Fathers Day: Using Technology to Find that Special Moment

Finding the faces and the places for the digital story of our lives

In his new age of an endless digital  documentation of all those special moments that we yearn to hold on too, brings on a whole new set of challenges.  Taking pictures is part of the fiber that is our humanity, allowing us in some small way,  to defy the inevitable tick-tock of the clock and time marching on by and giving us a way to "freeze" a moment; and with it, a visual and emotional capture that will never be forgotten,  for better or for worse, as time rolls on.  

Those who came before us had to rely on painters and artists, and when the first photography equipment became available to the the masses in the 19th century it offered everyone an opportunity to enjoy this "catalog" of the moments that make up our existence.  

 On this fathers day, I was reminded of this and while I may be feeling a bit philosophical, I am reminded of the challenges of our time that are unlike those before us, who were restricted by means or ability. W are lucky to be a great freedom n this country to take photographs of what we choose and have the technological means to store them within a medium and at a point in time with endless possibilities. 

As I searched for pictures of my Dad, looking for that one special moment that captures what I cannot say with words, I was excited about where this technology is taking us... as it cannot be denied that the story of our lives is not without the headache of the time it takes to keep it organized  in hectic times. 

As one who sees technology a tool for the should benefit the quality of life for all,  I am forever excited about the new possibilities on the horizon.

Alas, I must spare you the philosopher and provide you with a  tip, or inspiration on this special Holiday. When you take a picture digitally, know that it can store information that can turn the search of finding the right picture on your hard drive or cloud from a full day project to a few second  search - freeing you up to spend those minutes and seconds of life more wisely.  

In future posts, I will add a list with descriptions of programs that do this well, and the latest on this technology, but for today let's keep it simple for those who don't know.  If you are a PC user (although this these technologies are available for all devices)  I recommend downloading Windows Essentials - a suite of free programs from Microsoft to make the process simpler.  

Simply import your photos to your computer, open them in Windows Live Photo Gallery, and start playing with the tools that will make organizing, editing, and finding pictures that much easier.  They have managed to create something that is both feature rich, powerful, and easy to use regardless of skill level. 

(Click to Enlarge)

Make Finding Pictures Easier with Windows Live Photo Gallery

So when I needed to find pictures of my Dad and I, I simply had to tag the faces of a few shots.  Photo Gallery started asking about other pictures, and by using QUICK SEARCH FILTERS (e.g. date taken, time etc.) I was able show all pictures in a certain year, and able to find that special photo that said it all.  

This recommendation and article is more of a philosophical and inspirational one - of  how technology makes our lives better...  There are many programs that do this, but I wanted to share a personal experience it's my passion to make lives easier....   But for now, it's time to go be a Dad!

Derek Shocklee
SImpleAssist