I know the fires right now are weighing heavily on so many of us here in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. It’s been an emotional time for many of us, and I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to think about the safety of your loved ones—and everything you hold dear. It's impossible to ignore the stress, the uncertainty, and the heartache that comes with watching these destructive forces so close to home. 

As a portrait photographer, preserving memories is something that I value the most. I get to be there during some of the most beautiful, fleeting moments of your life—maternity milestones, the arrival of your precious newborn, the pride you feel when your teen graduates, and everything in between. Your family’s legacy is captured through my lens, and those portraits are part of what makes your story unique and irreplaceable.

Your memories are irreplaceable, and when faced with a crisis like a fire, there’s nothing more important than knowing that the things you hold closest are as safe as possible. I’ve put together some simple, yet powerful, steps that can help safeguard your family’s photos and important documents. If you’re anything like me, these tips may feel a little overwhelming at first, but they’re crucial to giving you peace of mind when it matters most.

1. Digitize Your Portraits & Important Documents

Our photos tell the story of who we are — whether it’s the maternity session, the few days of your newborn, or the family portraits hanging on your wall, these moments are your family’s story. Digitizing your portraits is one of the best ways to protect these precious memories. I recommend storing them on cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox, and having them backed up on an external hard drive. 

Consider scanning other important documents like birth certificates, insurance papers, and medical records as well. These digital copies will help you breathe a little easier if anything happens to the physical versions. You never know when disaster could strike, but knowing that your photos and other documents are secure and easily accessible can bring a sense of relief.

2. Invest in a Fireproof Safe

While digitizing is a great option, there are certain things that need to stay in physical form — birth certificates, insurance policies, financial documents, and, of course, those printed family photos that hold special meaning. A fireproof safe is a small investment that could save you so much stress in the event of a fire. I recommend getting a safe that’s large enough to hold not only your paperwork but also digital backups (like USB drives or memory cards). By storing your most important documents and physical photos in a safe place, you’ll know that they are protected from both fire and water damage.

Take a moment to go through your important papers. Even if you don't think you need a fireproof safe right now, this is one of those pieces of advice that may one day make all the difference.

3. Curate an Emergency Kit

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but creating an emergency kit is one of the most important things you can do for your family right now. Think about what you would need if you had to evacuate quickly — food, water, medications, and any other essentials. But in addition to that, I highly recommend adding backups of your most precious memories. Whether that means a hard drive, a flash drive, or a set of printed photos — having these things in your emergency kit gives you a bit of control over an otherwise uncontrollable situation.

Take a few minutes today to gather those essentials, and don’t forget about your photos. You’d be surprised how many things you could fit in a small bag that could offer so much comfort later on.

4. Have an Escape Plan

This one may seem like common sense, but it’s crucial to sit down with your family and have a clear escape plan. Know the safest routes to take in case you need to leave, where you’ll meet up, and what you need to grab. I know it’s hard to think about things like this when we’d rather just hope for the best, but having this plan in place is so important.  

When you’re going over your escape plan, take a moment to think through your memories as well. What are the irreplaceable things you would want to grab in an emergency? Your external hard drive? Printed family albums? A few sentimental items? Talk with your family, and make sure everyone knows what’s most important to grab. It’s one less thing to worry about when the situation arises.

5. Document Your Belongings

This may seem like a simple task, but documenting your belongings can make all the difference in the aftermath of a disaster. Take photos or videos of your home, including high-value items, electronics, and anything else that might need to be replaced or claimed on insurance. These photos serve as an invaluable record in case of loss.

I know this is an emotional step to take, but it’s one of those things that gives you both peace of mind and a practical advantage should something happen. Plus, documenting what’s important helps you reflect on what truly matters most.

My Heart Goes Out to You

I truly hope that you and your loved ones are safe during this incredibly challenging time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my work as a photographer, it’s that memories are everything. Whether it’s a portrait of a newborn or a milestone family photo, these images carry more weight than we can often express.

Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending my love and strength to all those affected by these fires. I hope these tips offer some comfort and peace of mind. If you ever need help digitizing your portraits or just someone to talk to during this difficult time, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together. Take care, stay safe, and keep those memories close. 💛



Stay Safe, Protect Your Memories