Hi Reader,

Thank you to everyone who clicked an answer in my little poll a couple of weeks ago. 📊 Almost 70 of you told me where your photo project is stuck, and a few of you sent longer notes that I loved reading. The top two answers came in close together: boxes of printed photos with no system, and not knowing where to start. If that’s you, you’ve got plenty of company. Since those two go hand in hand, this week’s email is for you.

Here’s the thing: a box of printed photos feels overwhelming because every single picture seems to ask for a decision. Should this one go in an album, or who gets the duplicates? Those questions pile up fast, and before long the lid goes back on the box. That’s not a sign you’re bad at this. It just means the first step needs to be smaller.

So for your first session, I’d love for you to make it small on purpose. Set a timer for 20 minutes and grab one small box or a single envelope of prints. Sort each photo into Keepers, Maybes, Giveaways, and Nopes, and don’t stop to label or scan anything yet. When the timer goes off, put a note on top of each pile and stop, even if you’re on a roll. ⏱️

Twenty minutes is enough to prove to yourself that this project has a starting point. The next session gets easier, too, because you won’t be facing a full box anymore. If you’d like to see what comes after the sorting, my article on what to do with printed photos walks you through the next steps.

I also wanted to give you a heads-up about something coming later this month. My Black Friday sale is back this year, running Friday, November 27th through Cyber Monday, November 30th. 🗓️ I’ve been working on a couple of new things that grew right out of your poll answers, and I’ll share more as they come together. For now, I just wanted you to have the dates so you can plan ahead if you’d like.

Warmly,
Fancy

P.S. Our next WorkRoom is Tuesday, November 10th, starting at 1 pm MST. The clocks have changed, so you might want to check the time where you live. It’s a great spot for your 20-minute session, or a few of them back to back. Each hour, we set a small goal and check back in, then wash, rinse, and repeat. Learn more or register here.​

P.P.S. Want a heads-up about our community events about a week before each one? Click here and I’ll send you the details and registration links about three times a month. You’re never obligated to come, and you can hop in whenever the timing works for you.