The biggest challenge to starting your scrapbook is organizing your photos. This may seem overwhelming to many, but can be done in a minimal amount of time using these helpful tips.

• First, start in an open area of your home to allow space for several piles of photos. Preferably a part of your home that is not a common meeting area, such as a spare bedroom or office.
  
  
• Next, discard of any photos that are out of focus or damaged. You will also want to place Polaroid pictures in a separate pile. You do not want these pictures to leak onto your good photos. Polaroid pictures may contain a certain acid that will permanently damage your photos. Save any copies of photos you may want to use in your scrapbook. Copies will come in handy if you make a mistake and need to replace a photo. You may also want to use them in another scrapbook.
  
  
• Start putting photos into piles by chronological order. This task does not have to be exact. You may start with photos from certain decades, such as, 70’s, 80’s, etc. You can also organize them through the years, for example, early eighties, mid eighties, and late eighties. If you are making a scrapbook for your child, it would be best to start from birth to present. If you are creating a scrapbook with a holiday theme, then start with the holiday closest to the beginning of the year.
  
  
• Now you can organize the piles into different events or special moments. This could include; birthdays, graduations, sporting events, and vacations. Create a system that works well for you.
  
  
• For a wedding album you should organize the photos of each partner from childhood to adult. Adding pictures of the couple together in a separate pile. If the couple has children from a previous marriage you would place their photos in a separate pile as well.
  
  
• If you are creating a family tree scrapbook start with each side of the family members relatives. Sometimes it is easier to start with the most current members of the family. This would could be grandchildren or great-grand children and then work backwards from there.
  
  
• You will need to decide what photos you are using in your scrapbook. Make sure you choose enough photos to fill your scrapbook pages. Remember, most pages will hold between 3-5 photos. You can choose more photos if they are small. Make sure you have enough space for any journaling you will need to add. You will also need space for embellishments or personal memorabilia.
  
  
• Once you have selected the photos you will be using, you will need to choose a photo that will be your focal point on each page. This photo should be in focus and full of vibrant color. You can get creative by selecting a larger photo, for instance, a 5x10. This will give your page a personal touch while saving on background and embellishments.
  
  
• If you choose a smaller photo for your focal point you can have it enlarged for a small fee. You can also have a photo copied black and white to make your subject stand out from the background. There are some photo stores that can add a splash of color to your black and white photos. This process is also used to create a vintage look.
  
  
• After you are finished choosing your photos you are going to display, put them into an archival quality box. This will protect them from harmful elements until you are ready to place them in your scrapbook. If you do not have an archival box you can put the photos in Ziploc bags and store them in a air tight container until you are ready to use them.
  
  
• To store the photos you are not using in your album you will need to keep them in proper containers. These containers should be of good quality photo cases. If your budget does not allow for this, then any container will due. If the container is not acid-free you can use Ziploc bags to place your photos in before you put them in the container. Label the outside of your photo containers for easy finding.  Use an acid-free pen to prevent any chance of destroying your photos. Storing your photos away from heat and humidity will ensure their safety.

Remember, Taking care of your photos now will ensure their quality in the future. The older your photos are the more fragile they become.

You have finally finished this daunting task. Now you can get in touch with your crafty side and start cropping your photos.

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