She sent me a family website that her relatives had created, documenting the history of the Sergeant family back to the 1700s. Her mother’s first cousin and other family put a lot of time into researching and building it.

It’s an impressive website and is public – check it by clicking here.

One section of the site, called “Raymond’s Homestead,” is about Dolores’s grandfather—her mother’s father. The photos (including the one above) featured there . . . Dolores provided them.

Those photos weren’t just sitting in her family photo collection anymore—they became part of a bigger story. They helped add context to her grandfather’s life and gave others a way to connect with that piece of family history.

It wasn’t about doing everything. It was about contributing something meaningful.

The Family Tree

On the website, there’s a link to a family tree, and Dolores showed me where she and her cousins fall within the 8th generation. It might seem like a small detail, but seeing where you fit in a family tree can create a stronger sense of connection.

It helps you understand how you’re related to others, strengthens family bonds, and often brings a sense of belonging that’s hard to explain. Names become people. People become connected. And suddenly, the family feels a little smaller—in a good way.

Because here’s what I see often:

People feel like they have to finish organizing everything before their photos are useful.

But that’s not really how it works.

Sometimes, just having your photos organized well enough to share them when it matters… is enough.

That’s what Dolores did.

She had the photos. She kept them safe. And when the opportunity came, she was able to contribute them in a meaningful way.

That’s a win.

Photos Don’t have to Be Perfectly Organized

And it’s a good reminder that your photos don’t have to be perfect or fully completed to matter. They can still play an important role in your family’s story—just as they are.

So if you’ve been putting off organizing your photos because it feels like too much…

Maybe the goal isn’t to finish everything… but to be ready when family needs the pieces you have in your collection.

Here are three simple steps you can take today:

1. Find one set of meaningful photos
Look for a small group—maybe a grandparent, a family home, or a special memory.

2. Add a little context
Write down what you know. Names, places, or even a quick note is enough.

3. Share it with one person
Send it to a family member or add it to a shared space. That one step turns your photos into part of your family’s story.

That’s how it starts.

Not with perfection… just with being ready.

Are you looking for direction, motivation or even actual assistance to continue on the journey of saving your family photos?  Click here to schedule a call with us to learn how we can help.

The Definition of Organize

To organize is to arrange or put things in a systematic order, making them neat and structured. However, I recently received an email mentioning a trend of not organizing stuff, just putting it in a big pile and using a powerful tool to search for it. Well, searching for photos doesn’t work as well as one might hope.

Our System for Organizing Photos

Print Photos

For print photos, we organize them into batches using three sorts:

1. Decade: We first sort by decade.
2. Year: Then, we take the decades and sort them into years.
3. Month: Finally, we sort the years into months.

This results in little batches of pictures in chronological order. These batches are then scanned, and you end up with decade folders on your computer, with years inside and months and special events inside the years.

Digital Photos

Digital photo organization involves many moving parts, from old camera cards to external hard drives, pictures on your computer, and, of course, your phone pictures. We teach a chronological organization for digital photos as well.

We use two main folders:

1. Photos to Organize: Anything not organized goes here.
2. Master Family Photos: Cleaned-up folders end up here.

Other Methods of Organizing Photos

Some people prefer organizing by person, topic, or theme. For example:

• Folders for each family member.
• Folders for different holidays.
• Folders based on how or by whom the photos were taken (e.g., smartphone photos, DSLR photos, photos from an iPad).

For print pictures, some organize chronologically by person or keep pictures based on the album they came from.

Tools and Apps for Photo Organization

You can use apps on your phone, programs on your computer, or cloud storage sites for organizing photos.

Phone Apps:

• iPhone Users: Photos app, which syncs with iCloud.
• Android Users: Google Photos.

Both apps organize photos chronologically and have powerful search features. However, they also include all the junk pictures, which is why we prefer separating and preserving family photos.

Photo Management Programs:

• Examples: Mylio, Photoshop Elements, Forever Historian.
• These involve importing pictures, editing, and exporting them for sharing. However, maintaining the collection can be challenging if you don’t keep up with the program regularly.

