Workflow Confusion... Help please

ghop99

ghop99

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153
Name
Greg
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi All

Since shooting with my DSLR in RAW I am finding I need to pull my socks up regarding my workflow due to the size of images and the sheer numbers. I can't seem to settle on the best way to import, batch rename, first set of adjustments, full on edit etc and finally store in some kind of orderly fashion! I'm getting in a bit of a mess I think.

I would like to do the following

Import
Batch Rename
Batch Adjust
Batch Re-size (create a Low Res set)
Add Keywords
Further edit select images
Store in an orderly fashion!

My software options currently available to me:

Nikons own View NX2
Iphoto
Adobe Bridge
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop CS5

I think its a case of having too many tools available that I haven't established a set way of doing things.

So if anyone could be kind enough to share their workflow with me I would be most grateful.

Thank in advance
 
There are plenty of posts detailing workflows, if you have a search.

My workflow uses Lightroom for everything other than really advanced processing.

I apply my meta data on import as well as applying basic processing and keywords for the shoot.

I use a simple yyyy/yyyymmdd/originalfilename.jpg structure but only ever access images through Lightroom.

I do not bother with keeping low res files, unless they are needed as it is such an easy process in Lightroom that I can create them on the fly and delete when the y have been uploaded.
 
I dont have quite such an elaborate work flow as you.

On importing my photos some metadata is added, copyright etc. I check them for composition and sharpness any that doesn't pass those two tests are binned, well actually low marked and hidden, I delete very few. I will then keyword them and do any processing necessary mostly in aperture but more complex stuff in PSCS. I never rename my photos I am happy for Aperture to organise them for me.

Steve
 
Thanks for your input guys. I have a tendency to try and over complicate things when i should really keep it simple!
 
Lightroom for me 99% of the time. I tend to import and then quickly go through and delete any really bad ones. I then go through and star the remaining ones I like. Review these and whittle then down further with the best being given a colour flag. I will then start editing these ones by correct WB etc. Printing and publishing to the web is so easy and thousands of presets and plugins have been developed.
 
I don't think I have ever renamed a raw file - I just tend to add a new folder for each batch of photos I shoot eg "001 Taunton", "002 Exeter", "003 Wells" etc

I then import these into Lightroom, but the original file structure then remains untouched (as Lightroom only "catalogues" edits) apart from when I decide to delete original files via Lightroom.
 
Thanks for the replies.

So If I have say 20,000 jpgs in iphoto and want to make them available in LR without taking up another whacking great chunk of my hard drive whats the best way? Copy as DNG or Add. I don't want to commit myself to moving all of them just yet. It would just be good to get them all in one place now I have realized the full potential of LR.

Thanks
 
the beauty of LR is that it does not require moving or copying your actual image files - you just choose which folders or folder tree to import from and let it do its work - i imported 20000 raws in about 30 minutes and the resulting catalogue file was smaller in size than just one raw!
 
Brilliant, thanks for clearing that up. I will dump in my iphoto library and see what happens. Then I guess it will be a Metadata marathon!
 
its the bit at the bottom thats scaring me 29445 files 42gb - so we are sure this wont eat a chunk of my HD if I click add?!
 
Add just references files in their current location. Copy, copies them.
 
All done, thanks folks. I think if I import direct to LR, cut out Iphoto, and only using PS for extreme editing will be the way forward from now on.
 
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