DIY Photo Organising

Fiona McLauchlan and Chantal Imbach
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We are Certified Photo Organisers passionate about helping others achieve their own photo organising goals. We are here to share our knowledge, in a practical way, to help you complete your own personal photo projects.

  1. 119 | The DIY Photo Organising Course

    5H AGO

    119 | The DIY Photo Organising Course

    It’s no secret that we’re passionate about helping people organise their photos. After years of working with hundreds of clients, recording over 100 episodes of the DIY Photo Organising podcast, and refining our framework, we’re so excited to officially launch our DIY Photo Organising Course! In this episode, we share why we created the course, what’s included, and how the 5 Golden Rules provide a clear, flexible, and timeless structure to help you move forward with confidence. Over the years, we kept seeing the same patterns: People overwhelmed and unsure where to start. People organising without backing up first. People jumping in without knowing their “Why.” People getting stuck and giving up. We realised most people weren’t lacking motivation - they were lacking clear principles. That’s why we created this course. What you'll hear in this episode Why we decided to turn the 5 Golden Rules into a structured course The common photo organising mistakes we see over and over again What’s included in the 8+ hour pre-recorded courseA walkthrough of each of the 5 Golden Rules: Back Up, Know Your Why, Create a Photo Hub, Sort & Organise, Do Something.What the 40+ page workbook includesDetails about the two bonus lessons: Organise and Preserve Your Printed Photos and When Organising Photos Feels HardHow the Live Intensive Workshops work - and who they’re for Why it Matters Organising your photos can feel overwhelming - until you have a clear framework. The 5 Golden Rules are timeless principlesthat work whether you have 500 photos or 50,000, helping you protect what matters, reduce the fear of loss, create clarity, and move forward at your own pace. Links referenced Link to the DIY Photo Organising Course and the Live Intensive   Related Episodes Episode 002 Golden Rule 1 - Backup Episode 003 Golden Rule 2 – Know Your Why Episode 004 Golden Rule 3 – Create a Hub Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 –Digital Photos) Episode 006 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 2 –Printed Photos)Episode 007 Golden Rule 5 – Do Something! Episode 023 5 Steps to get you Started NOW Episode 033 5 Golden Rules Highlights Episode 049 How to Stop Procrastinating about your Photos Episode 110 Roadblocks in photo management and how toovercome them If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!   We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects. If you’d like to learn more about us, go to: www.diyphotoorganising.com.au Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out ww.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.

    44 min
  2. 118 | 2025 Recap: Pick Your 12 Favorite Moments

    12/19/2025

    118 | 2025 Recap: Pick Your 12 Favorite Moments

    As the year comes to a close, we’re inviting you to pause and reflect on what truly mattered. In this final episode of 2025, we share a simple, meaningful photo challenge to help you capture the heart of your year in just twelve images. It’s gentle, creative, and surprisingly powerful. Plus, we give you a little sneak peek at what’s coming next for DIY Photo Organising in 2026.    What You’ll Hear in This Episode  A simple end-of-year photo reflection: 12 for ’25 – Your Year in Photos  How to choose one meaningful photo from each month  Ideas for adding words, captions, or reflections to your images  Creative ways to enjoy or share your 12 photos (if you want to)  Easy tools and apps you can use (including a free Canva template)  A preview of our upcoming DIY Photo Organising Course launching in early 2026    Why It Matters  Photo organising isn’t just about clearing clutter — it’s about connection. This episode helps you slow down, notice the moments that shaped your year, and honour them in a way that feels achievable and meaningful. By choosing just twelve photos, you create space for reflection, gratitude, and story — without overwhelm. It’s a beautiful way to close the year and step into the next one with intention.    Mentioned Links  Click here to be notified about the launch of the DIY Photo Organising Course    Click here to access the FREE Canva template to make your own 12 for ‘25 - Your Year in Photos  Related episodes  Episode 008 Create a Yearly Photobook  Episode 012 Fabulous Photo Gift Ideas  Episode 027 Photo Gifts for Christmas  Episode 032 New Year’s Resolutions with your photos  Episode 054 How to Design your 2020 Year Book  Episode 061 Photo Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day  Episode 067 DIY Photo Organising Courses  Episode 082 Planning Photo Projects  Episode 104 Photo Project Ideas and a Real Life Example    If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:    www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or  Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.    *affiliate link

