Flat lay of summer vacation essentials including a straw hat, sunglasses, smartphone, notebook, and map, arranged on a blue background with the title 'Make This Summer Unforgettable: How to Prep for Great Vacation Photos' and the FOREVER Memory Solutions with Skye logo in the corner.

Make this Summer Unforgettable: How to Prep for Great Vacation Photos

May 05, 20252 min read

Summer is just around the corner, and that means sunshine, travel, and memory-making moments are on the horizon. Whether you're planning a big getaway or a few fun day trips, taking time now to plan how you'll capture those memories will help you enjoy them even more later.

Here are a few simple tips to help you prepare now so your summer vacation photos are easier to capture, organize, and enjoy for years to come:


Plan with Purpose

Think ahead about the kinds of stories you want to remember. Is this a big family adventure? A relaxing escape? A graduation celebration? Planning with intention helps you focus your photo-taking on what matters most to you.

A smiling family of four—father, mother, daughter, and son—takes a selfie together at a scenic beach during golden hour, with gentle waves and a rocky landmark visible in the background.

Make a list of must-have shots or themes you want to include—like group photos, nature scenes, silly selfies, or food highlights. And don’t forget to think about who’s not usually in the pictures (maybe it’s you!) and how to include them this time.

Tip: Start a travel photo checklist so you don’t miss meaningful moments!


Set Up Your Summer Photo Storage Now

Even if you haven’t left home yet, go ahead and set up an album or folder in your photo storage platform (such as your FOREVER® account) just for your upcoming vacations or summer activities. You can even make subfolders by day or destination.

If you use a mobile photo storage app, turn on auto-upload so your vacation photos go straight into the right folder while you travel. It’s one less thing to think about while you're enjoying your trip.


Prep Your Devices Before You Go

Take a few minutes to get your tech ready:

  • Clean your phone or camera lenses

  • Make sure you have enough photo storage space

  • Charge batteries or pack extra power banks

  • Set your phone to auto-upload or enable location tagging to make organizing easier later

Pro tip: Bring a small notebook or use your phone's notes app to jot down daily highlights. These details make your photo books and captions more meaningful later.


Don’t Forget the Everyday Moments

Sure, you want the posed pictures in front of landmarks, but some of the most treasured vacation memories come from the candid, everyday moments: messy ice cream cones, airport naps, board game nights, or silly hats from a souvenir shop.

These are the moments that tell the full story of your trip—and they’re often the ones you’ll cherish most.


Start Now and Thank Yourself Later

A little prep now goes a long way! When summer winds down, you’ll be so glad you planned ahead to capture meaningful vacation memories.

If you'd like help setting up your vacation album/folder or want ideas for how to organize digital photos on the go, I'm happy to help!

Skye Cranor is a dedicated photo coach and FOREVER ambassador with over 24 years of experience helping people organize, preserve, and celebrate their cherished memories. Passionate about memory-keeping, Skye guides clients through the process of digitizing old media, organizing digital photo collections, and creating beautiful photo projects. With a background in genealogy and a master's degree in Counseling, Skye brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of the importance of preserving family stories for generations to come.

Skye Cranor

Skye Cranor is a dedicated photo coach and FOREVER ambassador with over 24 years of experience helping people organize, preserve, and celebrate their cherished memories. Passionate about memory-keeping, Skye guides clients through the process of digitizing old media, organizing digital photo collections, and creating beautiful photo projects. With a background in genealogy and a master's degree in Counseling, Skye brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of the importance of preserving family stories for generations to come.

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