile’s rating or flagging system to mark the keepers and hide the rest.
- Batch Delete in Lightroom: After you’ve selected the best shots, delete the rejects directly from your Lightroom Mobile library to save space.
2. Create an Easy-to-Maintain Folder System
A well-structured folder system helps you stay organised and makes finding photos a breeze. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- On Your Device: Create folders by year, then divide them into months or events (e.g., “2024 > February > Zoo Visit”).
- In Lightroom Mobile: Use albums to group photos by themes like “Family Adventures” or “Birthday Celebrations.”
- Backup Folder: Once you’ve edited your photos, move them to a dedicated cloud backup folder or external storage to keep your device clutter-free.
3. Use Lightroom Mobile Like a Pro
Lightroom Mobile is your best friend for editing on the go. Make it work for your busy schedule:
- Apply Presets for Quick Edits: Mamastalgia presets are perfect for streamlining your editing process. Apply them with one tap to elevate your photos. Get your hands on a freebie tester preset HERE (Bonus, it comes with a video showing you just how to use it!)
- Sort with Albums: Create albums for ongoing projects like “Holiday Memories” or “Yearbook Favourites.”
- Add Keywords: Tag your photos with keywords like “birthday,” “beach,” or “first steps” for easier searching.
- Export Efficiently: When exporting, choose settings based on your needs (e.g., lower resolution for social media or full resolution for prints).
4. Set Up a Backup Routine
Don’t risk losing your precious memories. Automate your backups to keep your photos safe:
- Cloud Storage: Services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox can sync your photos directly from Lightroom Mobile or your phone.
- External Storage: Use a portable hard drive to periodically back up your Lightroom Mobile edits and original camera files.
- Dual-Slot Backup: If your camera has dual card slots, set one as a backup during shoots to avoid data loss.
5. Export and Save Photos Smartly
Streamline your exporting process so your photos are always ready for use:
- Social Media Sharing: Export at 2048px on the long edge at 72dpi for a crisp online look.
- Print-Ready Files: Export at full resolution (300dpi) to create stunning prints or photo books.
- Use Consistent File Names: Rename files on export to include details like “2024_BeachDay_01.jpg” for easy identification.
6. Keep a Weekly Photo Habit
Make photo organisation a regular part of your routine with a quick weekly habit:
- Cull and Sort: Spend 10 minutes deleting unwanted photos and sorting the keepers into albums.
- Apply Edits: Use presets to quickly polish your favourite shots.
- Backup Edits: Sync your latest Lightroom Mobile creations to your chosen cloud storage.
7. Monthly Highlights: Curate Your Best Shots
At the end of each month, take a moment to reflect and curate your favourites:
- Create a Highlight Album: Add 10-15 of your best photos to a dedicated “Monthly Highlights” album in Lightroom Mobile.
- Prepare for Sharing: Export your highlights to share on social media or with family.
- Mark for Keepsakes: Tag standout photos for future projects like photo books or calendars.
8. Celebrate Your Photos with Keepsakes
Turning your photos into tangible memories is the most rewarding step:
- Photo Books: Compile your favourites into a yearly album using platforms like Milk Books or Once Upon
- Wall Art: Create framed prints or canvases of your best moments.
- Custom Calendars: Design a calendar featuring your monthly highlights.
9. End the Year Strong
At year’s end, take stock of your accomplishments and plan ahead:
- Archive the Year: Move the year’s folder to an external drive or dedicated cloud archive.
- Reflect and Refine: Review your photos to see what worked well and set goals for next year.
- Prepare for New Projects: Make a list of themes or milestones you want to capture in the coming year.
Final Thoughts
As a busy mum juggling life’s demands, keeping your photo workflow organised is key to preserving precious moments. By using tools like Lightroom Mobile, cloud storage, and regular maintenance habits, you’ll create a sustainable system that makes photo-taking and editing a joy—not a chore. With your DSLR or mirrorless camera and mobile-friendly editing setup, you’re ready to keep cherishing and sharing the magic of everyday life. You’ve got this!