Cloud Storage Sites:

• Examples: Forever, SmugMug.
• We recommend organizing photos before uploading them to cloud storage to avoid the annoyance of scrolling through thousands of pictures online.

Why We Use Folders on Our Computer

Using a computer is the fastest way to organize pictures, from copying to moving to de-duplicating. Having a concrete folder structure organized chronologically helps you know exactly where your pictures are. If you want to organize by topic or person, you can use tags, facial recognition, and other methods.

Conclusion

Organizing photos chronologically in folders makes sense to us because it keeps family events together, ensuring the whole event story is preserved. Once your folders are set in the Master Family Photos folder, you can upload them to Forever to enjoy and share your beautiful collection of moments. Want to learn more? Watch our YouTube video on this subject.

What do you think? Does organizing photos in folders chronologically make sense to you, or do you prefer a different method? Email us at contact@pixologieinc.com.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would rather not do it yourself, we would love to help. Click here to schedule an appointment with us, and we’ll see what we can do for you.

Cheers!

The Pixologie Team

We referred to our work as simply “Photo Organizing” years ago. However, we transitioned to calling it “Creating a Photo Estate” for several reasons. This term gives a clear direction and purpose to the task, making it easier to understand the job and tasks that need to be done.

Definition of a Photo Estate:

A printed or digital collection of photos, film, video, documents, and memorabilia organized in a manner that allows another person or persons to view the photos, learn about the lives documented, and be impacted by the legacy of those people.

What’s in a Photo Estate?

Creating a photo estate is not just about organizing photos; it’s about preserving memories and honoring the lives of those who came before us. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of documenting our history. However, by taking the time to create, we can ensure that our family’s legacy lives on for generations to come.

There are four primary components:

1. Printed Photos: Organize and curate old printed photos in albums, envelopes, boxes, etc., and scan them for digital preservation.
2. Old Media: Save VHS tapes, reel-to-reel film, audio tapes, and memorabilia documents.
3. Digital Photos: Gather digital photos stored on various devices and save them in a centralized location on your computer.
4. New Photos: Continuously add new photos to preserve recent memories alongside older ones.

We Can Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task, here are some options for you:

• Get Our Roadmap: Our roadmap lays out the steps and will help you navigate the process.
• Schedule a Call: Book a consultation with us to discuss your specific needs and challenges.
• Hire Us: Hire us to organize your photo collection for you and create your photo estate.

Conclusion

Creating a photo estate is a meaningful way to preserve family memories and honor the legacy of loved ones. Don’t let the task overwhelm you—take it one step at a time and consider seeking assistance if needed. Start creating today and ensure that you preserve your memories for generations to come.

Your photo collection is a treasure trove of moments, milestones, and memories. But over time, it’s easy for those memories to become buried beneath piles of unorganized photos, forgotten albums, and outdated formats.

At Pixologie, we provide photo estate services & education so you can get your photos organized, curated, and preserved to enjoy today and pass on to future generations. Our system has helped countless people figure out where to start with their photo collections.

Spring Cleaning Bundle 

During our Spring Cleaning Event, we’re offering a Special Bundle for only $1250. This bundle includes:

• 16 hours of photo estate services OR $1500 of digitization services or a combination of both (to be used by the end of the year)
• One year of access to our exclusive PIX PLAN Community where you can get monthly assistance on your photo projects (Value – $149)
• Overall – a $400 savings!

This is your chance to strengthen your archived memories and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a beautifully organized photo collection, knowing it is saved and preserved for future generations.

Lock in Current Rates Before They Increase

With rates set to increase on April 1, 2024, now is the perfect time to take advantage of our Spring Cleaning Bundle and lock in our current pricing. After four years without a rate adjustment, the time has come for us to adjust our pricing.  But don’t worry – you can lock in our current rates by taking advantage of our Spring Cleaning Event bundle.

Click here to learn more our Spring Cleaning Bundle offer – SORRY NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Visit Pixologieinc.com today to learn more and book your appointment. Let’s make this spring a season of fresh memories and organized photo collections!

Why Pixologie?

