The Best Backup Services and Cloud Storage for Photographers | Tips for Keeping Your Files Safe and Organized

October 8, 2025

As a photographer, I can’t imagine anything scarier than losing all of my files. My clients would lose their precious memories and I would definitely never be hired again! It’s taken me years to figure out the best way to keep my files safe and organized, and I want to help you do the same! It takes some getting used to, and I still spend entire days going through old files (from before I had this system down) and putting them into folders. It’s taken some trial and error in terms of the best way to name folders and the easiest way to find the files later. But now, my files are exactly where I need them to be and I know they are safely backed up.

Backblaze and Smugmug are the two main services I use for backup and storage and they are game-changers. I use Backblaze as an online backup system that continuously backs up my external hard drives (all 5 of them and over 23 TB!) and it only costs $99/year for UNLIMITED STORAGE (!!!!!!). The best part is that you can access your files from anywhere and download them directly to your computer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been traveling and realized I forgot to move some files onto my computer to edit. So I just log in to my Backblaze account, download the folder, and I can get straight to work. If one of your hard drives crashes, Backblaze can send you a new one with all of your files on it. When you log into your account, it’s basically a mirror image of your finder window, with all of your hard drives and folders exactly the way they look on your computer (see screenshot below). It’s actually the greatest service ever invented. Use this link to get a month of service from Backblaze for free!

I use Smugmug for all of my client galleries. I upload my edited images straight from Lightroom (using a lightroom plugin) into a gallery and then send the link to my clients. My favorite part about Smugmug is the app, which I use to download images from any of my galleries and upload to instagram, facebook, etc. I have the Portfolio plan which is $246/year and includes UNLIMITED storage. I have wedding galleries up there from 10 years ago that my clients can still access. They can also order prints and other gifts directly from the gallery. Use this link to sign up and get a free 14-day trial! I’m telling you, it’s so worth it. I keep all of my folders on smugmug super organized too, which makes the app even easier to navigate and find files when I’m traveling. See the screenshot below to get an idea of how you can organize your different types of photos!

Honestly, I’m always looking for the most affordable way to run my business (I’m a bit of a cheapskate) and these two services are life-changing to me as a photographer. I’ve spent a lot of hours researching backup services and gallery services, but these two take the cake for me. I’ve been using them both for YEARS and I haven’t had any issues.

After a photo shoot, I come home and upload the files to my hard drives, which are then safely backed up to Backblaze (so if my house burns down with my memory cards AND my hard drives, they are still safe). Then, after I’ve finished editing a shoot, I upload the final images to a Smugmug gallery. My files are then safely in 3 places, 2 of which are online, accessible from anywhere, and safe from a house fire.

In terms of organizing my hard drives, I wanted to share a screenshot sample of my folders. This has proven to be the best way to not lose files and it’s pleasing to look at with my OCD brain. I also scan my film negatives at home, so I keep those files separate from my digital files. Essentially, the format is YEAR>MONTH>PHOTOSHOOT. I also have video files and other things that I make sure to keep separate from my photography.

I hope this helps you find an easy and affordable way to keep your files safe. It can be overwhelming when you first start organizing everything, but it’s so worth it when it’s done. It’s also important to name your files something that you’ll remember, in case you need to find them later. When I export my final images, I make sure to use keywords that I won’t forget. For example, if you took a trip to Florida with your family, you could name the files FloridaFamilyTrip2020. Then, ten years from now you won’t have a hard time finding the images.

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below, I’m happy to help! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this crazy time!

<3 Myles Katherine

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

Contax T2 35 mm Camera Review with Samples Photos | Is the Contax T2 Really Worth the Hype?

June 25, 2023

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Here we go - the famous Contax T2. I was one of the lucky ones and picked up a Contax T2 before they became one of the most sought after point-and-shoot 35 mm cameras out there (thanks a lot, Kendall Jenner)! I think I paid about $500 for one in near mint condition, but now they’re going for anywhere from $750-2000 depending on the condition. The question is -

Is it Worth All of the Hype?

