As a photographer, you likely have years of work stored on your computer — from golden hour sessions in Central Park to edgy editorial shoots in SoHo. New York photography locations like the Dumbo waterfront are iconic and filled with stunning shots — but what happens if your drive crashes or is stolen? A reliable cloud storage platform is essential to back up your portfolio and keep your work safe.
1. Adobe Creative Cloud
This service is for photographers who already use Lightroom and Photoshop, offering easy syncing within Adobe apps. The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan ($9.99/month) includes Lightroom, Photoshop, and 20 GB of storage. You can upgrade to 1 TB for an additional $19.99/month. It’s a great all-in-one solution if you’re in the Adobe ecosystem.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is best for universal file backup and sharing. It’s simple, reliable, and works on all devices. While it uses folders instead of photo-specific galleries, it’s user-friendly and affordable.
The free 2 GB trial lets you test the interface, and its mobile app offers an automatic upload feature — perfect for clearing space after a long day shooting street photography in Greenwich Village. If you’re planning your next shoot, check out a photography location guide to find more inspiring spots.
3. NordLocker
If security is your top priority, NordLocker is for you. It uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning only you can see your data. The interface is a simple drag-and-drop system. Pricing starts at $8.99/month for 500 GB, with a 2 TB plan for $14.99/month.
4. Backblaze
For a “set it and forget it” solution, Backblaze offers fully automated, unlimited backup at a great value. At $5 per TB per month, its pricing is simple. Just install the program, and it automatically backs up all your files. The main drawback is the lack of a selective sync feature.
5. Arq Backup
Aimed at power users, Arq Backup offers features like versioning and block-level incremental backups, which save time by only backing up file changes. It’s one of the few services that can back up external hard drives. The interface can be complex, and pricing is $59.99/year for 1 TB of storage.
6. Box
Box is a great storage solution for photographers who collaborate with a team. It’s a business tool focused on teamwork and security. A free account offers 10 GB of storage, while the Pro plan ($11.50/month) provides 100 GB of storage and a 5 GB file upload limit.
7. IDrive
IDrive is ideal for backing up multiple devices (PCs, Macs, phones) to a single account. Files are synced in real-time across all linked devices. If you only use one computer, the affordable IDrive Mini plan offers 500 GB of storage for just $9.95/year.
8. Icedrive
Icedrive lets you access your cloud storage as if it were a physical hard drive on your computer. It features a clean interface and secure file sharing with password protection. A Pro plan offers 1 TB of storage for $4.99/month.
9. OneDrive
OneDrive is an excellent option if you use Microsoft Office, as storage plans are often included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It’s a reliable solution for backing up images and is easy to navigate if you’re familiar with Microsoft products. It offers 5 GB of free storage, with paid plans starting at $1.99/month.
10. Google Photos
Google Photos is a popular choice for its high-quality backup, easy organization, and AI-powered search tools that automatically label people and objects. While no longer offering unlimited free storage, it provides 15 GB for free, with paid upgrades available.
11. SmugMug
SmugMug offers unlimited storage and portfolio-building tools, making it ideal for professionals who sell photos online. It supports RAW files and integrates with editing software like Capture One.
Whether you’re showcasing high-fashion shots from the Meatpacking District or skyline views from the Top of the Rock, its professional website builder helps you publish and sell your work easily. Pricing starts at $3/month for 512 GB.
