Summer is here, bringing with it vacations, family gatherings, and countless photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring new cities, or simply enjoying a backyard BBQ, capturing these memories is a must. Here are some tips to make sure you’re making the most of your family photos this summer.

Tip #1: Favorite Your Photos Daily

This simple habit helps you keep track of the best shots and makes organizing your photos later much easier. If you want to make this even more fun and efficient, consider switching phones with family members (spouse or adult children are ideal) and favorite each other's photos! This is a delightful way to see how each of you captured different moments, or the same moment but in a different way. It’s also WAY easier to pick favorites from other people’s photos because we are more objective. I do this with my husband’s photos, and it is fun and easy. Just remember that doing this on a consistent basis is important. Ideally you would do it daily, but if you can't commit to that, go for weekly. It's an easy habit to create and can be done while standing in line, waiting for your laundry to finish, etc.

The reason this is so important is that when it comes time to finding your best images, either for a particular project, or just because, you will have already done most of the work. Even if you just have a favorites album and no other digital albums at least your favorite images are all in one place!

Tip #2 Delete the Duds Along the Way

As you go through your photos, delete the obvious duds and the “very similar but not as good” variations. This keeps your photo library clutter-free and ensures you’re left with only the best memories. Many people get stuck here, because there isn't one "perfect" shot, or because they can't decide which photo is actually better. Go with your gut - if you have even a slightly stronger emotional reaction to one rather than another, that's the one to pick. Don't overthink it. And here's the good news - if you can't bear to throw anything away, refer to tip #1. Pick one or two favorites from a series. Worst case scenario for all you photo hoarders (and admittedly I'm kind of one myself) is that you end up paying a little more for storage. It's worth it.

Tip #3 Clean your Front and Back Camera Lenses

Do your photos every seem hazy or dull? It may just be because of dust, grime or fingerprints on your lens. Use a soft, clean cloth (even a t-shirt can work) to gently wipe the lenses, and see the difference it makes!

Tip #4 Capture Candid Moments

While posed photos are wonderful, getting your kids to cooperate and pose for you can be...challenging! The truth is that candid shots often capture the true essence of your family's summer experiences. Keep your camera or phone handy to snap spontaneous moments. These candid shots often turn out to be the most cherished ones, showing genuine emotions and interactions.

Tip #5 Use Burst Mode for Action Shots

Summer activities often involve a lot of movement. Whether it’s kids playing in the pool or a family member trying out a new sport, use the burst mode on your camera or phone to capture action shots. This mode takes a series of photos in quick succession, allowing you to choose the best one later. The photo below is an example - I took a burst of 9 photos and chose this one, when both kids have great expressions.

Tip #6 Backup Your Photos Regularly

With all the photos you’ll be taking, it’s crucial to make sure you have a good backup system in place. Ideally, you should have images backed up in THREE places. A good backup system prevents the heartbreak of losing precious photos due to a lost or damaged device, or to unforeseen digital mishaps.

Tip #7 Create a Photo Album

At the end of the summer, take some time to create a photo album. Whether it’s a physical album or a digital photo book, compiling your favorite photos in one place is a fantastic way to revisit the best moments of summer. Plus, it makes for a great family keepsake that will keep the memories alive long term.

Tip #8 Share Your Photos

Share your favorite photos with family and friends. There are so many ways to do this, from creating prints, postcards, printed albums, and much more. Hot tip: start thinking about holiday gifts for friends and family! You can share images digitally, by creating shared albums, sending photos via text, or using social media to let others enjoy your summer moments. This not only helps you keep in touch with loved ones but also allows you to see their summer experiences too.

Taking time to curate and secure our important photos can feel laborious, but small steps and habits are the key, and your future self, and (hopefully!) your children will thank you for it.