Directions to upload your photos to the shared album
Click on the link you select on the Photo Albums page using your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, where your photo files are located.
Your web browser will open and display that shared album. Click on the icon that looks like a photo with a plus sign (add photos). An "add to album” screen will open.
If you already use Google Photos, you can select the photos you want to share and click on "Done" at the top right of the screen.
If you don't use Google Photos, click on the words in blue, "Select from computer," at the upper right of the screen to open your file explorer. Select one or more files you want to share and click "Open" in the file explorer box to upload your files.
You can also click on the icon that looks like a dialog box (View activity) to see other members' uploads and comments.
Try clicking on the other icons to see your options.
Additional Help for users of iPhotos and iCloud
Here are the best ways to download your photos and videos from iPhoto or the Photos app and upload them to your Google Photos account. The right method for you will depend on whether your photos are on a Mac or an iPhone/iPad.
If your photos are on a Mac, the most common approach is to export them from the Photos app to a folder on your computer and then upload them to Google Photos.
Step 1: Export Your Photos and Videos from the Photos App
Open the Photos app on your Mac.
Select the photos and videos you want to export. You can select all by pressing Command + A.
Go to the menu bar and click File > Export > Export Unmodified Original.... This ensures your photos and videos are saved in their original quality.
In the export menu, you can choose how to name your files and organize them into subfolders. For a straightforward transfer, you can leave these as they are.
Click Export.
Choose a location to save the exported files, such as a new folder on your desktop or an external hard drive. This will be the device you upload from.
Step 2: Upload to Google Photos from Your Computer
Open your web browser and go to photos.google.com.
Sign in to your Google account.
At the top right, click the Upload button and select Computer.
Navigate to the folder where you saved your exported photos and videos.
Select all the files you want to upload and click Open.
Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop the entire folder of exported photos directly into the Google Photos window in your browser.
For photos and videos on your iPhone or iPad, the most direct method is to use the Google Photos app.
Download the Google Photos app from the App Store.
Open the app and sign in to your Google account.
Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
Select Google Photos settings and then Back up.
Turn on the "Back up" toggle.
The app will then automatically upload the photos and videos from your device's camera roll to your Google Photos account. You can choose the upload quality (Original quality or Storage saver) in the settings.
This service from Apple allows you to request a direct copy of your iCloud Photos library over to your Google Photos account.
Step 1: Initiate the Transfer Request
Go to Apple's Data and Privacy page: Open a web browser and navigate to privacy.apple.com.
Sign in with your Apple ID: Use the same Apple ID associated with your iCloud Photos library. You may need to complete two-factor authentication.
Find the transfer option: Look for the section titled "Transfer a copy of your data" and click the link to "Request to transfer a copy of your data."
Step 2: Configure the Transfer
Choose a destination: On the next page, you will see a dropdown menu under "Choose where you'd like to transfer your data." Select Google Photos from the list.
Select the content to transfer: Check the box for iCloud Photos to indicate you want to transfer your photos and videos.
Connect your Google Account: Click "Continue." A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to sign in to your Google Account to grant Apple permission to add photos to your library. You will need to allow Apple to add to your Google Photos library.
Confirm the transfer: Once you have signed in and granted permission, Apple will confirm the details of the transfer.
What to Expect After Requesting the Transfer:
It's not instant: The transfer process will begin, but it can take between three and seven days for Apple to verify the request and complete the transfer.
Email Notifications: Apple will send you an email notification when the transfer starts and another one once it is complete.
What gets transferred: This service copies most of your photos and videos from iCloud Photos. However, some items like shared albums, smart albums, photo stream content, and some metadata may not transfer.
Storage Space: The transfer will use storage space in your Google Account. Ensure you have enough available storage before starting.
Other Help
We have not tested all combinations of devices and browsers to ensure that the instructions apply to all configurations; therefore, your experience may differ slightly.
If you don't feel comfortable using the site, email your favorite photos to sir146.photo.group@gmail.com, and we will ensure they are added to the album.
Feel free to call or email our coordinator, Mike Rothman, if you feel stuck or have other questions, mrothman9@gmail.com or 415.937.1846.
Online help for Google Photos is available at https://support.google.com/photos/?hl=en#topic=6128818