Workflow - filenames

[anniephoto]

Hi,

New PC on the way and I want to start using a smarter way of naming files and storing in folders. I use LR3 so renaming no issues. I've found my current system a little complicated as I store by client name and would prefer something that I could sort chronologically and by client.... any best practices out there that people are willing to share?

Thanks

 

[Kerioak]

I sort primarily by date and then add subject(s). I also keyword as I import images (am gradually working though pre-Lightroom images as I get time and inclination) so that I can aways find images - all have primary keywords - year and month plus place images taken then as much as I think will be useful.

 

[Chappers]

very one has a different system, I tend to group by date, and the subcategorise within that.

For example I have year folders and within that year I have individual shoots. I can then have a subcategory. For example for a recent Cornish shoot I had locations or events as the subcategory. I rename all the shots within a category or subcategory. In Lightroom this is really quick. If necessary I'll add keywords which will enable me to find specific types of image if needed.

This works for me, it may not be ideal for you but before you commit to a particular structure make sure it's right for you. It's a real pain to redo . Trust me on that

 

[anniephoto]

Thanks Christine and John... John that's exactly why I'm asking for others best practices as I have the opportunity to start a fresh with the new PC. Think I'm going to store by month folder then title images by date then client code/name... unless any better ideas come along. Keywords is something I need to dedicate some time to and that's another think I want to make part of my natural workflow rather than squeezing it in if I remember LOL!

 

[MisterE]

To keep things in chronological order you need to name them yyyy mm dd, so 2011 01 26 for example. Then follow it by any file number in a format containing the same number of digits - eg 001, 002, 003 - not 1, 2, 3 etc. I don't put any descriptive text after mine but you can do that I suppose, without upsetting the order.