Yes. The usual solution is to use digital asset management (DAM) software that catalogs your images in a database and keeps thumbnails, tags, and other metadata locally even when the original files are stored on an external drive or disc that isn’t connected.

Another practical option is to keep small JPEG versions on the laptop instead of only database thumbnails. For example, you can create a downsized, screen-resolution copy that preserves folders and filenames, so you can still browse visually and fetch the original from your archive when needed.

A thumbnail/catalog approach saves the most space; a downsized-copy approach uses more space but makes browsing easier and gives you a usable preview image. Some cataloging tools also let you increase thumbnail size for easier identification.

If your archive is growing quickly, an external USB hard drive can also be a simpler alternative to DVDs for storing the originals.