Gene51 wrote:
If you opt to have LR write changes to a sidecar (.xmp) file, then deleting catalogs will not affect the files in your picture folder. But you will lose any organizational constructs like collections, virtual copies, etc I think.
You can import first, then organize, or organize after importing. I do either pretty regularly. I just covered the Bethpage Credit Union Memorial Day Airshow at Jones Beach in NY, and I came back with 1300 images from two camera bodies. I used On1 to view, cull and rate, then move the images to their destination in my computer. Then I opened LR and told them where they were by going to the Library module and executing Import-Add. I could have clicked on the + at the top of the library folder and added it there as well. Or I could have right clicked on my 2016 folder, or my May folder and merely do a synchronize folder.
In addition to placing the image in it's dated folder using my own folder structure which is organized by year and month, I tagged all the incoming images as they were added to the catalog with the keywords "Jones Beach" Airshow, "Bethpage Credit Union" 2016, and I segregated them into groups based on what they were of - like Canadian Snowbird Demo Team, USAF-F35, Blue Angels, Breitling, Geico Skywriters, etc. Finally, I rename all the images by adding 2016 Jones Beach Airshow to the number assigned by the camera. The whole process, including creating proof-quality images for the keepers, was about 3 hours.
I do not move any files into any categories on my hard drive. LR can quickly create named collections that duplicate the moving of files, but without actually moving them.
Forget Rule #1 - a better rule is that if you decide to move imported images, don't forget to sync the source and destination folders when you open Lightroom.
LR is really good at ending the chaos, as long as you don't have chaos to begin with. You need to be a little bit organized, and LR will help enhance and fine-tune your organization.
People who are disorganized by nature, will only suffer frustration with LR - they simply won't get it.
If you opt to have LR write changes to a sidecar (... (
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