[Realizing through data] The story of how I, a 'non-photographer,' filled up my smartphone storage with parenting photos

This time, I'm writing about the 'records' of parenting. Based on my own experience, I'll share how my smartphone's photo folder changed after having a child.

I rarely take photos, except for special occasions like trips or weddings. I don't have a habit of taking pictures of scenery or selfies. The only things I take photos of in my daily life are products I need to send to my wife while shopping.

So, how did my smartphone's photo folder change?
I roughly tallied the 'changes in photo data' since my child was born.

For those who don't have a habit of taking photos, I want to share this story about parenting and smartphone storage.
To give you the conclusion first: you will end up taking photos, so 'be prepared to secure storage space early.'

Changes told by data

It's a simple tally, but please look at the graph showing the number of photos and videos (including images like screenshots) saved on my smartphone over the past two years. Some of you might think, 'Does it really change that much?' So, I visualized the actual data in a graph.

Looking at the compiled graph, I was surprised myself that it was '0 in September 2022'.
From August 2023 to March 2023, the average was about 10 photos per month, which shows I had no habit of taking photos at all.
From there, as the birth date approached in December 2024, the number of photos taken for preparation and making memories increased, and after the child was born, it increased dramatically, reaching a different order of magnitude.

Why do I take so many photos now?

The reason is very natural.
I want to record the moments of growthis a big feeling.
Even though it's the same composition and the same expression as yesterday, for some reason, I end up taking a photo.
I think it's the psychology of not wanting to miss even those small moments of growth.

Furthermore, I started taking many short videos.
Videos can make memories more vivid, and
since they can capture 'voices' and 'movements' that photos alone cannot convey,
the number of videos is also increasing rapidly.

Reasons to increase storage right now

If there is anyone who thinks, like I did in the past, 'I might not take that many photos,' I want to say it loudly: Don't worry, once parenting starts, your smartphone storage will decrease in the blink of an eye.
It's not just the storage on the smartphone itself; for those who automatically back up smartphone photos and videos within the free limits of Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.,
I think you will run out of storage all at once. Consider increasing your cloud storage capacity or organizing unnecessary data... make sure to think about countermeasures early.

Conclusion: Be prepared to secure storage space early!

Even people who don't have a habit of taking photos will likely take more photos and videos than they imagine once their child is born. At the very least, my data proves it.

Rather than panicking after you're in trouble, I recommend reviewing your smartphone and cloud storage capacity now. It will surely be filled with many records of growth from here on out.