Next month, I’ll be heading to Boston to speak at the annual conference for The Photo Managers and I’m genuinely excited to finally meet so many of their members in person.
Over the years, I’ve connected with quite a few of them online and through social media. And if there’s one thing I already know, it’s this:
They are a truly kind group of people who pour their hearts into helping others protect, organize, and preserve their family memories. And seriously, picture people are just the best people, so I’m beyond excited for this upcoming event.
As someone who has spent 25+ years helping families with photographs — from wedding albums to boxes rescued after Hurricane Ian — I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what professional photo organizers did.
But after becoming a member myself a few months ago, and seeing the absolutely enourmous catalog of education, the available resources and peer assistance, I have to say… I was surprised.
I’ve been part of professional organizations before.
But this one is something more.
The Photo Managers isn’t just a membership — it’s an entire support system for people who want to become (and remain) professional photo organizers.
It’s:
- Education on best practices for handling both print and digital collections
- Ongoing training in an ever-changing tech landscape
- Resources for building a real business
- And maybe most importantly — a network of people you can lean on when you encounter something unusual
And if you’ve ever helped someone with their pictures, you already know:
There is always a new mystery.
A new format.
A damaged album.
A corrupted hard drive.
A shoebox that raises more questions than answers.
Having access to a community of professionals who have likely seen it before — and solved it — is invaluable in this line of work.
With the pace of advancing technology, the world of photo organizing is constantly changing. This group is continually expanding the education and support available to its members so they can confidently help families navigate everything from digital overwhelm to full-scale legacy photo cleanups.
Now that I understand more about what this organization offers, I would absolutely encourage anyone who is considering helping others with their pictures — or even starting a photo organizing business as a side gig — to take a closer look.
In fact, for my photographer friends up north, I think this could be an incredible service to offer during the slower winter months.
Because here’s what I’m seeing every day in my work with picture people:
The need for this service is growing.
We are taking more photos than ever before — and families are realizing that simply having them isn’t the same as preserving them.
From helping with digital file organization to managing a full photo cleanup project, trained Photo Managers are equipped to do it all. If you love this work too, helping people make sense of their memories and protect what matters most, I suggest you check them out.
And of course if you just have boxes of pictures and a mess of digital files and you don’t know what to do with them, also check out their member directory. There are Photo Managers in every region and I’m sure you will quickly find one who can help you.
Click here to find out more about The Photo Managers program and membership.
Click here to find a Professional Photo Manager near you.
And check back to hear all about the 2026 conference!
And if you found this helpful, let’s stay connected!
👉 Want to join the photo organizing CRUISE? YOU are invited to join this fun Picture Person getaway! Check out The Great Photo Voyage and be sure and sign up soon, space is limited!
👉 Grab my free Photo Resource Guide – it’s packed with tools, apps, and simple steps to get started.
👉 Check out my book, Beyond the Storm – a powerful blend of true stories and practical advice for safeguarding your photos.
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