From recognising faces to sorting memories, AI is quietly transforming how we interact with our photos. What once felt like a chore can now feel intuitive, even enjoyable, if we understand how to make the most of the tools we already have.
In this episode, we take a fresh look at Golden Rule #4: Sort and Organise, exploring how AI is reshaping the way we manage our digital photo collections, connect with our memories, and tell our stories through images.
Our focus is on Apple Photos, and we’re joined by special guest Paul Einarsen, an expert in helping people organise and share their photos using Apple’s tools.
Together, we unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming photo management within the Apple ecosystem, what’s new, what’s quietly powerful, and how you can work smarter, not harder, to enjoy your photo library.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
How AI is making it easier to curate and enjoy your photo memories
Apple’s privacy-first approach to processing your photos
Simple ways to get started with People & Pets tagging
How Apple Photos finds and merges duplicates while keeping the best version
Why keywords are becoming less relevant, and captions matter more for storytelling
Seeing your photo collection as a “living document” that evolves with you
How automatic collections can ease photo overwhelm
Practical tips to build enjoyable, sustainable photo-management habits
Why It Matters
AI is changing more than the way we sort photos — it’s reshaping how we connect with our memories. The good news? Your iPhone and Mac already have powerful tools built in. With a little know-how and small, consistent habits, you can keep your photo library organised enough to enjoy, because it’s about reliving memories, not chasing perfection.
Mentioned Links
5 Minute Photos - https://5minutephotos.substack.com/ - Weekly newsletter with tips and insights about photography in 2025 with a focus on the Apple Photos ecosystem.
Bluewater Imaging - https://www.bluewaterimaging.com/ - Consulting, coaching, and done-for-you photo management services.
Bluewater Imaging Photo Workshops - https://learn.bluewaterimaging.com/ - Do-it-yourself online courses for professional photo managers and everyday photographers
New Course - FIND YOUR PHOTOS FAST: How to use the new Apple Photos on iPhone - https://learn.bluewaterimaging.com/p/find-your-photos-fast-using-the-new-apple-photos-on-iphone-1
Related episodes
Episode 004 Golden Rule 3 – Create a Hub
Episode 005 Golden Rule 4 – Sort and Organise (Part 1 – Digital Photos)
Episode 009 Understanding Photo Metadata
Episode 018 Manage your photos using your iPhone
Episode 063 The Magic of Maintenance
Episode 096 The Apple Ecosystem with Paul Einarsen – Blue Water Imaging
Episode 102 Is using only a folder structure outdated?
If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes!
We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects.
If you’d like to learn more about us, go to:
Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or
Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au
If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home.
*affiliate link