At Pixologie, we’ve seen the joy families have when reliving their best moments after their photos, videos, memorabilia and more have been saved properly. We treat each project as part of a photo estate with a hands on approach, care, and providing education to start saving their memories.

Debby starts creating her family photo estate by letting us digitize her family’s films, videotapes, and over  500 slides. While watching her family’s old films, she realized how important it was to preserve these memories, they are priceless.

What Debby Recommends to Others

“I recommend you a thousand percent.” Debby said the investment was well worth it and entrusting your family memories to professionals like Pixologie is a decision you won’t regret.

Debby plans to share these memories with her family by giving them USB drives, one for her brother, one for herself, and share the rest with her parents.

We also helped her understand how to use the USB drive to watch on her TV as well as edit the videos on her computer.

Wrapping Up

Preserving your family memories is important. Don’t wait for tomorrow, start saving them today. It’s the best way to keep your family’s love and stories alive. And a big thank you to Debby for sharing your thoughts and entrusting us with your family photo estate! You can watch the full video here:

Need help creating your family photo estate? Consider hiring us to create a photo estate for you! Call us at 414-731-1881 or email us at contact@pixologieinc.com to learn more.

Click this link for more information about our slide transfer services.

Types of Slides

There are many different slide formats, so let’s check out the different types of photo slides and learn what makes each one different!

• 35mm – The 35mm slide was one of the most common in family collections and commonly used since the 1930s.
• Half Frame 35 mm Slide –  The 35mm half frame format reduced the standard 35mm slide size by half.
• 126 Slide – Kodak introduced the 126 slide in the 1960s and was easy to load and use.
• 127 Slide – Kodak produced another type of slide, and this one was also a perfect square, but it filled the frame more than the 126 format. They started making this format way back in 1912, and they kept making it until 1995.
• 127 Superslide – The 127 superslide was larger than the 126 format, which offers better image quality.
• 110 Slide – Developed by Kodak in 1972, designed for pocket-sized cameras. While they may not have offered the highest image quality, they were convenient for capturing quick snapshots.
• Mini 110 Slide – The miniature 110 is the same size as the 110, just in a smaller holder. These small slides were popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
• 120 Medium Format – The 120 slide format was introduced by Kodak in 1901 for the release of their Brownie No. 2 camera. These slides were larger and could be in a cardboard holder or a metal frame.
• Stereo Slide – Stereo slides, also known as 3D slides, contained two slightly different images, one for each end, to create a 3D effect when viewed with a stereoscope.
• Large Format – Large format slides were rare and used by professionals for maximum image quality.

For more in-depth information on rare slide formats, click this link to check out this comprehensive guide from Photo Managers.

Viewing Options

Now that you’ve learned about the different slide formats, it’s time to consider how you want to view these slides. Here are a few options:

• Use Smartphone: Place the slide on top of your phone screen and easily view them using a magnifying glass.
• Light Board: Using a light board is a simple and effective way that allows you to view your slides with clarity.
• Slide Projector: Some choose to create a mini slide show by using a projector. It’s a delightful way to relive the past and select the slides you want to save.

Preparing for Digitization

As you go through your slides, get them ready for digitization. Here’s how you can make the process:

• Organize Chronologically: Slides often contain information, such as dates, indexes inside the carousel box, and more. Organize them chronologically.
• Create Batches: While going through your collection, create batches of slides that are similar or from the same period.
• Remove Repetitive: As you organize, remove any repetitive slides or those that are landscapes with nothing recognizable.

Want to learn more about slides and how to get your slides digitized? Click here to see a video on slide formats and for do-it-yourself tips.

Once you have your slides digitized, remember to save the digital files in your Master Family Photos folder on your computer and have them backed up in two places to preserve your memories and ensure they are ready to be enjoyed today and passed on to future generations.

The most important part is to start today because tomorrow may be too late to relive and share the memories with your family.

At Pixologie, we passionately preserve your cherished memories and happily share some exciting news. Our trusted partner in online permanent photo storage, Forever, Inc., is opening a brand-new digitization center just two hours north of us in Green Bay. As your Forever ambassador, we invite you to this fantastic facility’s Open House. Please know that we value your memories, regardless of where you choose to digitize them.

