Now that we are well underway in our organizational process, we are going to continue with the Thematic Organizing to help to manage all of the items that are assets and resources. Today we are going to organize all of our photographic gear. I have several photographic items as photography is a personal interest.  In fact, when I finish this blog, I am going to take an online photography course to follow one of my dreams of learning to take excellent photographs.

Let’s get started: First, gather all the photographic items you have in your home. Search for cameras, video equipment, camera cards, film, camera bags, books on photography, lights and chargers. Imagine that you are going to create a mini photography studio in your home. What items would you use to outfit this studio? Gather them all together now. If you have anything in your home that is photography related, now is the time to gather it together in one spot.

Now, begin assessing the items. Check cameras for any needed repairs. Make a list of any thing that needs attention. Next, clean the outside and inside of the cameras and video equipment. A micro soft cloth works well. You may want to wash the camera strap and bags in cold, water with a mild detergent and hang to dry outdoors. This will remove dust and dirt and make your soft equipment look and feel new. It is important that you inventory all the serial numbers on your equipment in the case of theft or for insurance purposes. Find a small soft case for your camera cards and after the cleaning process is finished, you will organize the electronic media on these and either photo drop them on an online website for storage or save them on an external hard drive.

Next, check the batteries and ensure that you have chargers or back up batteries for them. If not, you will need to purchase the appropriate ones in order to be able to utilize your cameras. Go ahead and charge your camera battery or batteries if applicable so that on your Creative Day, you can explore your inner photographer!

On to the other photographic items.Clean all other camera related items and dedicate a space for storage. Consider using some of your items as decor in a room that needs added interest. Collect some old family photos and enlarge them to fit some extra frames you have. Arrange your photography items along with the photos, to convey the feeling of a mini-studio.  My collection was a bit large that I thought so I used my items to decorate my master bedroom. I put all my thrift store/garage sale antique cameras in this room and then hung antique photographs as art to decorate. I displayed all of my photography books and those “sofa-table” like books that related to the topic of landscapes, portraits, or other types of photographic art. I then stored all my equipment in a drawer/cabinet in this room to keep everything together. The consistency of the items brought the room together. All similar items display best as collections and add a harmonious look to your home.  This collection added just the right masculine touch to the bedroom to make my husband feel comfortable in the space while still being able to display my collection where we both can enjoy it.

After you have finished all these useful items, make a plan to capitalize on this resource. Take a class, or use the photos for scrapbooking to keep a history of your children, family and marriage. Go through your electronic photographs and enlarge the best photos of your family to create a photo album to keep on hand for those days you want to sit with a cup of tea and reminisce over great moments in your life. Create photo story books for each of your children or family members of significant moments for the sequence of their growing up.  Combine pictures that were taken in a particular season to print and display in frames during the same season as pictured. The possibilities are endless and some of the products make great birthday and holiday gifts. Remember that we are using these items that we have to enhance our lives so begin using these items. Who knows, you may find that you could earn an income selling your photos or becoming a professional photographer. Now that is truly transformational!