You just wrapped an incredible wedding. The light was perfect, the couple was glowing, and the gallery? Some of your best work.
But if your backup system isn’t solid, it’s one corrupted card away from disappearing. Here’s how to keep every image safe – without overcomplicating things.
Photographers don’t lose galleries because they’re careless –
they lose them because they assumed everything was fine.
1. Shoot to two cards
Use mirror mode (not overflow) and shoot RAW to both. Instant backup from the start.
2. Back up right away
No “I’ll do it tomorrow.” As soon as you're home, card in, drive plugged, backup running.
3. Stick to the 3–2–1 rule
Keep 3 copies of your data
On 2 different types of devices
And 1 stored off-site (cloud or otherwise)
4. Stay organized
Use a clear folder structure like:
/Clients/Weddings/2024_09_Anna&Ben/RAW
No more “final_final_really_final(3)” chaos.
5. Don’t format cards too soon
Triple-check your backups. Then format.
6. Cloud is a must
Drives fail. Cloud storage doesn’t. Use whatever works – just use it.
7. Test your system now
Try restoring a past gallery. Better now than when something’s gone.
Photographers don’t lose galleries because they’re careless – they lose them because they assumed everything was fine.
Back up as seriously as you shoot.