    22 min
  3. 117 | The Hidden Reasons Why You Procrastinate About Your Photos

    11/21/2025

    117 | The Hidden Reasons Why You Procrastinate About Your Photos

    Do you ever look at your photos and think, “I really need to sort these… but not today”?  Whether it’s thousands of images on your phone, boxes of inherited photos, or unfinished photo book dreams — procrastination can sneak up on all of us.  In this episode, we explore the hidden reasons behind photo organising procrastination and why getting started often feels hard. From emotional weight and overwhelm to perfectionism and fear of doing it wrong, we look beneath the surface to understand what’s really going on.  Together, we talk about how procrastination is often a protective response, not laziness — and why your brain might be gently saying, “Not right now,” even when your photos truly matter to you.    What You’ll Hear in This Episode  The psychology of overwhelm: why your photos feel “too big to start” When memories get heavy: how emotion, loss, and life transitions quietly fuel avoidance Perfectionism’s trap: the invisible pressure to get it “right” before you begin Pro-level procrastination moves: the everyday behaviours we all use to delay photo organising The creative side of avoidance: tea-making, pantry-organising, and other classic detours Your nervous system at work: why your brain sometimes says “not today” The mental health lens: how avoidance protects your emotional energy A gentle reflection: uncovering your hidden reason for putting it off   Why It Matters  Knowing why you procrastinate replaces frustration with compassion. Avoidance is often protection. With that awareness, your next steps become clearer and more manageable. Photo organising becomes an act of caring for your memories.     Related Episodes  Episode 003 Golden Rule 2 – Know Your Why  Episode 023 5 Steps to get you Started NOW  Episode 031 What to do with inherited photos  Episode 032 New Year’s Resolutions with your photos  Episode 049 How to Stop Procrastinating about your Photos  Episode 064 Prepare for Emotions  Episode 074 Dealing with photos that are difficult to look at!  Episode 080 5 Essential Photo Management Tips  Episode 106 How to move forward and stop procrastinating  Episode 110 Roadblocks in photo management and how to overcome them  If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:  www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.

    34 min
  4. 116 | How to manage Screenshots on iPhone and Android

    10/31/2025

    116 | How to manage Screenshots on iPhone and Android

    Do you ever scroll through your photos and wonder why half of them are screenshots? From recipes and outfit ideas to reminders and funny memes — they pile up fast! In this episode, we share practical ways to manage screenshots and “reference photos” on both iPhone and Android, so your camera roll stays clear for the memories that truly matter.  We dive into Golden Rule #4: Sort and Organise, focusing on one of the biggest culprits of digital clutter — screenshots and random note-to-self images. Whether it’s a book you want to read, a recipe to try, or a receipt to keep, we’ll show you how to decide what to keep, what to move elsewhere, and what to delete.    What You’ll Hear in This Episode  Why screenshots and reference photos don’t belong in your main photo library  How to find, review, and tidy your screenshots on iPhone and Android  Simple steps to delete or relocate images you want to keep  Where to store screenshots Tips for hiding or securing albums you don’t need in daily view  How to copy text from screenshots instead of saving the image  Quick actions to stop screenshots from cluttering your library in the first place    Why It Matters  Not every photo deserves a permanent spot in your library. By managing screenshots and reference photos with a few simple habits, you’ll keep your collection easier to browse, lighter to manage, and more meaningful to revisit. It’s all about curating the memories that matter most.  Resources Mentioned  Chantal’s Get-It-Done Work Sessions – online co-working sessions to help you stay on top of your photo tasks  Apple Photos Course for iPhone and Mac Users – a 3-session online program for simplifying your photo management    Related Episodes  Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 – Digital Photos) Episode 039 Photos that DON’T belong in a Photo Collection Episode 063 The Magic of Maintenance Episode 087 Transferring Android phone photos to a computer  Episode 115 The AI Evolution of Apple Photos: What You Need to Know    If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:    www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or  Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.    *affiliate link

