iMac, Macbook Pro and Lightroom

gregww1

gregww1

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Greg
Edit My Images
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Guys,

Just wondering what solutions folks use in these circumstances.

I have a 27" 5K iMac and am going to purchase a MacBook Pro when the new version is released (hopefully this month). I run Lightroom and currently have a NAs which is just a timemachine with a mirrored disk.

I want to be able to run Lightroom from either the iMac or the MacBook and change use of the NAS to storage for my RAW's (I'll use another external HDD as a timemachine instead). I want to edit on my MacBook and be able to switch to the iMac for longer processing sessions...but crucially with the MacBook edits applied.

Is this possible?

If not, what workflows do folks typically use?

Cheers
 
When you export the catalogue and transfer, how is that best achieved, airdrop?
 
gregww1 said:
When you export the catalogue and transfer, how is that best achieved, airdrop?
Click to expand...

I usually copy the exported catalog to a USB stick or log in over built in file sharing, but my desktop Mac Pro doesn't support Airdrop.

Whatever works for you, basically.
 
It's all very clunky. Lightroom needs a re-write to support this kind of hand-off feature I think.
 
I wouldn't opt for AirDrop. Its slow as it uses WiFi. Yes I know the latest macs use the latest ac protocols, but it's still slow. I speak from experience. Quickest way is to transfer via Ethernet,if both are close to the router. Alternatively connect via Thunderbolt
 
neil_g said:
it would triple the price. it always has been a single use product and as such the catalogue system would require a massive overhaul to support record locking.
Click to expand...

IIRC they are using SQLite under the hood, which makes it pretty efficient for use on a local file system, but potentially dangerous to use over networks. As noted, this is to do with ensuring proper record locks during data writes.

It would need a major (and expensive) rewrite to achieve a proper multi-user client-server model with MySQL, Postgres or something similar. I doubt there is enough demand in larger studios to support its development and I'm not sure it would deliver the levels of performance needed anyway.
 
Can you not store the catalog on the NAS and ensure you close Lightroom on each machine before accessing?

Is this not possible ?
 
Rapscallion said:
Can you not store the catalog on the NAS and ensure you close Lightroom on each machine before accessing?

Is this not possible ?
Click to expand...
Doesn't let you set or open from a network location.

I seem to remember there is a hack but wouldn't risk it personally. It's unsupported and the catalogue is highly prone to corruption when accidentally opened simultaneously.

Import / export catalogue is the widely regarded workaround.
 
I just use my Corsair 256GB usb3 flash drive. That thing is superfast. Export the project as a catalogue from one machine and import on the other. Quicker than making a cup of tea.

Or, if my MacBook Air was using its adapter for an Ethernet cable then I'll transfer via the NAS as I'm lazy and I get the full Gigabit to it anyway.
 
I currently run lightroom on an iMac and a macbook pro (both 2013) using an external hard drive. The LR catalogue and this years RAWs are on the external drive so its a case of plugging in the external drive to either the iMac or macbook and everything is there. I've archived previous images raws to the iMac hard drive as I don't need them that often.Using an external drive means I can swap between the two quickly and import to the external drive via either the iMac or the macbook. Its not ideal having to use a external drive but its an easy way to swap between two computers. Currently Im deciding if Im going to swap the trial hard drive to a portable SSD or a thunderbolt Hard drive as I have far too many USB devices connected to the iMac.
 
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I copy the catalogue between two machines, main and back up. I use a wired lab connection and speeds are really fast 100mb/secs.
 
You might be better off having a look at the new ON1 Photo RAW, which does not need to use a Catalogue, and would just reference the storage location. That might be an option for you. You can still sort and rate all your images use folders and the like, and it is much faster for reviewing images for culling.

That might be an option for you, then you could keep you raw files on the NAS and just point your machines to the location.
 
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