Keeping it Real

I’ve just returned from The Photo Manager’s conference in San Diego. It’s beyond inspiring to spend four whole days in a room with people who are passionate about what they do. I hope that you also find your people and are keeping it real.

Real ID is Here

As of today, you need a Real ID to fly. If you don’t have that little star on your driver’s license, you won’t be allowed to fly unless you bring your passport or other TSA approved documents and subject yourself to yet more TSA screening. As Real IDs are now the law of the land in every state, it’s probably best just to update your driver’s license to a REAL ID as soon as you can organize and schedule it. Don’t let it prevent you from summer travel or an emergency trip back home.

ProTip: Take more documentation to your DMV appointment than you think you need, especially if you’ve ever changed your name. I was saved by something random, like a copy of an electric bill, because some documents showed a middle initial and some showed a middle name. Just bring all the documents you think you might possibly need, so you can get it done in one go.

Becoming the Go-To Expert from the Inside Out

If “Organizing From the Inside Out” sounds familiar, you probably know Julie Morgenstern from her best-selling books and her association as “Oprah’s organizer.” NAPO-GPC will host Julie Morgenstern on May 15 in person. This program is about building a business, not the nuts and bolts of organizing a space. If you are a small business owner, realtor, stager, or productivity expert, this is for you. Details and register here.

Photo Organizing News

What can I tell you about The Photo Manager’s Conference? These are my people.

This marks the third year that I co-taught the Masterclass, along with my amazing colleagues Caroline Gunter and Jill Yesko Diana (both left in the photo below). This 4-month group coaching program continues to support and develop business owners to grow and better serve their photo clients. We’re so proud of them all!

San Diego was gorgeous. Have you been there? Would you like me to write an article on the fun bits?

No matter where it takes place, the highlight of my conference trip is always spending time with my colleagues. Philip Griffith, a very experienced organizer who I admire, was kind enough to include me in his interviews. Philip is the epitome of a caring, professional photo manager. I hope you’ll listen to some of the other tips that he collected from our smart colleagues.

So what’s new in the world of photo organizing?

Digital frames are gaining in popularity. Aura frames brought their gorgeous, large frames to share with us. You can find Aura on Amazon, of course. (affiliate links)

Physical photos are still a thing! The Instax mini smartphone photo printers are super popular. I’m thinking of getting my soon-to-be high school grad one to take with her to college. They are just fun. Yes, it’s a throwback to the old Polaroid film days. Remember those?

We’re talking ever more about safeguarding photos and keepsakes in the wake of fire, floods, and other natural disasters. Please digitize and backup your photos before it’s too late. Remember, you can request a free-15 minute photo backup checkup with us, whether you are a client or not.

If you want to go the DIY route for photo organizing, definitely save yourself a ton of time and frustration when you grab a Dig Your Photos kit from my colleague Rhoda Gordon. The kit ships with essential supplies and “recipe” cards to help you organize your own photos in the same way that we teach our clients, step-by-step.