    1h 5m
  5. 115 | The AI Evolution of Apple Photos: What You Need to Know

    10/10/2025

    115 | The AI Evolution of Apple Photos: What You Need to Know

    From recognising faces to sorting memories, AI is quietly transforming how we interact with our photos. What once felt like a chore can now feel intuitive, even enjoyable, if we understand how to make the most of the tools we already have.  In this episode, we take a fresh look at Golden Rule #4: Sort and Organise, exploring how AI is reshaping the way we manage our digital photo collections, connect with our memories, and tell our stories through images.  Our focus is on Apple Photos, and we’re joined by special guest Paul Einarsen, an expert in helping people organise and share their photos using Apple’s tools.  Together, we unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming photo management within the Apple ecosystem, what’s new, what’s quietly powerful, and how you can work smarter, not harder, to enjoy your photo library.  What You’ll Hear in This Episode  How AI is making it easier to curate and enjoy your photo memories  Apple’s privacy-first approach to processing your photos  Simple ways to get started with People & Pets tagging  How Apple Photos finds and merges duplicates while keeping the best version  Why keywords are becoming less relevant, and captions matter more for storytelling  Seeing your photo collection as a “living document” that evolves with you  How automatic collections can ease photo overwhelm  Practical tips to build enjoyable, sustainable photo-management habits    Why It Matters  AI is changing more than the way we sort photos — it’s reshaping how we connect with our memories. The good news? Your iPhone and Mac already have powerful tools built in. With a little know-how and small, consistent habits, you can keep your photo library organised enough to enjoy, because it’s about reliving memories, not chasing perfection.    Mentioned Links  5 Minute Photos - https://5minutephotos.substack.com/ - Weekly newsletter with tips and insights about photography in 2025 with a focus on the Apple Photos ecosystem.   Bluewater Imaging - https://www.bluewaterimaging.com/ - Consulting, coaching, and done-for-you photo management services.  Bluewater Imaging Photo Workshops - https://learn.bluewaterimaging.com/ - Do-it-yourself online courses for professional photo managers and everyday photographers  New Course - FIND YOUR PHOTOS FAST: How to use the new Apple Photos on iPhone - https://learn.bluewaterimaging.com/p/find-your-photos-fast-using-the-new-apple-photos-on-iphone-1      Related episodes  Episode 004 Golden Rule 3 – Create a Hub  Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 – Digital Photos)  Episode 009 Understanding Photo Metadata Episode 018 Manage your photos using your iPhone  Episode 063 The Magic of Maintenance  Episode 096 The Apple Ecosystem with Paul Einarsen – Blue Water Imaging  Episode 102 Is using only a folder structure outdated?    If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:  www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or  Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.  *affiliate link

    1h 9m
  6. 114 | How 2.1 Trillion Photos are Affecting the Planet and Us

    09/26/2025

    114 | How 2.1 Trillion Photos are Affecting the Planet and Us

    What little choices in your photo habits might make a big difference—for you and the planet?  In this eye-opening episode, Fiona and Chantal delve into the hidden impact of the staggering 2.1 trillion photos expected to be taken in 2025.  Together, we explore the ripple effects of our photo-taking and storing habits—on the environment, our mental wellbeing, and the way we connect with others. With gentle insights and practical tips, this episode encourages you to rethink your relationship with your photo library—from cloud backups to emotional overload, from printing practices to digital clutter.    What You’ll Hear in This Episode  Mind-blowing stats: What 2.1 trillion photos a year really means  The environmental toll of digital storage: cloud servers, cooling systems, e-waste & energy use  The carbon footprint of printed photos (and what to consider before you hit “print”)  The mental load of photo overwhelm: decision fatigue, anxiety, and the myth of “infinite storage”  How photos impact social dynamics and intergenerational storytelling  Practical and sustainable photo management tips to reduce your footprint without losing your memories    Why It Matters  By bringing more intention, sustainability, and self-awareness to our photo habits, we can reduce our impact—on the planet and ourselves—and reconnect with the purpose behind the memories we choose to keep.      Related episodes  Episode 060 How many photos do we really need?  Episode 072 Which 100 photos would you choose to document your life?  Episode 103 Swedish Death Cleaning and Photos with Caroline Guntur – The Swedish Organizer  Episode 109 A Conversation about Legacy, Photos and Life with Nancy Rose – Compass Rose Legacy Foundation    If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:    www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or  Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.    *affiliate link

    45 min
  7. 113 | How to Organise Travel Photos while Travelling - A Peek Behind the Scenes

