Smartphone cameras make it possible to take pictures with your smartphone.
Worldwide, professional photographers and smartphone users took more than 1.4 trillion photos in 2020 [1]. This number will certainly increase in the future.
Where can you store all these photos without compromising your privacy or data security, so you can still cherish them a decade later?
Are physical hard drives or memory cards the proper solution? Sadly, no. They can be stolen, lost, or misplaced.
The best choice for photographers is a secure cloud storage service.
Today we will discuss the role of cloud computing in photo storage and how to differentiate it from cloud computing.
Cloud Computing vs. Cloud Storage
“Cloud” is a generic term that describes various virtual services and solutions for both individuals and businesses. Cloud storage and cloud computing are two options that people have, and they both have the benefits that you get if you implement them correctly. However, they depend on each other for functionality and value creation.
Cloud computing is more than just cloud storage. Cloud computing isn’t necessary for you to use cloud storage. However, you will not have access to data stored in the cloud via the internet without some online processing. A Great Learning’s cloud engineering certification might help you master this technique and easily understand the entire cloud storage process. Also, cloud computing is not possible without cloud storage. You must store apps somewhere, and the clouds help you store them, which you can access remotely.
What is the Cloud?
In short, the cloud is software and services run over the Internet. When Pixologie [2] was founded in 2013, most clients didn’t use cloud services. Today, this has changed significantly, particularly with the COVID pandemic. While observing social isolation, we all learned new skills!
These are just a few examples of some cloud-based software and services:
- Yahoo Email and Gmail
- GoogleDrive, Microsoft Online – Working with and saving documents online
- DisneyPlus, Netflix, and HBOMax – Stream movies and more
- Amazon Photos, Forever(r), Permanent Storage, MemoryWeb – Organize and protect your photos
- Carbonite, Dropbox, and iCloud – Automatically backup your computer files
To use these services, you need an active internet connection. Many people still prefer using Microsoft Word on their computer instead of Microsoft Word 365 online.
There are two types of cloud-based services that you can use to store photos in the cloud and use cloud-based photo backup.
Cloud Backup
Cloud backup is a service that backs up files from your phone or computer to their cloud service. The cloud stores your files at multiple redundant data centers at various nearby locations. It works like this:
- Install cloud software to connect your computer with the website
- The software automatically uploads files that you want to back up via the Internet
- You can view your backed-up files via the website, knowing that your files are safe at the company’s data centers
- If your computer is stolen/lost, you can recover these files
Cloud-based backup services sync your files. It means if you delete a file from your computer, it will also be deleted in the cloud backup. By joining some of the best cloud training online from great learning, you can get even deeper. A computer-based backup is a good option if you need to keep copies of files and retrieve files that you deleted, and you can go back to a specific date to retrieve files and access backups.
Five things to consider when looking for cloud storage for photos
This overview will highlight key aspects to consider when selecting a cloud backup for photos.
- Files on Your Computer – You have access to all your files on your computer, but you can’t view your photos if you don’t have access to the Internet.
- Cost – Cost is a consideration, and it matters when push comes to shove. However, if you choose the one-time purchase option, it ends up paying in the long run.
- Syncs with Your Phone – It is important to turn this feature on in your phone’s settings. Your phone will install this app. You can also access your photos via the website.
- Stores Original Sized file – This is very important. You don’t want to store your video or photos online compressed.
- Privacy and data mining – The company will not use your uploaded photos for market research or other purposes. Be aware that big tech companies can access a lot of your personal information through your photos.
- Order prints, photo books, and other gifts If you don’t use any other photo management software, you might like the option to order prints, books, and other photo gifts.
How to Choose a perfect Photo Cloud Storage Services for you
Before you start your search for the top photo cloud storage options in this section, it might not be possible for you to use them all at once. But you can choose the one that’s the best fit for your needs.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right storage service for your needs
Step #1: Premium or Free Services
It would help if you also considered the service’s expense. Do you want to pay for cloud storage, or are you only interested in free options?
If you don’t wish to pay for premium services, Google Photos or Flickr are the best options.
Step #2: What is your Objective?
You may be a casual photographer who needs to save images or a professional artist who wants high-definition photos to show off their work and sell them online.
What are your goals for cloud storage?
This question is vital before you decide which service you want. Professional photographers and casual users have very different needs.
Step#3: Consider Any Extra Features You Need
Do you value additional features like image editing, portfolio websites, or eCommerce?
DropBox and Google Photos are great options if you only need cloud storage.
Adobe Creative Cloud Photography offers advanced image editing capabilities.
Step #4: Take into account your storage space requirements
Are you going to upload large, high-definition photos or stock photos taken with your smartphone?
What number of images and videos would you like to upload? Are you okay with the quality reduction of your photos?
You should consider paying for storage options if you don’t have enough local space.
Conclusion
It is a lot of work to store and manage large photo libraries. Cloud storage is becoming a reality, even though it’s not perfect. You can have peace of mind by backing up your photos, and the options will only improve with time.