As a photographer and fellow South Floridian, I understand how important your cherished family memories are, especially the ones we've captured together. In the face of hurricane season, it's crucial to ensure that these memories are protected. Here’s a simple guide to help you safeguard your albums, framed photos, and other precious photography items.

1. Prioritize Your Most Valuable Pieces

Before the storm, take a moment to assess which framed portraits and albums are most meaningful to you. Whether it's your wedding album, newborn photos, or those special family moments, make a list of what you'd like to prioritize for protection.

2. Create Digital Backups

If you haven’t already, this is a great time to make sure you have digital backups of all your most treasured images. I offer digital copies of your session, but if you need assistance creating additional backups or organizing your digital gallery, I’m here to help.

Tip: Store your digital copies on a cloud-based service like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. Also, keep an external hard drive with these files stored in a waterproof, fireproof safe.

3. Protecting Your Albums

Photo albums are prone to water damage if not stored properly. Here’s how to keep them safe:

Waterproof Storage: Invest in waterproof containers or bags, like Ziploc Big Bags or waterproof totes, to store your albums. These can help prevent moisture from seeping into the pages.
Elevate: If you're in a flood-prone area, store your albums on higher shelves or in closets to keep them off the floor in case of flooding.
Pre-storm Organization: Keep all your albums in one easily accessible location so you can quickly move them to safety if needed.

4. Protecting Your Framed Photos

Framed portraits can also be vulnerable to water and impact damage during a hurricane. Here’s how to protect them:

Remove and Store: If possible, remove your most valuable framed pieces from the walls and store them in a safe, secure place. Wrap them in bubble wrap or soft cloths and place them in plastic bins.
Seal with Plastic Wrap: For quick protection, consider wrapping framed pieces in heavy-duty plastic wrap or garbage bags to guard against water damage.
Secure on the Wall: If you leave them up, ensure that frames are securely mounted and not in a position where they could fall easily.

5. Insurance Check-Up

Take this opportunity to review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Make sure it covers damage or loss to personal belongings, including photography products. If not, look into adding coverage for your albums and framed photos.

6. Post-Storm Support

After the storm, I can offer assistance if any of your photography products need repairs or replacements. I have access to high-quality printers and framers to restore or reprint your favorite images.

7. Additional Tips

Climate-Controlled Storage: If you’re evacuating and have enough time, consider placing your albums and frames in climate-controlled storage to prevent heat and humidity damage.
Emergency Grab-and-Go Bag: Keep a small, sturdy tote with your most valuable albums and digital backups near your hurricane kit in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Hurricane Preparedness for Your Photography Collection: Albums & Frames Edition