Testimonials

About Us...
(the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!)

Christine Sutton

Tracey DuBois

O.k., if you’re going to know anything about us, then we might as well get this out in the open right up front. We have a confession to make. Up until a couple of years ago, we did not have completely organized photo collections! (Did we just say that out loud?) It’s true! … So if you have visions of our longstanding, meticulously arranged and painstakingly documented photo libraries in your head, then we feel compelled to inform you that your perception is slightly askew.

If so, then do accept our apologies. But at least this way we can sleep at night. If you’re going to put your trust in us, then we need to be worthy of that trust. And how can we foster a relationship of trust if your perception of us is based somewhere other than reality?

We often refer to ourselves as self-confessed organizing fanatics. What we mean by that is not that we’re fanatically organized but that we’re fanatic about trying to get organized. We are constantly searching for ways to improve and to gain control over some small pocket of our lives. We were SO out of control with our own pictures, and feeling in desperate need for help that we went on a somewhat frantic search for solutions. When we didn’t find what we needed, we were driven to create our own solution. (That’s where the fanatical part comes in.)

So we created a very simple line of products that solves the problem of organizing photographs and negatives. Because we struggle with organization, we knew we needed to create something that was super easy to use and covered all the bases at once. (Translation: the solution had to be safe for our photographs so that we’d be organizing and preserving at the same time AND it had to allow us to record our memories right then and there because we knew we’d never “get back to it”.)

It seems that as soon as we solved that problem, we discovered another. You can have the most amazing solution, and still not take action! Sometimes you need a strong dose of motivation, or even just a little bit of support. That’s why we created Save Your Photos and Your Sanity. We knew there were so many people out there like us that were overwhelmed with the “seemingly monumental” (o.k. make that “monumental”) task of organizing their photographs. It’s just too big of a job to go it alone. We all need support, encouragement, and even just the sense that we’re not alone in our struggle. So getting back to that confession thing . . . We needed Save Your Photos and Your Sanity as much as you do!

We poured ourselves into creating the most comprehensive and fun book possible, and just like you we try to follow that advice!

We tell you this not so that you’ll wonder whether or not we’re really qualified to help you, but so that you’ll realize that in our imperfection, we are perfectly qualified to help you. What could we truly offer you if organizing photographs came easily to us? How could we possibly relate to your needs if we could organize photographs as easily as we could breathe? We understand you, because we are “you”. We’re real people who, until recently, felt overwhelmed by the task of organizing our massive photo collections.

We found some answers because we needed answers. We dedicated two years to uncovering every tip, every secret, every possible method for simplifying the process of organizing and preserving our precious photographs and memories.

As we were completing the book, we could happily report that our not-so-perfect photo collections are finally organized! Not perfectly organized, but very reasonably organized, and we were able to accomplish this, once and for all, by following the guidelines that we laid out in Save Your Photos and Your Sanity.

Our photo collections may not be “perfect” but they are safely organized in a way that makes sense to us. Finally, we are enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we’ve protected our family’s most prized possessions.

We’re thrilled to share what we’ve learned so that you too can get your photos organized once and for all, and so that you enjoy this same peace of mind.

If you’ve got any questions, feedback or tips to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. Just e-mail us at info@organizedphotos.com

Warmly,

Chris & Tracey

P.S. For those of you that were looking for the more conventional “about the authors” information, here goes:

Over nine years ago, we started our business by teaching other people to scrapbook. We hosted workshops and scrapbooking events, but soon found out that just about everyone is overwhelmed by their piles of photographs!

We created a professional video, Treasure Your Memories, to help people discover the joy of scrapbooking.

We developed Photo Pockets, Negative Pockets and Page Planners to simplify the process of organizing and preserving photographs, while recording memories at the same time.

We held scrapbooking marathons to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a retreat program for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Over four years, our event raised nearly $15,000 for Camp Sunshine.

We continue to support Camp Sunshine by donating $1 for each copy of "Save Your Photos and Your Sanity" book purchased.

