Where has the time gone? At the end of each year we do a complete evaluation of our business and practices and make tweaks for the new year to improve what's working and fix what's not. This year we have updated and repaired our equipment and streamlined some of our procedures so we are prepared for future success.
We have upgraded our computer systems and improved the security of our critical image-storage systems. We have re-verified our automatic backup systems and insure we are protected from the loss of customer images. When we photograph at your event we immediately have 4 copies of each image on 2 different high-speed flash drives. When we get back to the office (typically the same day as your event) we copy a 5th & 6th backup of each image to an additional hard drive. Within 24 hours we make a 7th & 8th backup copy on a redundant RAID drive.
During our editing process (over the 2-weeks after your event) We make copy number 9 and backup number 10 of your edited images and then we upload the high-resolution copy number 11 to our website where it will remain stored in the cloud for many years. During the first 30-days after your event we make copy number 12 of your images to an offline hard drive that is stored in a fire-proof safe. Within 3 months of your event we delete copies #1-4. A year after your event we delete copy #5. We keep copies #6-12 indefinitely.
We currently have 5-years worth of images online that can be accessed immediately. We have 15 years worth of images offline that we can access within 30 minutes if needed. This elaborate and sophisticated system is just one additional reason why so many people trust us with their precious memories. (if you order a print from us from your own digital file, that file goes into this same system and we end up with at least 6 backup copies of your image).
COVID has forced a lot of changes and made things difficult for everyone. We have lost vendors & staff. We have overcome the majority of those setbacks. (thanks for your patience during the unexpected delays). A lot of our business is event coverage and even this month we continue to have events cancel or be postponed. We do the best we can at our facility to stay healthy and maintain a germ-free environment. Our staff has voluntarily chosen to get all the CDC recommended vaccinations and stay up-to-date with local and national requirements. We follow the guidelines at your specific location (whatever is required) and will do our best to accommodate your needs.
We expect 2022 will continue to be "two steps forward then one step back." We will just keep on keeping on! Most ALL of our supply items have increased in price, we will hold-off on a price increase as long as possible. We have seen the biggest jump in prices on paper products (just like any other wood product). May you and your family all have a safe and prosperous 2022! We look forward to working with you.