How can I start building a digital archive for my family’s memories?

Storing everything locally is definitely a smart move for both security and cost. There are open-source solutions out there that can help you with tagging and organizing your data without starting from scratch. If you still want to dive into building it yourself, you might want to look into using React for the frontend and pick a backend option you feel comfortable with. Just remember, using existing software can save you a lot of headaches compared to reinventing the wheel from day one.

That sounds like a really cool project! But as a newbie, it might be a bit overwhelming to tackle everything at once. Why not try existing photo management software first? You can explore their features to understand what you really need before deciding whether it's worth spending months learning to build something custom.

You're venturing into competitive territory with giants like Google and iCloud already offering similar services. But if your focus is on creating a user interface that links images—like tagging them with names—it could be rewarding. Just be mindful of any legal aspects that might arise from trying to replicate what those services do.