About The Photo Managers

History and Mission

The Photo Managers is the world’s leading educational community in the rapidly growing field of photo management. Founded in 2009 as the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (APPO) by Cathi Nelson, the name was updated in 2020 to better reflect the type of work our members provide clients.

The Photo Managers serves Photo Management Professionals around the world, thousands of do-it-yourselfers, and legions of people who want to hire certified professionals to help manage their photos and family heirlooms.

What is photo management? At the rate photos are taken these days, your photo collection – whether for a family or a business – is constantly evolving. Saving, finding and sharing the photos you will want to see in the future, is becoming increasingly more difficult. Photo managers can help organize and curate collections, digitize prints, suggest backup systems, re-house in archival storage, and help you tell your story through photo book design, videos, websites, and countless other ways. The management of your collection will evolve as it is curated, as technology evolves, and as your stories are shared.

Whether you want to be a Photo Manager, or want to learn the principles yourself, The Photo Managers offers training, community, and support at all experience levels including online classes and webinars, educational newsletters, and an annual international conference. Members enjoy special benefits, including the professional certification program, vibrant community forums, and specialized workshops.

Photos and the stories they capture are such an important part of your family or organization’s journey, and you can preserve and enjoy them for generations to come. Let The Photo Managers help you on your photo management journey!

The Photo Managers Advisory Board

The need for professional photo management is growing rapidly, with an excellent future outlook. According to Rise Above Research, the global number of captured photos is estimated to reach 1.6 trillion in 2023.

Over the past 13 years, The Photo Managers organization has experienced remarkable growth and adaptability, establishing itself as the industry leader and advocate for hiring professionals in this field.

Looking ahead, our goal is to maintain our position as the industry leader and thrive in the future. Recognizing the importance of high-quality advice for success, we have formed The Photo Managers Advisory Board. This board’s mission is to review and shape our initiatives, provide fresh perspectives, prioritize effectively, and address significant issues to ensure our future success.