how to make the most of cloud storage

Alfred Stieglitz

It is not often I can give advice that provides you with a free service to help your growing collection of raw files and images. Cloud storage is a network of virtual servers to store data. Once the work is stored  you can send a link where it can be download. Naturally one  advantage is that you do not need to send large attachments that might be blocked, avoiding the need to re-size your images and lose quality. It serves as a great way to back up for your existing work. There are certain attributes which providers have in common. 

• Ability to access the files and space using a variety of ways and devices
• Pay as you go (for paid plans)
• Completely managed by the service provider 
• The market for cloud computing is very competitive and looks to continue which is the reason that many suppliers offer a free amount of space. 
• The amount varies and you can take out storage with multiple providers.

	Company	Free Cloud Storage	Max Filesize	Link
	Dropbox	2GB-10GB	No limit	Dropbox
	Box.net	5GB	25MB	Box.net
	Amazon CloudDrive	5GB (20GB with an mp3 album purchase)	2GB	Amazon CloudDrive
	SugarSync	5GB	25MB	SugarSync
	Ubuntu One	5GB	No Limit	Ubuntu One
	Windows Live Skydrive	25GB	100 MB	Windows Live Skydrive
	iDrive	5GB	No Limit	iDrive
	Memopal	3GB	No Limit	Memopal
	ADrive	50GB	2GB	ADrive
	OpenDrive	5GB	100MB	OpenDrive
	Zumodrive	2GB	No Limit	Zumodrive
	TeamDrive	2GB	No Limit	TeamDrive
	Spideroak	2GB	No Limit	Spideroak
	Syncplicity	2GB	No Limit	Syncplicity
	Safecopy	3GB	No Limit	Safecopy
	Google Docs	1GB	1GB	Google Docs
	MiMedia	7GB	3GB	MiMedia

 'Results are uncertain even amongst experienced photographers' Matthew Brady

life through a mirror

Welcome to the 40th edition.

Gary Winograd

Teaching young people does provide you with a mirror of what you were like when you were that age. It is not long before you start identifying your friends in this new found looking glass. The group is a mixture of hormones, shyness and the cocky swagger of youth.  There is not an exact copy of your friends just characteristics or similarities that may remind you of your nearest and dearest. The photomontages made from old magazines that they produced this week were funny, irreverent and sensitive. As they leant a new skill and had an enjoyable experience it all went well. Naturally teaching is not just about having a good time but if this is included in a lesson then it helps to keep learners motivated and more likely to return. The arrogance of the young can help them to take risks and next time you see a boy racer you will be reminded of this.  You may recall that being aged between 16- 19 blessed you with the ability to think that you were 10 meters tall and bullet proof. Here is the balance that a lecturer is looking to maintain. Risk taking in a safe environment is a positive thing and is actively encouraged. A measured response to risks and the ability to understand what worked well and what needs improving. It reminded me that I need to come out of my comfort zone and make opportunities professionally and personally to accomplish my aims. The uncertainty of it all does make the heart bit a little faster and risk taking lets you know that you are alive.

I am currently reading 'dialogue with photography' by Paul Hill and Thomas Cooper. A great read of interviews conducted with legendary photographers like Paul Strand that describe his meetings with Alfred Stieglitz. For all of those who like to read and want to brush up on your photography history this is recommended.

Paul Strand

I think of myself as an explorer who has spent his life on a long voyage of discovery. - Paul Strand - From Aperture article on Paul Strand.