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Im starting to collect a rather large photo collect. Especially since I started taking pictures in RAW. Well I decided I should look into an online backup service or sorts. Dont want to lose all those memories. So what services does everyone use? I want something that offers some sort on local encryption before sending it, as to keep someone on the service end from getting a hold of my data.

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For a large RAW photo library the simplest, safest rule is 3-2-1: three copies, two different media, one offsite. Keep a local master, an external-drive copy, and an offsite/cloud copy that is encrypted before it leaves your machine. RAW files are large, so check upload speed first — roughly 1 Mbps sustained upload will move about 10 GB/day; 10 Mbps will move on the order of 100 GB/day. Plan the initial seeding accordingly.

Use a backup client that does client-side (end-to-end) encryption so the provider cannot read files. Practical options to investigate: Arq (commercial client that encrypts locally and can use B2/Wasabi/S3/Drive), Duplicati (open-source, client-side encryption), rclone with a crypt remote (advanced users), or a zero-knowledge service such as SpiderOak One. Each approach has tradeoffs: managed services are easier, tool-and-backend combos give more control and usually lower long-term cost for TB-scale archives.

Suggested workflow: 1) Keep a verified local copy and an external HDD for cold storage. 2) Choose an encrypted-cloud workflow and run a test backup of a small subset. 3) Configure versioning and retention (important for accidental deletes or catalog corruption). 4) Do a full test restore of several RAW files and the Lightroom catalog/presets (if used). 5) Store the encryption passphrase offline and in a password manager — if you lose it, the cloud copy is unrecoverable.

Checklist before committing: confirm client-side encryption, check per-GB vs unlimited pricing, verify large-file and path support, confirm restore speed/cost, and ensure the service preserves sidecar/XMP and catalog files. Because asked specifically about local encryption and noted no replies yet, the above gives a practical starting point to pick and test a solution.

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Member Avatar for Blue Storm

Anyone use online backup??

Member Avatar for caperjack

Anyone use online backup??

i guess not! at least no one that has looked in in the past 24 hrs

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