    09/12/2025

    113 | How to Organise Travel Photos while Travelling - A Peek Behind the Scenes

    How do you keep your photos safe and organised while you travel?  This episode takes you behind the scenes of Chantal’s 12-week family adventure through Europe to share the simple system that kept their photos organised from day one.  What You’ll Hear in This Episode  Pre-trip planning tips – how a little preparation can save you hours later.  The daily photo routine – a quick practice that stopped photo chaos in its tracks.  Managing multiple devices – from four iPhones and two cameras, we explain how it all came together.  Backup strategies that work on the go – because having multiple copies is peace of mind.  What worked (and what didn’t!) – honest lessons learned from real-life travel.  Why It Matters  Organising photos while you travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace of mind.   Related episodes  Episode 002 Golden Rule 1 - Backup  Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 – Digital Photos)  Episode 016 Keep photos safe while travelling  Episode 038 Learn how to take photos you will want to keep - with guest Lauren Sandford  Episode 058 Time to get your Backup sorted!  Episode 087 Transferring Android phone photos to a computer  Episode 090 How to share your family photos using SmugMug  Episode 093 Digital Photo Management on the Go  Episode 112 Photo management resources packed with fabulous ideas      If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!    We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.    If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:    www.diyphotoorganising.com.au     Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or  Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au     If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com * to find help closer to home.    *affiliate link

    30 min
  8. 112 | Photo management resources packed with fabulous ideas

    08/30/2024

    112 | Photo management resources packed with fabulous ideas

    For years, our industry has celebrated September as Save Your Photos Month, dedicated to photo preservation and management. Throughout the month, professionals host free events covering various topics to help you protect and organise your photos. This year, The Photo Managers are thrilled to offer exciting YouTube LIVE events twice a week, along with locally hosted gatherings by professional photo organizers around the globe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive free training and join a fantastic community!  Be sure to sign up here for reminders and updates about upcoming SYPM events. As Fiona completes her studies and final exams, and with Chantal traveling for a few months, our podcast will be on a brief hiatus. We’ll return refreshed early next year. In the meantime, we encourage you to make the most of Save Your Photos Month (sign up for free here) and explore our partners’ courses. Why not take this time to upskill and learn something new to better manage your photos? There’s something for everyone, whether you're looking for a short or a comprehensive course. Check them out here. Mentioned Links SYPM sign up Our partners’ courses Polarsteps Find Penguins Related episodes Episode 002 Golden Rule 1 - Backup Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 – Digital Photos) Episode 006 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 2 – Printed Photos) Episode 007 Golden Rule 5 – Do Something! Episode 008 Create a Yearly Photobook Episode 016 Keep photos safe while travelling Episode 017 What does a Photo Organiser do? Episode 024 Transferring photos from iPhone to Windows PC Episode 026 Will your Photos survive a Disaster? Episode 034 Storytelling with Your Photos with Mara Morrison - The Filing Fairies Episode 037 Exploring Genealogy with Caroline Guntur - The Swedish Organizer Episode 038 Learn how to take photos you will want to keep! with Lauren Sandford- The Eternal Second Episode 045 Questions People Ask 3 How do I add tags in Windows Explorer? Episode 054 How to Design your 2020 Year Book Episode 055 Questions People Ask 7 How do I take memorable Christmas Photos? Episode 056 2021 Trends in Photography Episode 057 Story Jotting with Katie Chambers- Memories to Legacy Episode 058 Time to get your Backup sorted! Episode 067 DIY Photo Organising Courses with Miss Freddy, Adam Pratt and Caroline Guntur Episode 068 Pet Photos Episode 069 Photo traditions to document growth and change Episode 072 Which 100 photos would you choose to document your life? Episode 073 What is Save Your Photos Month? Episode 075 A listener’s photo journey - with Lisa Johnston - listener Episode 082 Planning Photo Projects Episode 088 Expert tips on photo archiving with Kate Jacus - The Photo Curator Episode 094 What’s A Photo Without Story with Hazel Thornton – Organized for Life and Beyond Episode 101 Design Photo Books like a Pro with Libby Jeffery - Momento Episode 102 Is using only a folder structure outdated? Episode 104 Photo Project Ideas and a Real Life Example Episode 109 A Conversation about Legacy, Photos and Life with Nancy Rose – Compass Rose Legacy Foundation If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes! We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects. If you’d like to learn more about us, go to: www.diyphotoorganising.com.au  Fiona Staff’s website: www.photohelper.com.au or Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au  If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home. Some links might be affiliate links

    19 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

We are Certified Photo Organisers passionate about helping others achieve their own photo organising goals. We are here to share our knowledge, in a practical way, to help you complete your own personal photo projects.

Information

  • Creator
    Fiona McLauchlan and Chantal Imbach
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fiona McLauchlan and Chantal Imbach
  • Show Website
    DIY Photo Organising