How do you backup your stock photos / illustrations?

I am getting to have a good collection and need a solution that is affordable, but reasonable safe. I am also worried about losing track of all my images. Any advice would be appreciated.

I organize the photos into collections (this is also how I track the uploads). I used to do photo by phot, but this got overwhelming.

I backup to an extrnal 160GB HDD. I going to need more space amazingly soon.

I use two external HDD and rotate them on a weekly schedule. I do daily incrementals and weekly fulls.

I come from an IT background and I can't say enough about backup. I am also looking at getting a fireproof safe to put the off week drive into. It takes years to build this stuff up, PROTECT IT as you would a pile of $100 bills, don't leave it hanging around!


_________________
Multiple Agency Image Search Engine

Can't go past keeping one of your HDDs offsite too. Major catastrophies that destroy whole buildings aren't that uncommon, and although it might put things in perspective if it happens, it'll be a lot easier if you have another copy of your data at a friends house or at the office. It doesn't take much extra effort.

teleworker wrote:

Can't go past keeping one of your HDDs offsite too. Major catastrophies that destroy whole buildings aren't that uncommon, and although it might put things in perspective if it happens, it'll be a lot easier if you have another copy of your data at a friends house or at the office. It doesn't take much extra effort.

While I know I should do this, I have 50+ DVDs of backups. It is a little daunting to duplicate each one and find a friend that won't start selling my stuff on the side Heck I'm not sure I'd trust my own mom with my images.

How good is your Mom at cracking encryption?

Excellent suggestion

I am actually thinking of getting a fire safe. While not the best solution, I really don't have anyone close to store things with.

With encryption and an offsite copy I'd think you'd save the cost of the fireproof safe. Then again, if your backup media cost (like a 300gig external drive) costs more than the safe, by the safe.

Glenn Rogers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designer of DBGallery: Photo Database System
www.GRRSystems.com/DBGallery
[email protected] Skype: travelster6611
"DBGallery, the center of your photo software toolset."
"It's like having your personal stock agency at home."

travelster wrote:

With encryption and an offsite copy I'd think you'd save the cost of the fireproof safe. Then again, if your backup media cost (like a 300gig external drive) costs more than the safe, by the safe.

You can pickup really small safes that will hold 30 DVDs through a household fire (30mins I think) for like $30 at Walmart. Haven't done this, but a friend picked one up for this purpose.


_________________
Multiple Agency Image Search Engine

I'd want something that protected in the case of the house completely burning down! Most other things in the house can be replaced, even money. Our photo collection cannot and are generally one of the most irreplaceable precious things we possess.

travelster wrote:

I'd want something that protected in the case of the house completely burning down! Most other things in the house can be replaced, even money. Our photo collection cannot and are generally one of the most irreplaceable precious things we possess.

Believe me when I say that a house burns down normally much less than 30 minutes, these safe are rated at like 2200 degrees normally and 30-60mins is plenty of time for something that hot to burn.

I am not trying to be sick here, but it sounds like a short time, but they really are meant to protect things while the house burns down. Maybe "household fire" should have been "house fire"

This is not a sales pitch and I am new to selling stock photos but I just read this post about backups and I just setup my account for online backup.

Unlimted backups for $50/yr

Here is my link. Do there 15 day trial and it works great. Full disclousre. The link is for my affiliate, if u sign up I get a free month Yippy.

http://www.carbonite.com/

Admin Edit: No referral link, you can link to your homepage/blog with referral links there.