Add or Copy in LR?
May 16, 2018 09:40:26 #
Dbrogers wrote:
Most everyone says they copy, here's my work flow. Sounds like I import differently. I download all my RAW photos into new folders on two external HD's, then open LR Classic, go to file, click on import photos & video. Click on the new folder from my External HD on the left side and ADD them to my catalog and click import. I do this because I don't want them on my HD on my computer. Is there a better way?
Copy directly from the card from within LR. I have no need to duplicate procedures by ADDing first to my desktop and then linking to LR as LR does that for me initially so saves me time and trouble. I try to use the program I use to its fullest capacity, which in this situation is a direct copy download. Not sure what you mean by "don't want them on my HD" as you can put them, from within LR, anywhere you want them to go. You just need to direct the program.
May 16, 2018 09:40:45 #
Gene51 wrote:
Copy from card. Sometimes I will copy outside of LR to a new folder, then use Add to import into the catalog.
My process is basically the same. When I Import, the files go into a Temporary directory by date - pretty much automatic. Once culled and edited, the "finished" products go into directories I create within LR. The move happens there, too. Then I delete the temporary directory. However, if I have other images such as scans of older prints, negatives, or slides, I would Add them during Import.
May 16, 2018 09:55:44 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
Dbrogers wrote:
Just curious how many of you when importing, add or copy your photos into LR and why?
I only add because I have my own directory structure that I maintain and I copy my files from my camera to it outside of Lightroom. Since I do not want these files to be moved when I import them to Lightroom I use the add feature. The copy feature is normally intended to copy files from a camera's memory card to a location on your hard drive, although it could also be used to copy from one location on a hard drive to another if you want. In that event you will now have two copies of your files on your hard drive. The third option is the move option. If you use the move option files are deleted from the original location and moved to the new location. That is best used if they're already on your hard drive in one location but you want them to be moved somewhere else.
May 16, 2018 12:24:44 #
I am about to invite derision.
When shooting raw (DNG files from Pentax) I use Picasa to import all images from the SD card to "Date Taken" folders. I leave Picasa and use Nero Burning Rom to copy all these folder to a DVD disk (or 2) thus saving the originals.
I now use Adobe Bridge to view the hard drive images, cull and then process in camera raw saving as Jpegs or using PS for further work. After all are processed, I delete the hard drive dng files. Originals are always available for re-work from the DVDs.
When shooting raw (DNG files from Pentax) I use Picasa to import all images from the SD card to "Date Taken" folders. I leave Picasa and use Nero Burning Rom to copy all these folder to a DVD disk (or 2) thus saving the originals.
I now use Adobe Bridge to view the hard drive images, cull and then process in camera raw saving as Jpegs or using PS for further work. After all are processed, I delete the hard drive dng files. Originals are always available for re-work from the DVDs.
May 16, 2018 12:27:23 #
vanbr wrote:
I am about to invite derision. br br When shootin... (show quote)
No "derision" on my part, it's just that this thread, read the title, happens to be about Lightroom. Would be good to start your own thread on your own subject and then invites others to comment on that particular program and its use.
May 16, 2018 12:32:48 #
True, but the focus was using Lightroom for its catalog benefits. I thought the alternative method of cataloging might be interesting. Sorry for the digression.
May 16, 2018 12:42:29 #
vanbr wrote:
True, but the focus was using Lightroom for its catalog benefits. I thought the alternative method of cataloging might be interesting. Sorry for the digression.
Your digression was appropriate. No apology needed.
I will add that in my experience, Picassa is not an alternative to Lightroom cataloging.
But, if it works for you, that is all you need
May 16, 2018 14:01:46 #
vanbr wrote:
I am about to invite derision. br br When shootin... (show quote)
Since you asked for it: <derision> PLBFBFBFBFB! </derision>
I have no real problem with your workflow as long as it works for you. I would, however, comment on your use of DVDs as storage media. Unless you buy the archival grade blanks, they are at best a temporary storage medium. Personally, I prefer external hard drives. It can be argued that they, too, are temporary media with MTBF of a few years, but if you use multiple drives and maintain your data that limitation can be mitigated. And external hard drives are R/W devices rather than DVDs, which are write once. So the hard drives are more flexible. And they're coming down in price.
In 20 years I have had 2 hard drives become unusable (out of about 20). One of them was unusable because the power supply got lost and had a non-standard DIN connector. Over those 20 years probably 30% of my CD/DVDs have become unreadable. (They were from the low bidder, not archival grade).
May 16, 2018 15:00:57 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
vanbr wrote:
True, but the focus was using Lightroom for its catalog benefits. I thought the alternative method of cataloging might be interesting. Sorry for the digression.
Lightroom is far more than cataloging. If all ones plans on using is Lightroom's cataloging features then LR is a poor choice for a tool. If the plan is to catalog and then use Lightroom's image processing tools then an import is a requirement and we are back to the OP's original question.
May 16, 2018 15:02:02 #
sodapop wrote:
Why not take the one step and import directly from the card into LR? LR has many ways to cull and grade available. And they are automatically in whatever storage drive you choose
Xactly.
May 16, 2018 15:10:01 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
sodapop wrote:
Why not take the one step and import directly from the card into LR? LR has many ways to cull and grade available. And they are automatically in whatever storage drive you choose
LR does not have the ability to create the folder structure I have been using for many years, and additionally I don't import every image I have into Lightroom for a few different reasons. Therefore I create new folders outside of Lightroom and copy my images to them. When running Lightroom's import I add my images to the catalog keeping them within my current folder structure.
May 16, 2018 15:32:50 #
in my defense - the DVD's are fine. I also have a daily updated internal backup drive and yearly backups on 100GB Mdisc and 128GB flash. It's like a belt, suspenders , rope and duck tape to hold up your pants.
May 16, 2018 16:04:01 #
vanbr wrote:
... It's like a belt, suspenders , rope and duck tape to hold up your pants.
Be safe.
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