Hey Love, today’s episode is a heavy one and we are not sorry about it. Valerie and Adeline are pulling back the curtain on something that happens wayyy more than the industry likes to admit: DATA LOSS.
This episode is part cautionary tale and part behind-the-scenes look at what actually goes into protecting your photos and videos from the moment the shutter clicks to the moment your gallery lands in your inbox. Spoiler: it is a lot more than just plugging in an SD card and hoping for the best.
They also get personal and share their own data loss story, including a crashed SSD, a very understanding couple, a $2,000 quote from a big box store, and how PPA insurance saved the entire situation for only $100. Listen to this episode if you are considering a budget photographer or if you are a photographer curious about how to prevent data loss and maintain an amazing client experience.
What You’ll Learn
- Why budget photography comes with budget-level data protection, and what that actually means for your memories
- What a dual-slot camera is, why it matters, and why it is the first thing you should ask any photographer before booking
- How Valerie and Adeline back up every single session, including SD card hibernation, multiple hard drives, a fireproof safe, and cloud delivery
- Why storing a backup on the same hard drive as your original is a very bad idea
- What data recovery actually looks like, including hazmat suits, specialized labs, and only a handful of facilities in all of North America
- Why PPA membership is one of the most important investments a photographer can make, and what it covers beyond just gear insurance
- The exact questions you should ask any photographer or videographer before handing over your booking deposit
- What a responsible photographer does when something goes wrong, including how to communicate with clients, when to involve a law team, and whether a reshoot or refund is the right call
This Episode Is For You If…
- You are in the middle of booking a photographer or videographer and you had no idea data loss was even something to ask about.
- You chose or are considering a budget photographer and want to understand the risks you may be taking on.
- You want a concrete list of questions to vet any vendor before signing a contract.
- You have ever panicked trying to find your own wedding photos or videos years after the fact.
- You are a photographer or videographer who has been a little too casual about how you back up client galleries.
- You just want to feel confident that the people you hire actually have a plan if something goes sideways.
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