The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/-ThatGingerKid- on 2025-01-04 18:29:36.
My home server/NAS is finally up and running. I'm trying to move away from the various cloud storage solutions I've been paying for. Where I'm stuck, however, is figuring out the best system for photo organization. Let me explain.
I have loved Google Photos for the facial recognition, location grouping, and memory features - so I am trying out Immich as a replacement. I have loved Google Drive / OneDrive for the ability to easily share files and access them from all my devices wherever I am - so I am trying out NextCloud. Here's the thing, I've got SO MANY photos that I like to access in different ways and I don't really want to bloat my NAS up with duplicates of these photos.
I'll add a bit more context - I have a large folder for engagement photos, a separate large folder for wedding day photos, a large folder for pictures from the 2 years I lived abroad, etc. I want to have easy access to these folders and files on my PC for whatever I may choose to do with them, but I also want Immich to have access to them to give me memories or so I can search by face and what not. I don't want a separate database of the same images for Immich and NextCloud. I suppose maybe this is a usecase for external libraries with Immich? However, I also want all the photos I take on my phone to be backed up somwhere, but not JUST on Immich in case I want to access the files more easily. I suppose I can also have those directly backed up to NextCloud with Immich having external library access?
I'm just curious what the best solution would be without needing to have the same files replicated in multiple locations.