AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

For the many who are more electronically savvy than I.... (which I expect includes most of you!)

I follow these protocols for transfer and storage, which seem to be the fastest and simplest for me. I’d appreciate any recommendations on things I’m doing wrong or where there’s a better way.

1) After shooting, I import to my computer using PS organizer, and tag subjects, dates, and locations. I do this directly from the SD card. I leave the original images on the SD card and replace it when it’s full. If you make a habit of it, I find it’s pretty easy.

2) I copy the RAW files to a separate directory, where they’re available for future editing or restoration.

3) I backup both directories to an external hard drive and the cloud. I do this at least once a week, using my backup settings.

4) I edit in JPEG format using Photoshop, and store the progress versions in the Adobe directory, so that they get backed up weekly as well. I’m not yet ready to edit in RAW, as I haven’t learned the skills or purchased the software.

5) For convenience, I pull any special photo projects I’m working on into a separate folder, and back it up with the rest.

6) Then, when I’m ready to submit, transfer, or print at my local shop, I just pull that project sub directory out onto a flash drive.

Any thoughts, recommendations, or warnings? I like routines, as I would like to improve this if I can.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Your procedures work for you, THAT is important.
My only comment would be on #2. I tried separate directories for RAW and JPEG at first, then quickly found that it requires a duplicate directory structure, which to me was a waste. I, myself, find it much more convenient to have both in the same directory, "right next to each other" when viewing the JPEG files in Windows Explorer to see what I want to work with. No going someplace else to get the RAW. If I find a JPEG that I want to do some work on the RAW, I simply move the mouse, double click on the RAW, and it opens in my RAW editor.

<edit>
Well, maybe another comment.
For #5 & 6, I keep all photos in the same place. For an edited image, I will "save as" and add "Adj" to the file name, keeping the original. I do used other directories for "Uploads" and "Costco" (print service).

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Good idea. I can easily arrange that.

I also want to start editing in RAW, and need to figure out software and techniques. But that’s a topic for another thread.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If you're using PS Organizer, I'm thinking you're using PS Elements, which is what I have.

I put my SD card into the PC and do a quick preliminary review with Windows 10, deleting the obvious blows and making preliminary choices on discarding duplicates. Then I copy all remaining originals to an external drive to a folder for RAW or one for JPEG. They go into a sub-folder with a name in the format of yyyy mo "short text descriptor" and then I copy that folder to my hard disk in the Adobe/Pictures folder, then import it's files into Organizer and do my edits. I use Elements to backup my work to a 2nd external drive. I don't have an elaborate backup routine, just external drives.

I print locally from the Organizer. I also use Pro Show to create show productions with music. For this I copy selected files using Organizer to a folder for Pro Show projects with appropriate sub-folders. I don't backup my Pro Show products. I publish them to an MP 4 file on a USB flash drive to show on my TV. After I make the MP 4 file, I don't need to go back to the working version on the HD to change anything. Plus, the originating files are always available either through Elements or my external drives so I can just reconstruct the show if need be.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Sounds logical. I’ll think about how to incorporate some of this. And yes, I use PSE, but want to move to Lightshop for its RAW editing capability.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Well, maybe another comment.
For #5 & 6, I keep all photos in the same place. For an edited image, I will "save as" and add "Adj" to the file name, keeping the original. I do use other directories for "Uploads" and "Costco" (print service).

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Good idea on the renaming. I use REV, which is what I do with progress versions of my work files.

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

My only question is about step 1. If you are backing up your images to an external hard drive, why do you keep them on the SD card? It seems to me that you must have a bunch of SD cards stored away by now. While SD cards are coming down in price, hard drive space is much cheaper.

Just my 2 cents.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Belt and suspenders, maybe? We started saving our originals on the cards in our point and shoot / bridge camera days. I also keep them at my office, off site.

Cards are pretty cheap, and I have had a few computer disasters over the years. I’m also a bit worried that the constant read write cycle of using the same card over and over, and regular reformatting may make them unreliable over time.

Foolish, I know. But it makes me feel safer.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Elements does RAW but it's a bit limited compared to Lightroom. Also it only works in 8 bit mode instead of 16 bit but it's still good enough for my tastes.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Keeping RAW and JPEGs in separate directories will not allow you to break out of your comfort zone and begin working with RAW.

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

I wouldn't say foolish, it's your preference and I was just trying to understand your reasoning. Whatever you are comfortable with is the way we ultimately go.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Fair point!

I’m going to make the switch next time I upload.

A question: I assume the tags won’t carry over, and I will have to upload both sets simultaneously and tag them separately, right?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Tags in what?
Tags in Windows files are part of the file and will be there in the new file location. For Windows you would have to tag each file. But, if the files are in the same directory and have the same basic name, since they would be next to each other in the file list, it would not be necessary to tag both. The tag field in the file data is displayable in the file list in Windows Explorer. For my use, I would tag the JPEG since it is viewable in Explorer without an add-in like RAW requires to be viewed.
(I don't use catalogers.)

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

No. I was referring to Photoshop tags. As noted in my OP, I tag each photo when I upload it, as to subject, location, and people (if any). I find it very helpful in finding shots from the past. I haven’t been tagging the RAW files, just the JPEGs.