Our Partnership with Forever, Inc.

For years, Pixologie has been a proud ambassador for Forever, Inc., offering you a reliable and secure platform to store your photos and memories online, ensuring they are protected for generations to come. Many of you have taken advantage of Forever’s digitization services, and we are absolutely fine with that – in fact, we encourage it!

When you use Forever Digitization Services, not only do you get the benefit of their high-quality service and competitive prices, but we do receive a commission on your purchases. This helps supports our photo organization and photo estate services and education. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Forever’s Digitization Services Center – New & Exciting!

We’re thrilled to announce Forever, Inc.’s new digitization center, a great expansion of their old digitization site located nearby. This state-of-the-art facility houses the latest technology and a dedicated team of experts committed to preserving your memories with care and precision. Some have wondered if they really a competitor to Pixologie and our services.

Your Choice, Your Memories

At Pixologie, we understand that every client has unique needs and preferences. That’s why we wholeheartedly support your freedom to choose the digitization services that work best for you. Whether you decide to take advantage of Forever digitization services or stick with Pixologie, we are here to ensure your memories are preserved in the best possible way. Here’s the differences:

Shipping to Forever:

• Cost-effective option especially with their sales
• May take a bit longer, but quality is assured
• Pixologie still receives a commission, supporting our commitment to providing our clients with education on photo organization and photo estate services.

Using Pixologie:

• Faster turnaround time and quality is assured
• Personalized service tailored to your preferences
• Your memories, your way

Join Us at the Open House

Again, we invite you to join us at the Open House for Forever, Inc.’s new digitization center. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see their cutting-edge facility and meet their passionate team. We’ll be there, too, meeting their team, learning about their services and enjoying some refreshments as well!

Date & Time: Thursday, October 5, 6-8 pm

Address:  Forever Digitization Center – 4970 Founders Terrace, Hobart, Wisconsin, 54155

Click on the image to download a copy of the flyer!

If you haven’t registered for a free 2GB online FOREVER account, click here and you’ll receive a $20 coupon to use towards your first purchase.

You might not even know what to do with the digital files once you receive them on a USB drive or through a download link. So before you make a decision, let’s explore a better alternative that will help you preserve and save your memories. 

What is a Photo Estate?

 A photo estate is a printed or digital collection of photos, film, video documents, and memorabilia organize and curate in a manner that allows others to view them, learn about the lives documented, and be impacted by the legacy of those people that came before. 

Comparing Legacybox and Photo Estate

Let’s dive into the comparison of Legacybox and Photo Estate in four key areas: organization, digitization, preservation, and cost.

1. Organization: Legacybox scans your media based on the order you label it, resulting in disorganized memories. On the other hand, photo estate carefully organize your photos, films, and videos into neat and easily accessible batches. We take the time to understand your family and create a personalized organization system.
2. Digitization: Legacybox’s communication is automated, leaving you with minimal support. They scan photos at 300 dpi, which may result in lower quality. With photo estate, we prioritize personal interaction and provide high-quality digitization, ensuring your memories look best.
3. Preservation: Legacybox offers limited guidance on preserving and organizing your digital files. In contrast, photo estate educates you on proper backup methods and recommends permanent photo storage solutions, FOREVER®. We ensure your memories remain easily accessible and enjoyable for years to come.
4. Cost: Legacybox may appear cost-effective due to discounts, but a comprehensive photo estate involves various elements worth investing in. Our photo estate packages start at around $3,000, accommodating up to 3,000 photos. We understand the value of your memories and are passionate about helping you preserve your family’s legacy.

At Pixologie, we’re passionate about sharing our system with our clients and audiences so you have the essential tools to save your memories and enjoy them for generations to come. Do you like the idea of creating a photo estate? Click here to get our Roadmap to Organizing Photos Once & For All with a Photo Estate.

Conclusion

The choice between Legacybox and Photo Estate is yours to make. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term value, organization, digitization, preservation, and quality cost of your family memories. 

