Today, I want to show you my back up system and what I lovingly refer to as my command center. Basically its my desk and a little side shelf full of things that make my business run. I will show you my workflow boards in another post, but they also play a vital role!
So there it is. Whats in that little corner? First, my filing cabinet. I have already shown you how I file things, so we wont go into that again. But thats where they are! I also have a TO DO folder on top of that. I check it at the end of the day. Jared is the primary person who puts things in there for me. He does all of my accounting, inventory, bookkeeping, mailings, and deposits. So, he normally has lots of little tasks for me to keep up on! I am not unaware of how lucky I am to have a partner that actually enjoys helping me this way!
But, what else is over there? Backup, Printer, DVDs, Stapler, Pencil Sharpener, All Cords, and a couple other small things. Lets talk Backup…
First up: Time Machine. This is your #1 neccessity. Dont start work without it on. Second is my RAW file backup hard drive. This drive only has RAW files. Inside its set up this way, extra info in paratheses:
June 2012-Present Wedding Client RAW Images
-20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie
–20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie RAW (My Images)
—20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie RAW SS (2nd Shooter Images)
-20120609 Wedding Trace and Natalie
–Etc…
Next is Client Catalogs, which is set up this way:
June 2012-Present Wedding Client Catalogs
-20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie
–20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie RAW (My Images)
—20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie RAW SS (2nd Shooter Images)
—-20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie LIKE (My Culled/Starred Images)
—–20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie CD (Edited Images)
——20120602 Wedding Matt and Stephanie BLOG (BlogStomped Images)
So, as you can see, now RAW files are backed up twice. Also, even further in the LIKE folder. Those are the images I have starred and will appear on the CD.
Then there is the Catalog Copy. It is an exact replica of the Catalog Drive. I also have BackBlaze running at all times, and the CD files are backed up on the online gallery, SmugMug. Now, lets count them! Time Machine (I count this even though its not easily accessible to me, it is so a Mac Genius), RAW Files, Client Catalog, Client Catalog Copy, BackBlaze, and SmugMug. RAW Files are backed up 5 times in different locations. LIKED Files are backed up 4 times in different locations. CD Files are backed up 5 times in different locations. BLOG Files are backed up 4 times in different locations.
Once the ENTIRE Catalog is backed up, I delete the files off my desktop.
I really hate cord clutter, and this was our solution. There are just SO many cords in a small space, regular cord corrals were not going to work. We cut a hole in the back a fabric bin I had, ran the power strip cord out the back and we dump all the cords in the bin. Its open on top so it never gets too warm.
There you have it! My command center! Thoughts? Do you have a command center, or am I just an organizational junkie? Ask any questions you have in the comments, and I will answer ya!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
What exactly are you using to back up off your desktop? Those silver things stacked to the side…what are they called?
Whew! You’ve done it again. Making me question everything I do, because it’s not nearly this organized! Haha. So, do you like having the different hard drives like that, as opposed to Drobo that has the different drives, but altogether? I’m just getting ready to purchase a Drobo, but now I’m curious as to whether it’s the best choice!
@Jessica This is exactly what I use: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MEAQ7H20TB64/ Its a super quality drive, and its protected, aka not the kind you have to handle on the outer edges, etc… It also comes with the super fast wire connections, FireWire 800!
you are ORGANIZED! and I love it!
@Tori Im kind of against the Drobo, because as I understand it, it is several thousand dollars and you have the ability to put in a crappy drive. But, I dont have a comprehensive knowledge of Drobo. I like the separate drives because it gives me the ability to take 1 with me if I really needed to, and its protected. The drive is inside the metal container. Also, these drives are quality, like top notch. Do you know anyone that is a computer nerd that could do some more research for you? That jargon is so foreign to me!
I’ve heard not-so-great things about the Drobo, and it seems EXCESSIVELY expensive for doing pretty much the same thing you’ve got going here. I really need to reexamine my back-up system- you’ve got a good thing going on here!
You are so organized I can’t even handle it!! You would be ashamed of my workspace/organizational skills! I need to take lessons!!
I’m inspired to organize!
Hey Lauryn
Where do you store your memory cards in your office? Do you have each card labeled a certain way?
Thanks!
@Branden I actually keep them in the Pixel Pocket Rocket by Think Tank, inside the Pelican Carrier. I try to keep all my gear in there because its safer! Hope that helps!
hello lauren! I absolutely LOVE your blog and your work:) I was wondering do you use your memory cards once per shoot or when you back up your files do you delete them off your camera? I know some photogs keep the cards in their client files but that can get pricey. Hope all is well:)
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