markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

My method of uploading my memory cards to my image files are:
1. Using Win 10 File Explorer, I have a folder entitled "My Pictures" on a dedicated internal (F )Drive. I like to create and import to sub folders within My Pictures. Most are by year/subject/...
2. Using Win 10 File Explorer to import images, I have a 2nd folder on an external entitled Photos 1-14-16. Subfolders within are by category/subject/...
If I import the folders,"My Pictures" and "1-14-16" to LR and continue to do that after importing my cards, are my two Catalogs (one for each) preserved with complete functionality within LR.

Details are greatly appreciated. I tend to use PSCC for adjustments and converting RAW. I do save RAW in a separate folder and adjusted jpegs in a sub folder. I also understand about the nondestructive feature when adjusting RAW in LR. I've dabbled a bit doing that, but always seem to revert back to my comfort level of the method I've been using for many years. I'm a bit of a dinosaur.

I'm a backup nut so, all drives are doubly backed up using Acronis.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Mark

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I'm not sure I understand the question.

Cataloging and storing image data is a personal preference, and what works for one may make no sense to another. It seems your strategy is well thought out, and since you've been doing it for a long time, is one that you're comfortable doing. How and what do you want to address?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I don't think you need two catalogs, unless there is another reason you are doing that. You can simply use one catalog, and make collections for the category/subject etc.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks Gene. I reorganized my images in a 2nd arrangement to see if it served me better. Still testing the waters. I do not use collections, yet.
The two catalogs contain practically the same images, but the category one is more recent.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks Fred. Perhaps my questions are a bit rhetorical? My question is if I import my entire My Pictures or my 1 -14 - 16 folders into LR, periodically, will the two catalogs be valid updated catalogs. I usually do not import images from my cards via LR, but I do use File Explorer. Does it make a difference how I import - LR or vs File Explorer.
Mark

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

From my experience, it doesn't matter how you import your images into Lightroom. Most of the time I use the Apple Image Capture program to import from my camera to a hard disk (I have both internal and external). Then I import my images into Lightroom. Occasionally I will make a collection, but most of the time I just have Lightroom "point" to the disk folder where I placed the images.

I have moved photos off my internal hard disk to my external drive, and then Lightroom loses its reference pointers. But I can re-connect them later, and nothing has changed in my catalog (image edits, etc.).

One thing I have noticed is that Lightroom comments on my catalog when it's over 4Gb. I suspect this is a SQLite issue; I have no performance issues, but I make sure I let Lightroom back up it catalog, and then I back up my entire Lightroom folder.

Incidentally, here is Adobe's take on multiple catalogs, updated just a few months ago: https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/help/lightroom-catalog-basics.html

mjmoore17 Loc: Philadelphia, PA area

I also have gotten the 4Gig warning but not sure why. I just ignore and backup catalog.

cthahn

Learn to use LR and PS CC. Easier, faster. Just import into LR and you are done. 2 key strokes.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Right on. I see no sense in a double operation

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Why not import directly into Lightroom? Serious inquiry.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks for the feedback and insights. That has been my experience. Still have difficulty using, adjusting with LR. I do love the Library view.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I have done that with new images on cards. I find File Explorer easier and faster and then importing to LR. I've been importing via File Explorer for 20 - 25 years.
It's feel more natural. I continue to dabble with LR imports. Maybe by the time I'm 85 I'll use LR exclusively. Thanks! (that's only 4.5 years)
Mark

Jbat Loc: Charleston, SC

I import directly to LR but I see many people recommending that you import from File Explorer or Finder on a Mac. The reason being that many people who are not completely in tune with LR make errors importing directly to LR which causes much grief when they can't then find the photos. As I said, my method is to import directly but there is no reason not to import to File Explorer and then import to LR if that is what you are comfortable with.
Joel

DGStinner Loc: New Jersey

There was a bug in an early version of Lr6/CC that gave a warning even though the catalog was not over 4GB in size. Make sure you're using the latest version.

Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia

4GB is a Windows file size limitation that doesn't apply to Mac formatted drives.