Frequently Asked Questions
About Digital Organizing Sessions
What is a Digital Organizing Session?
This is my signature service and a solution to your digital photo overwhelm. I will work on your computer to organize your digital photos using a screen sharing software. I can do this from my location to yours – wherever in the world you may be. I consolidate photos from many sources and sort them into a simple to navigate folder structure, I remove duplicates, and back it all up to your preferred cloud service provider. Not sure which cloud service provider to choose? I can help you identify which one fits with your goals and budget best. We will choose a new external hard drive with your Photo Library including all your digital photos and videos organized on it! An identical copy will be properly backed up to the cloud so your can know your photos are safe and securely backed up.
What does a finished product look like?
Every client’s needs and starting place is unique, but the end result is the same. A brand new External Hard Drive will act as your Photo Library organized into a simple folder structure and properly backed up to the cloud. Here’s an example of what a finished library looks like when viewing the file structure on your hard drive.
I have existing folders organized. Can I keep them?
If you have any existing organization in place, like labelled folders you want to preserve, I can keep that intact and merged into the final Photo Library.
How long does the process take?
Every project is unique; most are completed in 3-4 weeks. Timing varies based on your current state of organization, the number of photos in your collection, the speed of your computer, and your internet strength.
How much will I need to be available?
You will need to be available on the phone for one hour during the initial consultation and then again for one hour during the wrap up call at the end of the project. During the time in between, I will work independently, some via screen share to your computer and communicate with you via text message.
Will I be able to maintain things by myself after you are done?
That is my goal. During the wrap up call I will demonstrate the simple maintenance steps. I will also provide a written maintenance plan + a video tutorial that you can reference as needed. Also, I offer Digital Maintenance Sessions if you decide you’d like me to update your library in the future (most clients don’t need them, but some opt to do a yearly maintenance session for extra peace of mind).
How much does this cost?
The price of the session varies based on the number of photo sources you include. Example photo sources are phone(s), iCloud, Google Photos, Dropbox, external hard drives, old computers, etc.
Standard Session (2 sources) is $1197. Additional sources are $300 each.
A $600 deposit is due at time of booking and the remaining balance is due the week before the our initial session. You will also need to be prepared to purchase a right sized harddrive as well as a cloud storage subscription.
What do I need to prepare?
After you book your service, you will be able to schedule your session appointment date and time. Preview my availability here. A week before your service appointment, you will receive an email with the screen share information and a brief info form as well as the invoice for your balance. Other than that? You don’t need to do anything! That’s the best part. During the initial call I will review the locations of your photos and may start the first steps at that time.
What is your availability to get started?
You will be able to schedule your initial appointment after your have booked your session. You can preview my availability. Don’t see a time that would work for you? I’m happy to open some additional evening/weekend time that would work better for you.
Wait is this safe?
The screen share is a private meeting. You have to authorize the screen share each time in order for me to access your computer. When you close the screen share program, I no longer have access to your computer. You are always able to watch me work and see everything that I do. If at any time you need to close the screen share (to take a Zoom call or pay some bills online), you can!
What if I'm embarrassed to show you my mess and/or my private photos?
When I say I’ve seen everything, I mean I’ve seen everything. No matter what your current situation is, please don’t feel embarrassed. This is my job! Keep in mind as I’m organizing your photos it’s mostly about software and settings and the technical stuff. I’m rarely interacting with full-screen photos.
Still have questions? Email me at suzy@ivytotoak.com