The Photo Estate offers a more comprehensive and personalized approach, we will ensure that your memories are not only digitized but also organized, curated, and easily accessible for generations to come.

Watch the full video here.

I found moments that tied the past, present and future together and without photos, it would sure be hard to tell the story.

Badger Boys State – Fostering Civic Duty

Attending Badger Boys State offers an opportunity for selected high school students to immerse themselves in a simulated government, honing their leadership skills and fostering a sense of civic duty. Some students become lifelong volunteers for the organization.

While Alex was at Badger Boys State in June, he met Tom, a 50 year volunteer of the program! Tom was honored during the Inauguration Ceremony that parents could attend. We saw Tom’s photos through the years of his journey and the memories shared at Badger Boys State.

Even though generations are far apart, the memories are the same. Click the image to watch the video.

Witnessing this heartfelt recognition was a reminder of the profound impact individuals can have on their communities. Something that seems to be declining in this day and age.

Reflecting on Alex’s Experience 

As I watched Alex participate in Badger Boys State, I was full of joy and nostalgia. Seeing him take part in an event that shaped my own life was a heartwarming experience.

Memories of my time as a Badger Girls Senator came back and I had to search to find something that showed I was there! Took me a bit, but here are my documents from participating – the only photo I have was taken at my high school before school was out.

Our company’s commitment to preserving memories aligns perfectly with this sentiment. Badger Boys State has provided many countless boys and men the opportunity to serve in their communities, states and nationally. 

At Pixologie, we pride ourselves on preserving your stories and capturing the essence of each special memory.

Contact us today to learn more about our photo estate services. Discover how we can help you create a timeless archive of your memories.

Click here to join our e-newsletter list and watch our Photo Estate Class!

Their team let us provide some answers! The device is a stereoscope viewer.

What is a Stereoscope?

A stereoscope viewer is a fascinating device that allowed people in the early 1900s to view images in mesmerizing 3D. It consisted of a handheld apparatus with a wire slot where pairs of nearly identical photographs, known as stereographs, were inserted. While stereograph, also known as a stereoscopic photograph, is a pair of nearly identical images taken from slightly different perspectives.

When you looked through the viewer’s lenses, the two images merged, creating an incredible illusion of depth and making the photographs appear as if they were popping out in three dimensions.

Types of Stereographs

1.  View-Master Reels: Remember those red plastic viewers that transported you to faraway lands with just a click of the lever? Well, those were View-Master Reels. They contained two nearly identical images side by side, creating a mesmerizing 3D effect.
   
   (Photo by Oregon Historical Society)
   
   
2. Stereoscopic Cards: These beauties were all the rage in the Victorian era. With a pair of stereoscopic glasses, people could view these cards and be transported to another dimension. It was like Oculus Rift, but with a touch of elegance and a hint of antiquity. Visit this link for more collections of stereograph cards.
   
   (Photo by Library of Congress)
3. Anaglyph Images: These funky images require those stylish red and cyan glasses. As you put on the glasses, the red filter would separate the left-eye view from the right-eye view, creating a jaw-dropping 3D effect right in front of your eyes.
   

Whether you’re enjoying View-Master reels, feeling nostalgic with stereoscopic cards, or diving into the fun of anaglyph images, stereographs have something for everyone, which makes them popular.

The 3D Effect in Stereoscope

The 3D effect in stereoscope viewers was achieved through the principle of stereoscopy. Each stereograph contained two images, taken from slightly different angles, simulating the way our eyes perceive depth. 

When viewed through the viewer’s lenses, these two images merged, creating the illusion of three-dimensional depth perception. 

The team at Smart Moves found photos that were promoting a film or something else. The wording under the right image appears to be the name of a production.

We are grateful that Smart Moves let us share these photos and help provide some information as to where and what they might be!

About Smart Moves

Smart Moves offers compassionate moving, organizing, and downsizing services. They bring a personal touch to the process while providing an insured and honest service for individuals and families. Smart Moves provides services in Southeast Wisconsin. You can learn more here: www.SmartMovesWI.com