Author Topic: Online Backup (Read 1068 times)

clickinchic · « **on:** February 20, 2012, 19:57 »

OK...I'm not a techie so please be kind if you choose to reply.

I have over 350,000 images on my 3 hard drives. I have an external hard drive as a mirror back up.

For the past few years, I've been using Carbonite for extra insurance...offsite backup...and it has saved me 2 or 3 times. But as the size of my backup increases, they have reduced my bandwidth as "punishment" so it's taking a very long time to get my files backed up now. But it was still bearable since the bulk of my images were already backed up.

I just upgraded to a new computer and my computer guy transferred all of the data from my 3 internal hard drives to my new computer. I then go to re-install Carbonite and it tells me that since I didn't do a system restore, they are going to delete my entire backup and then they will re-start a new backup (which will take months!) They think I am trying to be sneaky and use them as additional external storage.

So, I am looking for a new offsite storage option. It seems like the ones out there aren't robust enough to handle such a huge backup as I need, and then you jump up to the offsite storage for small business and it's cost prohibitive.

I would love it if I could find an offsite storage geared towards professional photographers who have a huge number of files (that are large) that can be backed up safely and doesn't break the bank.

Microstock Man · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2012, 21:13 »

I know a lot of photogs just use 'mostphotos' because you can download all your own files at any time

Your requirements sound pretty unusual though, not sure if that will suffice for what you need.

Here's my referral link in case it will do for you

www.mostphotos.com?ref=19291

....After re-reading your post though, i'm guessing you don't have 350,000 stock images, but just images that you don't want for sale.

The only option I've ever tried is creating a HDD backup that I leave a friends place and update it each week or month depending on your needs. But that doesn't sound as pro as what you're after! Hmm, will have to give that more thought...This could be an interesting thread...

clickinchic · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2012, 21:43 »

Thanks for the reply...I HOPE it's an interesting thread. As pro photogs, we have a unique backup storage need...if I knew how to do it I'd start up the company myself!

I'm actually with MostPhotos but I can't even tell you how many images I have there...I get an occasional comment and even more occasional sale...but I didn't give them much effort.

You are correct...the images I have for backup are a mix of stock, contract work, and personal. Most are RAW but any image I edited also has a JPG version.

Ed · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2012, 21:46 »

I don't use them so I can't provide an experience, but my understanding is a lot of photographers use Photoshelter for this purpose.

louoates · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2012, 22:48 »

I have a 4TB HD on my desk as a Time Machine backup disk plus another 4TB HD in my safe that I update every few months. Super fast, easy, and cheap. I would never rely upon anybody else for backups. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

clickinchic · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2012, 23:13 »

Thanks louoates. That's what my computer guy recommended but I have to be honest and say that, for a non-tech-chick, I prefer an automatic process, even if it costs a bit more. But I'm starting to realize there isn't a good alternative to doing this manually. ARGH.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2012, 23:40 »

I have a small but impressive collection of broken back-up hard drives, the most important of which still hums and whirrs encouragingly but refuses to be recognised by my computers. What's lost? No idea.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2012, 02:26 »

I haven't tried this, but someone described a method he uses in the comments of a blog post I wrote. It seems like it's automated.

http://www.microstockposts.com/have-you-backed-up-your-photos-lately/

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:21 »

Quote from: Microstock Posts on February 21, 2012, 02:26

I haven't tried this, but someone described a method he uses in the comments of a blog post I wrote. It seems like it's automated.

http://www.microstockposts.com/have-you-backed-up-your-photos-lately/

That's no good for anything except stock images and 123 could change the policy at any moment and stop free downloads for owners. All my stock images and other stuff I think may have a commercial future goes to Photoshelter (though most of it is downsized to 12MP, which is what most agencies get it at). I use Photoshelter to FTP the files all at once to most of the agencies I use and if I join a new agencies I can send them a few thousand images at the click of a button. It is also widely used for direct stock sales.
It would be very expensive to store hundreds of thousands of RAW files, though.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:31 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on February 21, 2012, 03:21

