A New Career: Photo Organizing

There are lots of jobs today that didn't exist years ago.  It might be hard to remember but once upon a time, we didn't have internet!  There were no jobs in website design or SEO optimization.  People didn't make money blogging.  We used to go to a bookstore to buy books...now we have Amazon and Kindle.  And whatever did we do without all the apps that we now use on a daily basis?!  Who would have ever thought there would be such a thing as an app designer?

New industries create new opportunities.   

Digital technology has played its part in creating a new industry: photo organizing.  Years ago, we used film, took our pictures on rolls of 24 or 36, and our biggest decision was whether to print singles or doubles.  Now not only do we have boxes of those old printed photos lying around, but we also have digital photos all over our computer, home movies in obsolete formats, stacks of memorabilia and children's artwork, and usually no clear plan of what to do with it all!

Enter the personal photo organizer.  A personal photo organizer helps their clients find solutions for their photo management needs.  Whether its helping organize printed and/or digital photos, scanning, backing up, creating keepsake photo books, wall art and photo gifts, or converting old media to newer formats, a personal photo organizer is there to help you make sure you enjoy your memories today and leave a legacy for future generations.

Will people really pay to have someone help with their photos?  Yes, they will.  I know this firsthand, because I was a photo organizer, before I came on board at the Association of Personal Photo Organizers as a Training Specialist.  Our membership is growing rapidly and that is a direct result of the need for this service.  Consumers today are more overwhelmed with their photos than ever before and are looking for solutions for managing and protecting their photo collections.

This growing need is further evidenced by the turnout that I had at two recent presentations I did at area libraries called Got Photos, Home Movies and Memorabilia?  Get Organized!  In both presentations, I had audiences of over 40 people, and spent about an hour answering questions afterwards!  At my last presentation, two photo organizers attended, and not only helped with the questions afterwards, but also handed out countless business cards as well.

If you're the family historian in your family, like making photo books and gifts, or simply enjoy helping others with their photos, you may want to consider a career in photo organizing.  Perhaps you already have an existing business in the field of professional organizing, move management, genealogy or digital scrapbooking.  Consider adding photo organizing to the services you offer your clientele.

APPO offers certification, training, marketing support, and access to preferred providers offering an additional income stream, among other benefits.  If you'd like to learn more, Cathi Nelson, the Founder of the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (APPO) is offering a free informational webinar on this growing industry and the top ten benefits of APPO membership.  This 30 minute presentation will include an interactive time for questions and answers.  Click on the link at the top of my blog for more information on dates/times.

Helping clients get their photos and stories back into their lives is both meaningful and rewarding.  If this sounds like it might be of interest to you, register for a webinar.  You might just find a new career opportunity in a new industry!