Since 2002 I’ve taught classes and workshops on photo organization and how to create meaningful photo albums to preserve the past, enrich the present and inspire future generations. In the beginning it was all based on printed pictures, but as technology advanced, I adapted and taught about digital photo organizing and photo book creation. I loved teaching other family photo keepers how to create something that could be enjoyed in the present as well as be handed down through the family.

In 2014 my father became ill and I cared for him in his home in another state. Once he passed, I cleaned out his house and brought home at least 10 grocery sacks filled with photos still in the developer envelopes, my own childhood on slides, a few old photo albums, and a collection of digital devices and media that held photos and videos.

Since then I’ve taken what I already knew about photo organization and combined it with new learning. I’ve been gradually turning my own multi-generational, multi-media mess into a curated collection that I can enjoy now, share with extended family, and leave for my daughter and future generations.