We launched www.organizedphotos.com to help scrapbookers and non-scrapbookers alike to easily organize, preserve, and enjoy their photographs. Every month, nearly 1,000 subscribers enjoy our Photo Tips Newsletter.

Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without our most important item: our families. We’re each blessed with happy marriages and healthy children.

And just like you, we spend each day trying to find that balance of giving to others without neglecting ourselves.

"I absolutely love your email newsletters along with your photo organizing items which I have purchased. Being a "novice" scrapbooker I am still overwhelmed with all our photos stored in shoe boxes, manila envelopes, etc. Someday (or some year) soon I will have all of 'manifest of pictures' organized. Thank you for giving me the incentive and start for this huge project. Keep those newsletters and tips coming. I appreciate and truly need all the help you give! THANK YOU!!!"

Jackie S.

"Hi Chris and Tracey, I’ve been a huge fan of yours for some time now. As a Professional Organizer for 15 years who has been on HGTV’s show Mission: Organization, I travel between my offices in NJ and LA giving lectures on clutter. As you can imagine photo organizing is one of the most asked questions and I always direct people to you! A link to your website appears on my website under photo resources and I get many nice comments about your site and products."

Jamie Novak, Professional Organizer
www.JamieNovak.com

"I really enjoy your on-line newsletter. I feel that I have some friends out there who have the same questions I have, but they also have the solutions. My goal is to finally catch-up with my photos before I have grandchildren! My kids are 12, 10 and 3...Thanks for the encouragement and solutions."

-- Linda

Dear Chris and Tracey,

. . . I finally pushed myself to sort my photos... this is after years of procrastinating and searching for every excuse under the sun to not get started. It was perfectionism at its worst.

I had read tons of stuff, asked for tips in chat rooms and purchased boxes & stuff to get it done. Your web site was my final stop.... You guy's got me to do it !

I got your book & printed a copy , put each page in a sheet protector ( you see this allowed me to procrastinate for another week :) It was the female touch in your book that clicked with me. Because I had so many photos I had to use really big plastic boxes... I am now in the final phase of identifying stray negatives and a bunch of "stray" photos. . . . I have been riding high on the sense of accomplishment with that enormous weight lifted from my shoulders

Love you guys & thanks, Joanne

PS The feeling is as good as losing weight!

Hi Chris and Tracey,

I have started on this project too long ago actually. I had started it before I found your book. Originally I set up two long tables in a large room which is seldom used. I got all of my pictures together which are NUMEROUS and just didn't know where to go from there!!! I decided then to look online to see if I could find some help and THANK GOD found your website. I immediately ordered your book and started to read it. It was just what I needed! What a great idea you two had to create this program. Just about everyone I talk to has the same story of a need to organize pics and they don't know where to start. Of course you hear that ALL the time I'm sure...I will be giving your website address to my friends, and I hope you're able to continue with this endeavor because it is much needed!

Your happy client,
Lois

"I'm thrilled to find your website! You are right on the mark on all of the information provided. The organizing part of photo preservation is SO important, and not stressed enough. So many people will never "scrapbook" but have the huge guilt of not having done anything with their precious photos hanging over their head. I have been preaching this for awhile. So much so, that I have started a photo organizing service for people. After reading your info, I feel like I'm no longer "alone"! Keep up the great work"

-- Mariette A.

"I was reading an article in the Grand Rapids Press today about scrapbooking. I have been scrapping with family and friends for about 5 years now and since your website was mentioned in the article I thought I would take a look. I have been to all the stores and all the websites, TV and even huge scrapbooking events, but your organizing ideas are the best I have seen to date! Your organizational products and ideas are simple, no nonsense, quick, effective and moderately priced."

Donna G.

". . . I do want to say, 'Thank You.' I spoke with Chris on the phone the other day, and it was like a conversation with a long lost friend. The time taken for all my many questions was so generous and the conversation so friendly. . . . Just to let you know, I am a big fan of customer service and that was an unparalleled experience. I will be a loyal customer."

-- Sincerely, Miette C.

info@organizedphotos.com
The Sentimental Playground, LLC

Raymond, Maine 04071

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