Photos Live Twice: A Photographer's Guide to Organizing with Purpose
There's an old saying in photography that photos live twice - once when they're taken, and again when they're printed. This simple idea has completely transformed how I approach organizing my photography library. In a world where we can take thousands of digital photos without cost, having a clear principle for what to keep has become more valuable than ever.
The Print Test: A Filter for What Matters
Every time I return from a shoot or travel adventure, I face the same challenge you probably do: hundreds (sometimes thousands) of photos to sort through. Rather than getting overwhelmed by complex rating systems or endless folders, I ask myself one simple question: "Would I print this?"
This question cuts through the noise immediately. It makes you consider:
Does this image move me emotionally?
Is it technically good enough for print?
Will it still matter to me in a year?
If the answer is no, I don't need elaborate systems to organize it. It probably doesn't need to be taking up space in my library at all.
The Selection Process
First Viewing: Fresh Eyes
When I first import photos, I do a quick pass through them with fresh eyes. This initial viewing is crucial - it's when you remember exactly what you were trying to capture. I'm looking for:
Images that immediately make me stop scrolling
Photos that captured the moment I envisioned
Technical successes (focus, exposure, composition)
I mark these potential keepers, but I don't delete anything yet.
Second Viewing: The Test of Time
After a few days, I return for a second look. It's amazing how time changes your perspective. Photos that seemed interesting in the moment might feel redundant now. Others you initially overlooked might suddenly shine.
This is when I apply the print test rigorously. For each photo marked as a potential keeper, I ask:
Would I actually print this and display it?
Would I include it in a photo book?
Would I want to share this with someone in physical form?
My Organization System
My folder structure is intentionally simple because I'm only keeping the best images. Here's how I organize:
Photos/ └── 2024/ ├── 01_January/ │ ├── Print_Ready/ │ └── Working_Files/ └── 02_February/ ├── Print_Ready/ └── Working_Files/
Each month gets two folders:
Print_Ready: Contains final edited versions ready for printing
Working_Files: Original files of print-worthy photos and their edits
Living the "Photos Live Twice" Philosophy
This approach has changed not just how I organize photos, but how I shoot them. When you're thinking about printing while shooting, you:
Become more intentional with each frame
Focus on creating significant images
Spend less time managing files
Actually do something with your best work
The digital era has made it easy to accumulate thousands of photos we'll never look at again. By using the "would I print this?" test, we bring back the intentionality of film photography while keeping the advantages of digital.
Practical Tips for Getting Started
Start with new photos first. Don't overwhelm yourself trying to reorganize your entire library at once.
Be honest with yourself about what you'd actually print.
Remember that "printing" doesn't just mean large wall art - it could be:
Photo books
Small prints for albums
Gifts for friends and family
Set aside regular time to review and organize your photos while they're fresh.
Consider actually printing your selected photos - remember, they're meant to live twice!
Conclusion
Photography is about creating memories and art that last. By organizing our photos with printing in mind, we ensure we're keeping what truly matters. It simplifies our digital lives while encouraging us to create more meaningful images.
The next time you're overwhelmed with photos to organize, just ask yourself: "Would I print this?" The answer will tell you everything you need to know.
