The field guide
A reading path, not a news feed.
Start with the copy map. Continue with integrity, capacity, recovery or keeping context when you export.
Before deleting photos: separate sync from an independent copy
Map where your originals live, distinguish cloud deletion from device cleanup, and find the missing evidence before removing a photo library.
7 minute guide · Reviewed October 7, 2026
02 / Verify a copyVerify a copied photo file: a repeatable experiment and mismatch guide
Download five controlled image files, reproduce byte comparisons, and separate a failed copy from a metadata change or an unreadable image. Includes hashes and next steps.
11 minute guide · Reviewed October 15, 2026
03 / Plan room to growPlan photo backup space from your own library—not a photo-count estimate
Calculate a new backup destination’s space budget with growth, retained versions and reserve. Includes reproducible examples and GB/GiB conversion.
6 minute guide · Reviewed October 7, 2026
04 / Practice recoveryA non-destructive photo recovery drill you can repeat
Test whether a small sample can be retrieved, opened and understood without deleting originals. Includes an observation sheet and clear stop conditions.
7 minute guide · Reviewed October 7, 2026
05 / Preserve the contextGoogle Photos Takeout JSON files: what to keep before fixing dates
Keep photo context intact after a Google Photos export: distinguish file dates from capture dates, review JSON companions, and use a three-item audit worksheet.
8 minute guide · Reviewed October 8, 2026
06 / Keep the motionBack up Live Photos: check the still image and the motion
A Live Photo export can contain more than one file. Learn what to keep, why matching counts can hide missing motion, and how to review a small export safely.
8 minute guide · Reviewed October 12, 2026