The Contax T2 has a lot of amazing features that many of my other 35 mm point-and-shoot cameras do not have. It has a sturdy and beautiful titanium body, a SUPER sharp and crisp Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 38 mm f/2.8 lens and features such as aperture priority, flash, exposure compensation and manual and automatic focus controls. It has many of the features you’d expect in a larger, professional camera, but is small enough to fit in your pocket. When it first came out in the 1990s, it was created to appeal to the professional and luxury camera market. And personally, I have yet to come across a 35 mm film camera that can create images as sharp as the ones I’ve gotten with the Contax T2. It makes sense that once the secret was out, this camera blew up. There’s a reason all of these celebrities are using this camera and it’s because they want the best and this is it. It automatically makes everything look high fashion and amazing because of the sharp lens. Plus it’s small and inconspicuous, yet beautiful to look at.

But is it Worth the Expensive Price Tag?

Personally, the Contax T2 is a missing a key function that I NEED in a camera - a multiple exposure function. While, yes, you can rewind the film and shoot over the images you’ve already taken, I prefer to have more control over my multiple exposures. Because of this, I don’t end up using the camera very often. It’s just a personal preference that I’ve discovered about myself as a photographer over the years. However, my Contax T2 was having a bit of trouble at one point with the battery connections and would occasionally lock up in the middle of taking a photo. Because of this, I’d shut down and restart the camera and it would accidentally shoot over the same frame, causing accidental double exposures. I’ve included a few of these images below. However, they were not planned and don’t necessarily count as a positive attribute of the camera. Since then, I’ve figured out a loophole for stopping the camera from freezing mid-shot, by pushing down the shutter button very slowly but firmly. I’ve been meaning to send my Contax T2 off for service, but when I discovered that it was a minimum of $400 to repair it, I decided to hold off for the moment (Nippon Photoclinic was the only professional camera repair store I could find that I would trust with my Contax T2). Plus, I don’t really mind these accidental double exposures. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Contax T2 is expensive to repair. The camera itself isn’t getting any younger either, as they were initially released in the early 1990s and are now around 30 years old. The reality is, if you DO want to try this camera out, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. They aren’t going to last forever and in today’s world, they’re probably just going to get MORE expensive. If you’re desperate to try it out, I recommend keeping an eye on the Ebay listings for a few weeks to get an idea of the price point they’re going for. Sometimes, one will pop up that might fly under the radar and end up getting yourself a good deal. You can also set a price watch on Amazon and watch for fluctuations in price. KEH camera also gets them in every once in a while and have a thorough testing and rating system for their used items. Etsy is a great option too!

Would I Purchase a Contax T2 Today?

Probably not. It’s an incredible camera but without a multiple exposure function, it’s hard for me to justify spending that much money on a camera I just wouldn’t use very often. However, I am glad that I had the chance to experience the camera because it is pretty amazing. I love how sharp the photographs are and I especially love how small and easy it is to travel with. It packs a lot into a tiny little camera body. Plus, the titanium body is truly beautiful and makes the camera feel and look expensive when you’re holding it in your hand. As a Japanese camera brand, you can expect attention to detail and quality. Even the protective camera case it comes with feels soft and amazing in your hands. I’ve considered selling my Contax T2 many times, since I don’t get around to using it very often. Even with the battery issues I’ve been having, I could still probably sell it for more than I purchased it for. But there really is something special about the Contax T2 so I’m finding it hard to let it go. If you have the money and are willing to invest, you won’t be disappointed by the camera quality and sharpness of the photographs. Just make sure you get one that doesn’t have any previously known issues and that comes from a reputable seller. I think the Contax T2 is worth all of the hype, as long as you’re not breaking the bank to purchase it. Sure, there are other high end 35 mm cameras out there that are more affordable, but I have yet to come across one that beats the quality of the Contax T2.

Where TO Buy a Contax T2:

35MM FILM RECOMMENDATIONS:

I’ve included a few of my favorite images I’ve taken over the years with my Contax T2. I also posted a review on my YouTube channel, so be sure to check that out too!

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

(click to enlarge images)

5 Reasons to Buy a Polaroid One-Step 600 Camera | Film Photography Review of the Polaroid One-Step 600 Camera

April 13, 2023

(This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.)

I love Polaroid cameras SO much. There’s nothing quite like the immediate satisfaction of watching a photo develop in front of you. The casual, nostalgic mood and the muted tones give Polaroid photos a truly unique vibe that I have yet to experience with any other camera and film combination.

