* Is “organize photos” on your list of things to do in 2011?

* Are you ready to finally tackle those photos you inherited?

I could really use your help. I want to give away a free photo organizing product in January, 2011 — but I’m completely stuck on what I should create. That’s where you come in! Below is an easy peasy 3 question survey. You can email me your answers, or post them right here in the comments. Then I will create a free information product based on your Greatest Information Need.

If this is your first time here, you might not know what a hopeless geek I am about big photo projects. Especially pre-digital photographs. The ones that have been sitting in boxes or drawers for ages.

My motto about photo organizing is: “Do It Once and Be Done with It.”

Chances are you’re not adding many printed photos to those boxes anymore. That’s what we archivists call a “closed” collection. Few or no additions to come. Whip it into shape now and you won’t have to worry about them ever again. Once the chaos is organized, your scanning project won’t be such a nightmare. You’ll have free memory triggers right at your fingertips, any time you want them. Imagine how much easier that will make your memoir-writing project.

I’m also fond of saying: “Ditch your photo clutter and treat the keepers right.”

Alhough it’s unlikely you have too many photos of great-grandma Esther, if you’re like most of us you’ve kept waaaay too many of the photos you took in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. I don’t want to freak you out or anything, but that’s simply too many photos. Your great grandchildren don’t want to see let alone store all of your vacation shots. On the other hand? I’m sure they would love to have some photos of you. Why not make it as easy as possible for them to find the keepers?

Another one of my favorite sayings is credited as a Chinese proverb, but that’s all I know about its origin: “The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory.” If you don’t identify your photographs, they are destined to become what we call “orphans” — which means nobody knows anymore who the people are. Those are the photos that end up at flea markets, by the way. This saying also applies to the stories behind your favorite photos. Write those down and they can be enjoyed by many generations to come. 

All year round, I teach folks just like you how to organize, preserve and share their photo treasures. In January, I like to help out everyone who is adding “Organize Photos” to their To Do List (again).

Please do me a quick favor and leave your answers in the comments section below. Or — if you prefer — you can send your answers to me in an email:  practicalarchivist+survey@gmail.com

Many thanks for your help, and please tell your friends!

-Sally J.

P.S. I’ll leave the survey up through next Tuesday. Then  I’ll tally the results and create a free giveaway PDF (from scratch!) based on your Greatest Information Need. When the PDF is available later this month, I’ll announce it here on the blog. There will be a link to get your free download. Don’t think you’ll remember to come back but still want the freebie? My advice is to sign up for my Practical Archivist list, which you can do here.

Easy Peasy 3 Question Survey

Question #1: With regards to organizing your pre-digital era photographs, what free information product would you love for me to create JUST for you?

Question #2: What is your biggest fear or frustration when it comes to organizing these family photos?

Question #3: And, finally — What is your ideal *perfect* outcome for these photographs?

The Joy of Organizing Photos, The Full.

Friends, this has been a looong time coming. It feels nothing short of forever. I’ve worked on this new program for months. Years, really…since it encompasses everything I know about how to organize, preserve and share your photographs.

I am super excited — and if I’m being honest I’ll admit that I’m also a wee bit terrified — to announce that the full class begins Sunday, July 4th. Classes are conducted by telephone and web chat, so you no longer need to travel to Wisconsin to take a live class from me. Recordings of each class will be available for download at no extra cost to you, so even if you’re busy during our class time, you can keep up and stay involved. Plus? I will gladly answer your question on the call if you email it to me ahead of time.

1. Sunday July 4, 2010 — How to Preserve Photos (Daguerreotype to Polaroid and everything in between) plus other common historical heirlooms.
2. Sunday July 11, 2010 — How to Declutter and Organize Photos
3. Sunday July 18, 2010 –  How to Write the Stories Behind Your Photos (Easy-Peasy PhotoScribe method, designed especially for people who think they can’t write)
4. Sunday July 25, 2010 — How to Scan Photos and Preserve the Digital Files

There are also 4 follow-up web chats, every Wednesday that follows a phone call. Time is Noon-1pm Central time. This offers you the chance to schedule work on this project for this time and check in with me (and classmates) while you make progress. It’s also yet another chance for me to answer questions sent in via email.

I’m selling this class at a 50%discount, which means you get the live class with customized help specific to your situation at the cost of the pre-recorded (zero customized help) version.

More information about the full course is here.

Starting Thursday, July 1st I will sell classes individually for  $35 each.

The Joy of Organizing Photos, The Free.

My Mom says I’m giving away too much information, but here’s the deal: There are only 150 slots total in the class.  Some of them have already been claimed. I’m pretty sure there are more than 134 people out there who could use my help. So I’m giving away the basics for free. Sign up for the free version by filling in your email information in this form.