So confused!

[calemjess]

I got a new mac

Just took my first raw photos (about 70)

I initially loaded them into iphoto.....set up PSE 9 as my external editor.

I know I am new to all of this, but man, shooting raw seems to be much, much more work!!
I may not be doing it correctly, but to avoid duplicate files (which got very confusing)

I did this:
I loaded raw files in iphoto
flagged pics I wanted to keep and edit (which was only about 16)
exported flagged photos (while keeping original file) to a folder on my desktop called raw edits.
I then opened all the files in camera raw 6.1, edited them to my liking
Saved each image as dng to a backup folder on desktop to be transferred to EHD
Opened all photos in PSE
Converted each to a jpeg
import all jpegs to iphoto
then I starred, keyworded them etc

I'm sure there is a much, much simpler way, but this was the best way I could do this without getting the images confused.

It was suggested not to put any photos in iphoto, however, I do like how I can set up my folder/smart albums for storing my photos to print for scrapbooking.

I just downloaded the trial version of lightroom 3. Going to play around with it. I'm not sure if it would make the workflow any less involved or not.

I am such a newbie with #1 a mac computer, secondly shooting raw. I'm trying to read everything I can get my hands on. You should see my desk......it has Scott Kelby books all over it! lol

Just wondering if more seasoned photographers had any advice on workflow and organizing photos.

Thanks, Kim

[Rentham]

Okay, here's my workflow. I'm on a Mac. I use Lightroom for importing, cataloging, metadata, keywording, and organization. I also do my batch RAW adjustments in LR. If something needs more work or special treatment, it gets exported to Photoshop. It's sort of rambling, so feel free to ask follow up questions.

1. Import to Lightroom directly from CF card. Lightroom is set to automatically convert to DNG and rename following a scalable naming convention (see below).
2. Using Lightroom's Grid (keyboard command 'G'), Survey ('N'), and Compare ('C') views I then make my selects. I do this by setting a reject flag ('X') to any photo that doesn't make the cut. I then do a Command-Delete and select "Delete from Disk" to get rid of the rejected files.
3. When I have my edit ready, I begin the process of applying batch RAW adjustments such as white balance, exposure, etc. I also apply keywords and metadata in this step. Make sure you mark your files as Copyrighted at the very least.
4. The images are then sorted into the appropriate Collections in Lightroom. I have broad Collection Sets made for the type of job (Wedding, Portrait, Editorial, etc), then within that hierarchy I have Collection Sets for the job (ex: Smith Family Portrait Session). Within that set I make three straight collection folders called Client Gallery, Client Picks, and Favorites. The gallery is what I upload as-is for the clients to make their picks. The Client Picks are the final images they select that then get additional post work if necessary. Favorites are my own picks that will show up on my blog and such.

A few additional points:

• If you are storing your RAW/DNG files on your local hard drive you will eventually run out of space. My local drive only contains files upon which I am actively working. Once I'm done with them, they get moved to an external 2TB drive, mirrored to another 2TB drive, and copied to a DVD. I use an app called ChronoSync that mirrors my drives and does a daily backup of my working RAW files, LR catalogs, etc.
• Naming conventions for files is something you should think about. Once you settle on a system, stay consistent. My file names are automatically applied by LR. They contain the year, shoot date, job number, and image sequence number. The file name is all numbers, and not very user friendly. But it is infinitely scalable. I let Lightroom handle the human readable part of cataloging and organizing my images.
• There should be ONE copy per master RAW/DNG/PSD file. If you get into the habit of exporting versions then importing them into your cataloging software, things get muddled quickly. I get my master files to the point where I'm happy with them, then I can export different versions based on need (my blog, flickr, full size export for clients, etc).
• Don't be afraid to use several different Catalog databases in Lightroom. I have three I use on a regular basis: Primary (my work files), Derivatives (Photoshop files), and Personal (pictures of my wife, daughter, dog, gear tests, etc).

[JFSanders]

Nice answer Rentham. Workflow questions can be daunting to answer because everyone is different in what is important to them. But I see where yours is pretty well smoothed out and should get the OP off to a good start.

Yes, RAW can be more work but in the end you have greater control over the end product and that is why most people go that route. That being said if you don't think you will ever be in a position to sell or distribute your photographs then you can eliminate working with RAW and just do Jpeg fine. They can still be edited but with much less control over WB and such.

Jim

[calemjess]

Rentham,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your workflow. It helped me tremendously. I downloaded the trial version of lightroom and so far I really like it.....so there may be a new purchase in my near future!

Jim......I don't really plan on selling my work or have any intentions of going pro.....I just want to take better photos of my family. I've tried editing jpeg photos before and end up just frustrated. I do like that with raw you have much more control, because I don't always nail the right exposure. I'm sure the more raw editing you do the faster it becomes. I'm still just slow as I am just learning.

Thanks for the help and sharing of information. I look forward to a day when I can be a position to help someone just learning!