When I began working as a photographer right after college, my dad stumbled across a few of his old Polaroid cameras that his construction company had used years ago to photograph job sites. I did some googling and found a company called The Impossible Project that had started making film that worked with the old Polaroid cameras. I purchased a few boxes of the film and fell in love the second I started using it. Eventually, The Impossible Project officially gained the rights to the Polaroid name, (after going by Polaroid Originals for a while) and can now be found at Polaroid.com.

If you can get your hands on a vintage Polaroid 600 camera from a friend or family member, don’t turn it down! These cameras are actually pretty sturdy and it’s rare that I’ve come across one that doesn’t work. The version I’ve been using for the last few years is the Polaroid One-Step 600 camera but there are dozens of different 600 cameras to choose from. I also used a Polaroid Impulse for a while too! If you don’t have any Polaroids lurking in your parent’s basement or grandma’s house, you can always find them online. Or you can try out Polaroid’s brand new cameras such as the Polaroid Now or Polaroid Go.

CAMERA:

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on Amazon!

Purchase a Polaroid One-Step 600 on eBay!

Purchase a Used Polaroid One-Step 600 on KEH Camera!

Purchase a Polaroid Now or Polaroid Go on Polaroid.com !

FILM:

Purchase 600 film on Amazon!

Purchase 600 film on Polaroid.com!

Tip: Make sure to buy the correct version of the film for your camera, whether that’s 600, SX-70, i-Type or Go film. If it’s listed under “Polaroid Originals”, that’s totally fine - it’s just the name that the company went by before officially becoming Polaroid.

5 reasons to buy a Polaroid 600 Camera:

They are SUPER easy to use!

While these cameras might be old and somewhat intimidating, they are truly one of the easiest cameras out there to use. You slide the film in, pop open the viewfinder, look through and compress the shutter button. That’s it! However, it may take some getting used to when it comes to lighting conditions and film lightness vs. darkness. Most 600 cameras have a slider that allows some exposure control over the film darkness. If you prefer to shoot in bright conditions, I recommend sliding it a little towards the darker side. If you tend to shoot in lower light conditions, I recommend keeping it in the middle position, or sliding it the tiniest bit toward the brighter end.
There is nothing like it.

Polaroids can be used to photograph anything and everything. Somehow, they make even the dullest moment seem memorable and exciting. I particularly love using it for fashion portraits and landscapes, but I also love the way some people use it to document parties or events, as it adds a value of nostalgia and automatically looks like it was taken 30 years ago. I’ve used dozens of cameras over the years, but there is nothing quite like taking a classic Polaroid. It’s also nice to have a physical photograph from your shoot to hang on the fridge or put it in a scrapbook. The magic of printed images slowly diminished after digital photography came around, so there’s something thrilling about having an immediate physical copy of your photograph in your hands.
They are sturdy and long-lasting.

I have yet to stumble across a Polaroid 600 that doesn’t work. I have, however, stumbled across Polaroid SX-70s that don’t work, so I think the 600 version just seems to last longer overall. The version that I use, the Polaroid One-Step, folds up into a square and easily fits inside a camera bag without risking damage to the camera. They are super lightweight and easy to carry around too. Plus, it’s just plain FUN to use the pop-up viewfinder and surprise your friends and family with this unique-looking, vintage camera.
They are affordable.

While, yes, they have gone up in value over the years, they are still relatively affordable compared to other vintage cameras. You can find different versions of the Polaroid 600 camera in the $30-200 range, but even up to $700 depending on the model and rareness of the camera. From Barbie to LEGO to USPS, there are so many different designs and colors to choose from. Once you start delving into the options, it’s nearly impossible to NOT want to start collecting them all.
You could become a better photographer!
I truly believe that using film cameras, especially Polaroid cameras, will force you to be more decisive with your images. Considering the fact that you are paying for every image that you take, your brain will automatically let you know if a moment is worth capturing. Oftentimes, I’ll point my Polaroid at a landscape or building, thinking it will make a good photograph, but once I look through the viewfinder, I ask myself, is it special enough? This means you’ll take less images overall and that the ones you do take, will mean something. Not to mention, you’ll become better at composing your images because you’ll immediately see the results and learn from your mistakes. If you accidentally cropped someone out of the shot, or took the photo a little too crooked or off to the side, you’ll see that up close and personal on your printed Polaroid.