Each Shoebox catalog has a “pictures folder” where most of its photos are stored. The default is ~/Pictures, but you can choose a different folder in the Catalog preferences. Regardless of your choice, catalogs can include photos in any folder.

Keeping all your photos in the chosen pictures folder make it easier to move them to a different disk or computer later. Photos in your pictures folder are referenced using relative paths. If you move your pictures folder to a different folder, disk or computer, all you need to do is tell Shoebox where you've moved it to.