In the past, storing your photos anywhere but your own hard drive was practically unthinkable. Yet, a rapidly growing number of consumers are electing to store their files on "the cloud". This is a set of servers located anywhere in the world, which stores people's files in exchange for a monthly payment. Consumers can access their photos on any device, from any location with an Internet connection. They don't have to use precious hard drive space to save massive files and programs. And the fees are typically minimal, with some companies even offering a limited amount of server space for free.

While it seems like a modern invention, cloud storage was actually invented all the way back in the 1960s, although usage wasn't popularized until the 2010s. Major companies offering cloud storage include IBM, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. If you've got a massive stock of photos sitting around on your hard drive, cloud storage might be the right option for you. You can store your photos off-site and free up space on your computer or phone, while still having full access to your pictures at any time. Cloud storage also comes with a myriad of sharing features, making it easy to make publishing queries or share your pictures with friends and family.

Should I Sign Up for Cloud Storage?

If you're ready to clear out your hard drive, it's time to do some research and see which cloud storage service is right for you. Some companies like Dropbox offer a limited amount of storage for free--you'll have to pay for extra storage, but it's great if you don't have a large amount of photos to upload. Other companies require a monthly free, but offer massive amounts of space that would take months or even years to fill. Sharing photographs with friends and family members is a breeze, as most cloud services offer pre-made sharing links.

However, if you've got sensitive data or family photos you'd like to keep, you might want to think twice before transferring all your photos and deleting them from your hard drive. Cloud storage companies are just as vulnerable to hacking as any other business--and if your pictures are deleted, they might never be recovered. Likewise, if a company goes bankrupt, they might shut down without warning. Nothing is ever 100% secure, not even your own hard drive; but it's best to keep back-up copies of your most treasured photographs just in case. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is cloud storage secure?

A:  Most cloud storage companies make every effort to keep their users' private data safe and secure. If you're working with a trusted, established company, your pictures won't be viewed by anyone but you and whoever you choose to share them with. However, companies can be hacked or go bankrupt, so it's wise to keep a back-up copy of important files.

Q: How can I access my files once they're on the cloud?

A: You can access your files from virtually any device: your laptop, your phone, your friend's desktop, even a library computer. The advantage of storing files on the cloud is that you can access your pictures anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Q: How many photos can I transfer to the cloud?

A: If you're paying for storage space, you should be able to transfer as many photos as you need. Most companies offer huge amounts of storage space for paying customers. Professional photographers typically store tens of thousands of photos on off-site servers.

Q: Will anyone be able to view or steal my photos?

A. The photos that you upload are 100% private. No one will be able to view them unless you send them the sharing link.

Q: What happens if I want to move or delete my files?

A: You can move, rearrange, and delete your files whenever you'd like. Once you've signed up, you're under no obligation to keep your photos on the cloud. Of course, if you're no longer using the cloud, it's probably wise to drop your subscription.

Q: What happens if I accidentally delete a file?

A: Many cloud services have a "trash can" or "deleted files" section where you can recover deleted files. If you're concerned about actual deletion, make sure you research the company first to make sure it provides this service.

Q: What if the cloud storage company goes bankrupt?

A: Most of the top cloud storage companies have been active for years; but nothing is guaranteed, so if you're worried about losing your files, keep a back-up copy of your most beloved photographs.