The Easiest Ways to Share Photos and Videos

What’s the one way EVERYBODY can share pictures without having to learn something new?

Texting pictures is the one thing probably everyone you know knows how to do. And not having to teach grieving relatives how to upload a photo to a website is, in and of itself, a gift if you’re the one producing the memorial slideshow. But texting pictures is not without compromise:

How do I text more than one picture at a time?

Nearly everyone has texted a picture or two. But not everyone knows how to send more than one picture at a time. Here’s a quick gallery guide to help you (and anyone else contributing).

The sample images are from an iPhone, but the same principles apply to most mobile phones. Use the left and right arrows to move between steps.

Don’t worry if your messaging app limits the number of pictures you can send at any given time; you can always split your photos across multiple text sessions. Or, if you (and your contributors) are comfortable uploading via a webpage, read on!

Texting pictures doesn’t work for me. Can I use email to share pictures?

Email is another commonly known tool for sharing pictures or movies. Like texting, people have been sharing via email for decades. Also like texting, email comes with trade-offs.

Some folks don’t use texting for sharing pictures, or they may not text at all. And, while texting is convenient, it’s not ideal for sending large batches of photos; text apps can be clumsy and unforgiving.

Email is a great alternative, whether you’re using an app like Mail or Outlook or a web‑based service like Gmail. For best results:

• Send the highest‑quality attachments you can; bigger files usually mean better images
• Using Gmail? Consider storing photos on Google Drive for easier sharing (read more here)

How do I get the best quality for the pictures I’m sharing?

Email and texting are great; they’re familiar to people, and that counts a lot. But if you want to share the highest possible quality and ensure pictures can be reviewed or edited before being added to a memorial slideshow, nothing beats using a web-based service to share pictures and movies.

Many services are out there, but they all work pretty much the same whether you’re on a desktop computer, mobile phone, or tablet. Most services are accessed through a web browser like Safari or Chrome. Some services have their own apps, but unless you share files regularly, downloading a special app is a bit overkill.

The most common service is Google Drive. In fact, if someone is sharing via Gmail, they’re likely already using Google Drive to host the attached pictures. Of course, you don’t need to use Gmail to use Google Drive; all you need is a free Google account. WikiHow offers a solid tutorial for those unfamiliar with how to share using Google Drive. Microsoft offers a very similar service if you use Outlook or Office.

I use Dropbox as my sharing service. I send my clients a link that allows them to upload photos, movies, and other files without creating an account or downloading software. My clients can share this link with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone contributing to their wonderful person’s story. The whole process takes only a few simple steps, very similar to texting or emailing photos.

How can I share pictures without a computer?

Not everyone can share pictures via a phone or computer. Some don’t have access to the tech; some just can’t (or won’t) use it. That doesn’t mean you should leave those pictures behind.

Without tech, you can send the pictures via some kind of courier, drop them off at a local shop, or have your story editor come pick them up.

Using the postal service or a package carrier (UPS, FedEx) is probably the most common method. I recommend using some kind of proof of delivery (return receipt, certification, tracking, and etceteras) on whatever you send so you know it reached its intended destination.

Your town might have a business specializing in photo scanning. Search for “photo scanning near me” to find a reputable shop or, if you’re directing someone who doesn’t have a computer, send them to their nearest print/copy shop for scanning.

If your story editor is local, you might consider asking them to meet you somewhere for an actual, face-to-face hand-off. You could meet at their place of business or a public space (like a cafe or library). I would avoid using a residential location – yours or theirs – for hand-off.

No matter which physical hand-off method you choose, be sure to arrange for the return of your pictures up front. You want to have a clear path for their speediest return so they don’t get lost or damaged. And never allow the return of your pictures to be gated by any financial condition; these things are too precious to get tied up with some billing confusion.

What can I do to make sharing pictures easier?

A little preparation goes a long way to making things easier, no matter how you choose to share pictures.

First up, organize your pictures. Chances are you have a ton of pictures on your phone or in a shoebox, and they’re not all relevant to the memorial story. You don’t need to do much more than decide if any given picture is one that matters (a quick snap of your wonderful person) or one that doesn’t (screenshot of last night’s pizza order).

If all your pictures are stored in an application (like Apple’s Photos app), start by creating an Album on your phone or desktop. Then browse your photo library to find those pictures you plan to share.

If your pictures are scattered around your digital world, consider creating a folder on your desktop to save those special pictures.

You have a few options if your pictures only exist in the real world. First, consider digitizing them (I’ve written a guide for that here). Alternatively, if you want to keep them in the real world for now, I recommend putting them in envelopes labeled with where the picture came from (e.g., bedside picture frame, or family reunion scrapbook). This will help you put these cherished memories back where they belong once the memorial slideshow is complete.

I find that I remember stories when I’m organizing my pictures. That makes this a great time to make note of important details, dates, places, and people that are in the picture. Those details really add a lot, making the memorial slideshow even more powerful.

But what is the RIGHT way to share pictures?

There isn’t a huge difference between texting, emailing, or using cloud‑sharing services to collaborate on storytelling. And sometimes a tried-and-true stamped envelope is the way to go. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice is whatever works most comfortably for you and your contributors and helps your slideshow story editor craft something meaningful.

Related Journal Entries

• Reflections in Sound and Picture – Our lives leave traces in pictures, recordings, and the small moments we save. These reflections help Wildflower tell your wonderful person’s story, and gathering them can become a meaningful, even uplifting, part of remembering.
• Preparing Your Memories for Storytelling – A few small steps can turn your photos and recordings into a vivid, meaningful tribute. Discover how choosing the right moments, adding context, and sharing your vision helps your story editor craft a memorial that feels true, personal, and deeply resonant.
• Bringing Physical Memories Into the Digital World – You don’t need a scanner to preserve your physical memories. With just your phone, you can digitize scrapbook photos, framed images, and meaningful objects so your story editor can bring them to life in a vivid, heartfelt tribute.