Best Cloud Storage for Photographers

Wondering what the best cloud storage solutions for photographers are?

Picture this: You get home from another trip or Photoshoot. You told yourself “I won’t be so trigger happy this time”. You plug in your SD card. Now that’s a lot of photos. AND YOU TOOK THEM IN RAW.

So where are you going to store all of these beautiful new images safely and securely?

The Best Cloud Storage Solutions for Photographers:

1. Adobe – Editing software and cloud storage all in one
2. Livedrive – Best simple and easy to use cloud storage
3. pCloud – Best value for money
4. IDrive – Best multi-computer backup and storage
5. SmugMug – Cloud storage specifically for photographers

Thanks to the *the cloud* (looks up to the sky and wonders which cloud) we now have a safe and secure place to conveniently store, backup and access our photos online anytime, anywhere.

With free storage solutions for any substantial amount of gigabytes a thing of the past, it’s time to move to a new world of cloud storage. A world that isn’t so restrictive on space or file sizes.

Why use cloud storage?

1. You can access your images from virtually any location.
2. No need to carry a portable hard drive.
3. Photographs are safe and secure online. If your laptop or hard drive breaks, or worse, gets stolen, your images are waiting for you in the cloud backup.

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So, let’s get into the best cloud storage for photos!

Whether it’s different file types, sharing and collaborations, storage size or photography specific solutions, there’s something here for everyone!

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Adobe – Editing software and cloud storage all in one

Storage space: 20GB, 1TB

Adobe has been the dominant player in the photography editing scene for a long time. Its creative cloud software allows you to sign up to a subscription of your choice and get access to the latest editing apps.

Photographers have a great choice with Adobe. The three main plans are as follows:

• Photography plan (20GB) includes Lightroom and Photoshop
• Photography plan (1TB) includes Lightroom and Photoshop
• Lightroom (1 TB) if Photoshop is not needed.

I have found the Photography plan (1TB) to be plenty of storage for my workflow. This might just be the best cloud storage for photos.

Another advantage of having subscription based software is that you always have access to the latest version of the app and any fixes are automatically available to you.

You can read more on Adobe for photo editing on this article.

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Livedrive – Best simple and easy to use cloud storage

Storage space: 2TB, 5TB, Unlimited

Offering a clean and easy to use interface, Livedrive is a strong contender on this list of best cloud storage solutions for photographers.

Although more on the pricey side, you pay for what you get.

Livedrive is also a strong contender for best unlimited cloud storage for photographers.

Livedrive is consistently noted as being incredibly simple to set up, easy to use and navigate, in addition to being quick to upload and backup files.

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pCloud – Best value for money

Storage space: 500GB, 2TB

If value for money is your top priority, pCloud could be for you.

pCloud is one of the few Cloud Storage providers out there offering a one-time, lifetime payment option.

When it comes to security and privacy, pCloud is at the fore front, which is critical for anybody looking to preserve their images.

Their 500GB plan is great for those on a budget, and their lifetime payment options are great for those looking to avoid monthly payments.

Other key features include easy sharing of files, cloud backup, encryption and password protection upgrades and backups from other platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

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IDrive – Best multi-computer backup and storage

Storage space: 5GB free, 5TB, 10TB

IDrive is constantly receiving good reviews due to its excellent features and decent pricing structure.

If you are looking for fast and easy syncing cloud backup across different computers and devices this option could be for you!

There aren’t many cloud storage providers out there offering freebies.

So IDrive’s 5GB of free storage is a great starting point if you are looking to try out their cloud storage solutions.

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SmugMug – Cloud storage specifically for photographers

Storage space: Unlimited cloud storage for photographers

SmugMug doesn’t mess around with pricing tiers when it comes to storage.

All SmugMug plans come with hassle-free, no-strings-attached, unlimited cloud storage for photographers.

SmugMug works on a subscription-based service, priding itself in being able to get you started with a photography store in as little as 15 minutes!

You take the photos, upload them, and SmugMug will manage the rest – from payments, orders and cloud storage, as well as fulfillment and shipping.

SmugMug currently offer a free 14-day trial, however moving on after that you will need to pay a monthly fee for one of their 4 plans that range from “Basic” to “Pro”.

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Conclusion

Cloud storage for photographers is a competitive space.

With so many options out there, hopefully this short selection can help you make your choice quickly and efficiently.

With the five alternatives listed above, there is truly something for everyone.

I am assured that you will not be dissatisfied with whichever cloud storage provider you choose.

So, how do you pick the best service?

Consider three things when looking for the best cloud storage for your photos:

1. Price you’re prepared to pay,
2. Amount of storage you require
3. Objects you want to store. (You can also archive video, audio, and documents with some choices.)

Having a cloud backup of your files and photos is important!

However, I would definitely recommend that as well as using Cloud Storage, also backing up using an external hard drive.

The security of cloud storage can be jeopardised. Hard drives can break down.

You have the best chance of safeguarding your photographs and avoiding the bother, irritation, and even heartbreak that may come with lost photographic work if you use a mix of both photo storage solutions.

Recap:

1. Adobe – Editing software and cloud storage all in one
2. Livedrive – Best simple and easy to use cloud storage
3. pCloud – Best value for money
4. IDrive – Best multi-computer backup and storage
5. SmugMug – Cloud storage specifically for photographers

In a digital world, cloud storage is an absolute necessity for Photographers. The cost of Cloud Storage solutions far outweighs the cost of losing your files and photography.

It’s better to be safe, than sorry!

For some more photography tips be sure to visit my blog!

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