Quote from: Microstock Posts on February 21, 2012, 02:26
I haven't tried this, but someone described a method he uses in the comments of a blog post I wrote. It seems like it's automated.

http://www.microstockposts.com/have-you-backed-up-your-photos-lately/

That's no good for anything except stock images and 123 could change the policy at any moment and stop free downloads for owners. All my stock images and other stuff I think may have a commercial future goes to Photoshelter (though most of it is downsized to 12MP, which is what most agencies get it at). I use Photoshelter to FTP the files all at once to most of the agencies I use and if I join a new agencies I can send them a few thousand images at the click of a button. It is also widely used for direct stock sales.
It would be very expensive to store hundreds of thousands of RAW files, though.

Yes true, but I was referring to a comment at the end of the post.

doglikehorse · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2012, 06:05 »

I did a TON of research into this, I eventually found these guys: http://www.livedrive.com/?tid=B88WKKYP

*Disclaimer* I get three months free service if you choose to sign up with them from that link

I got 5TB online storage and free real-time HDD backup for £131 if I remember correctly. Way cheaper than owning a similar amount of hard-drives... and without any maintenance. The only trouble with cloud backup like this is having the bandwidth available to upload that volume of data.

cuethesun · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2012, 19:35 »

I have 2 x 1Tb external drives holding duplicate copies of my images. I also do an online backup to Crashplan.com - quite cheap and really easy to use.

It sounds like your biggest hurdle will be seeding the backup ie: getting that initial upload done. Crashplan doesn't allow you to send a portable drive in IIRC, however once you've got that initial bkacup done, it runs like clockwork.

jsnover · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2012, 19:45 »

See this thread and my post - I use Backblaze for the offsite backup.

Sadstock · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2012, 21:20 »

I used Carbonite for a while, but grew to hate them because they choke off your uploading at some point. I too now use Backblaze which I love. Totally automated.

I also back up to external hard drives stored in a media storage fire safe as well as on DVDs stored off site. Nothing is 100% certain as a backup, so having multiple systems works well for me.

clickinchic · « **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2012, 22:14 »

Thank you jsnover and Sadstock...I have researched and researched and have not yet come across Backblaze for some reason. I'll check it out!

(And yes....Carbonite does turn VERY disappointing once the images start piling up.)

clickinchic · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2012, 22:18 »

OK...for that price, Backblaze seems too good to be true! I haven't read yet that they have data limits but I'm just stunned at what I've already read and there are two testimonials here. I have been given quotes this week of about $1200 per year to back the GB's I need backed up. Off to read more.

clickinchic · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2012, 22:21 »

From PC Magazine...the cons don't bother me at all. I can not tell you how happy I am right now...I think this might be what I need. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Pros

Simple setup. Unlimited storage. Versioning (but not archiving). Can locate a missing computer.
Cons

Less control than other services over what's being backed up and when. No OS folder integration. No file sharing. Slow uploads by default. Restore downloads not encrypted.
Bottom Line

Backblaze has two very strong suits: unlimited storage per PC, and continuous backup monitoring, making it a good hands-off choice. But it lacks a lot of goodies you get in other products, such as file sharing, mobile access apps, and complementary local backup software.

Anyka · « **Reply #17 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:06 »

I tried on-line backup a few months ago and I calculated that it would take me more than 6 months for the initial backup, so I stopped. I already have 2 backups, 1 beside my pc, 1 in my safe (in the same house, so not fire-proof), so I added two more hard disks and store them alternatively in my bank safe (1 minute walking distance) - I switch them every two weeks now.
As I work with Mirrorfolder, the only thing I have to do is switch the hard disks, Mirrorfolder does the rest.
It's not perfect, I know, because in case of fire or burglary I still loose 2 weeks work.