Photo Decluttering Made Easy with SPO's Yes, No, Maybe Method

Is your photo library is overflowing?

Unknown slides stashed in boxes or carousels? Prints tucked in drawers, stacked in boxes, or scattered in old albums—you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin when it comes to organizing their photos. We here at SPO recommend our clients start culling using our simple method.

Man drowning in boxes of photos.

A helpful way to do this is by using our “Yes, No, Maybe” approach. This makes the process feel manageable, not overwhelming.

Remember, this isn’t about perfection, or even finishing it. It’s about taking small, simple steps to begin. By starting with this approach, you’ll begin to feel more in control, and you will be able to see progress. An added benefit is that you will feel connected to your memories as they become more meneageable—and that’s the most important part.

Here’s a simple system we use and teach our clients: Yes, No, Maybe.

Yes — What You Love

Start with the easy ones. These are the photos that make you smile, tell a story, or capture a moment you never want to forget. Photos you definitely want to keep.

Ask yourself:

  • Is it in focus and well lit?

  • Does it bring up a meaningful memory?

  • Would I want to print or share it?

These are your Yes photos. No hesitation. Keep them.

No - Let It Go

Now for the brave part—deleting. These are the duplicates, blurry shots, or images that no longer carry meaning. Photos you know you don’t need.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I have five versions of the same moment?

  • Is it poorly composed or out of focus?

  • Does it feel emotionally neutral?

Say goodbye. You won’t miss them.

Maybe — Come Back Later

Not sure? That’s okay. Set it aside. These are photos you’re unsure about.

Your “Maybe” pile gives you space to take a break and return with fresh eyes. Sometimes a little distance is all you need to make a confident choice.

Tip: Don’t overthink it. This is about clarity, not perfection.

Bonus Tips for Culling Success

  • ⏱️ Set a timer. Limit culling sessions to 15–30 minutes to avoid fatigue.

  • 📖 Focus on storytelling. Which images best represent the people and events you care about?

  • 💻 Use smart tools. For digital photos programs like Apple Photos, Lightroom, or Google Photos make tagging and sorting easier.

Need a Hand?

At Signature Photo Organizing, we help families bring order and meaning to their photo collections—both digital and printed through organizing those photos and creating memorable books and albums. Our team of professional photographers understands the emotional weight of your images and how to tell the story they hold.

Photo organizing by photographers.

That’s our promise.



Jennifer Loomis Photography