Award-winning photographer Kike Calvo combines knowledge, intuition, and preparedness in his photography. As a freelancer, he has photographed for the New York Times, UNOPS, and UNICEF in multiple destinations, and as a photography specialist for National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions, among others.

On a mission to Panama, Calvo was robbed. He realized that while his equipment could be replaced, the loss of the hard drives containing rare underwater footage he had taken in the Dominican Republic was irreplaceable. Shocked by the loss, Calvo decided not to risk losing his photos again for any reason.

These are his tips for protecting your photo files:

  1. Before leaving the download area, make at least two versions of your files, and then forward one version to a collaborator.
  2. Put a third version of your photos in your pocket. Select your best images at the end of each day and transfer them to a USB key (e.g. a LaCie XtremKey).
  3. Do not edit your files until you have made appropriate backup copies of them.
  4. If you have an Internet connection, upload your most valuable downloads to a Cloud service.
  5. You can use multiple SD cards. This will also reduce the effects of damage to one card.
  6. Use Thunderbolt to reduce file transfer time and ensure you have fast duplicate copies of your downloads.
  7. Inform yourself before visiting the area you will be working in. This will allow you to select and match your equipment to local conditions.
  8. When choosing your equipment, prioritize its simplicity and usability.

source Lacie.com