mtbear

I think folder or collection actions in LightRoom would be fantastic. But I may be using LightRoom differently from many users.

Examples:

Folder actions. Drop a file into a folder and it automatically tags the file with keywords and routes it to a collection. Besides being able to assign a keyword(s) it could also ask when you drop the file in. There could also be other actions that I haven't thought of yet.

Collection actions. Essentially the same as folder actions but you can keep your default folder structure.

Every day I shoot a sequence of images around my place for a year long time-lapse project. I sort the images into 10 collections currently. I know I can go into a collection, select 1 or more images and apply keywords but that represents an extra step(s). With actions I could set up an action once to apply keywords and be done with it. Isn't that what LightRoom is really about, smoothing work flow?

So I'm just asking: does this idea have value or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Why not simply make use of import presets to apply keywords, or by adding as the first step in an import process....

For me, your folder actions would be useless as I file in folders by date taken.

Keywording is how I sort, manage and find images....

You can also call and run keyword presets on a group of images when ever you like, for example all new files within a folder if thats what you need to do. You might need to set a filter first for files without keywords or based on the date imported.

mtbear

Because I import 10 or more images a day that need to be sorted into different categories. Having a keyword in an import preset would be meaningless.

As I indicated I know I can do a mass assignment but it's an extra step.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Two options I see. use keyword sets. Create the set then it just takes one click to apply to all selected photos, or one photo. This would seem just as good as a collection. Next option is to learn to use keyword hierarchies. Use these and hit one keyword and as many as 10 more can be added automatically. Actually it can be a whole lot more then 10.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

BTW a smart collection will add the photo to the collection once its tagged with the correct keyword or keywords.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Why yes, yes they do... a whole lot more then 10 with a single click ;)

:thumbup:

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Yes that is what LR was intended to do but from your description it seems like you are circumventing what LR will do for you because you are still holding onto the old school rules regarding folder management. As others have mentioned re key-wording, key-word sets, collections and SMART COLLECTIONS it really makes no sense to sort the physical locations of your photos. Let LR sort them on import by time and date taken and then use the other tools to keep your stuff virtually sorted the way you want. Collections do not duplicate your files but merely make note of where they actually reside. In other words you could have 1 photo in numerous collections but you still only have 1 physical photo.

Please have a look into the smart collections and you will quickly see the limitless possibilities. You could create a smart collection called "green grass" that automatically includes any photo with the key-word "green grass" and another called spring that automatically includes any photo with the keyword "spring". Now if you key-word 1 photo with the key-words "green grass" and "spring" then that 1 photo will be in both smart collections. OK, my example is kinda flaky but it begins to illustrate the potential.

Redmark

Keep this going, I see the value in collections, I just haven't gotten around to employ them. I found keywording straight forward enough, maybe now I will find the motivation to make a plan for collections.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Between keywording and collections, try hierarchal keywording... really speeds things up, keeps the correct spelling and can really make a huge difference when keywording images.

http://laurashoe.com/2011/11/14/organize-your-lightroom-keywords-into-keyword-hierarchies/

Once you get started, it is very easy to change and expand on the fly as needed.

Redmark

Thanks Dngallagher, yes, I am doing that now in keywording but not collections. I see that it would come handy such as having "best of" etc etc.
Cheers

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Good deal! Collections and smart collections based on keywords are very handy.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Good for you. Keep in mind that smart collections are not restricted to keywords but can be set to use any metadata, star or color ratings, and numerous other things that can also be used in combination with each other.

mtbear

I do use smart collections but…

…here is something to think about. The function of a smart collection is to collect images you have already taken action on.

A collection action would do the inverse: it would take action or actions on an image it collected.

All the most useful functions in math and science have inverse functions. Addition has subtraction as its inverse, multiplication has division and LaGrange transforms have inverse La Grange transforms to name a few inverse couples. I am only suggesting that LightRoom has the potential to mimic that symmetry.

Redmark

Yes, quite a explanation to ponder.