We've already defined them as hierarchal keywords so they display as soon as we begin typing a few letters, but I'm hoping to find a single keystroke solution.

This is exactly what I do with my personal photos, but here the common images are so scattered, that it's difficult to do. If we were only coding for 1 or 2 keywords, it wouldn't be so bad. It does help though. I do appreciate the thought and it's a good article. Thanks

Quick question regarding keywords. At work, we use LR cc on a mac platform to manage "snapshots" of our projects. We often process 1,000+ images at a time. Our cataloging process works great except for keywording, which is often overlooked due to the extra effort. So in an attempt to make this easier on our folks, here's my question:

If we have 6 primary keywords that we use frequently, is there a way to assign them to specific hotkeys so that they can be added using a single keystroke during the review process? This would make our keywording significantly easier (and hopefully get our staff to actually do it!). BTW: Many images are coded with multiple keywords and common images (with similar coding) are usually scattered throughout the deck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm running both LR and PS on a 2011 Mac Air with no problems at all. Sure it's slower than an MacBook pro, but it's only a 1.6ghz machine with 4meg of ram vs a machine running at 2.9ghz and 16meg of ram. The main appeal of the air is it's extremely small size, but now the 13" MacBook pro is almost the exact same size and weight, but packs a ton more power. They've already dropped the 11" air from their line, and I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last year for the 13". So while the air would work, I'd really look at the 15" MacBook pro... or the 13" if performance isn't as important. (Macs and PC's are both great machines... it's just what you're most comfortable with IMHO)

I've been using a Canon G16 with a Fantasea housing (both strobes and LED's for lighting) as well as a GoPro Black 3 for the past 3 years and couldn't be happier. Great bang for your buck and allows for full camera control based on the situation (and the G16 shoots in RAW). You can also mount the GoPro on top of the Fantasia housing and shoot with both simultaneously (Setting the GoPro to video, intervalometer, or using it's shutter release). I would strongly recommend spending some time in a pool to get use to the controls before going on vacation. And don't discount what you can do in a pool... it's an amazing studio to work in. Also, if you are not doing scuba (i.e, air tanks) or are not comfortable holding your breath for extended periods (and equalizing your ears), I'd strongly recommend the GoPro... it's simple, no fuss, has a great wide angle lens (much better than most any digital UW camera without the addition of a fisheye lens $$$$), and has really good depth of field. With the addition of a red filter and a small LED light, it's an amazing little rig for getting some really nice high end snapshots. Hope that helps... HAVE FUN!

I've been using the following card holders for the past few years and love them. Cards simply click in and out easily. Not as much protection as other holders, but these are extremely thin and convenient. I slip these into the zippered pockets of my camera bag and they're always easy to find. If I'm worried about dirt, I just slip them into a small snack-size ziplock bag. Not sure about ESD potential, but I've never had an issue. They also come in multiple colors which can help keep things organized. The microSD size is particularly handy since those little buggers are so easy to lose. In case the link doesn't work, they're made by SDcardholder.com

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=sdcardholder+com&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=89229080774&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5342532100261769195&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009737&hvtargid=kwd-52457411684&ref=pd_sl_33vsrt03dp_e

Welcome Clint from another biologist in Raleigh, NC. You live in an amazing part of our state. Can't wait to see some of your work, both from a creative standpoint, and to just bring back memories of Lake Lure and Rutherford County! Cheers! Dan

Great reply Bill! I'm only now beginning to shot in RAW and completely agree that it doesn't fit every situation. Your advice is both practical and realistic. The hardest part of my transition has been overcoming the feeling that if you're not shooting RAW, you're not a photographer. I think the general RAW/JPEG debate tends to push people to defending the extremes, which can make it even more difficult for novices like me to decide which way to go. Thanks for your perspective!

Re Amanda's original question, from my limited experience, while there are free programs out there, major programs such as Lightroom and Photoshop are far better. HOWEVER, as Bill stated so eloquently, "neither is better." If you're not seeing a difference, or feel the need for "more processing power," why make your life more difficult. For 75% of what I shoot, JPEG seems to be the right choice (IMHO), but for the other 25%, RAW is essential.

Great video! What I found most impressive was not seeing a smudge of ink on a single person who worked there. I'd be fired within the hour! :)

That makes good sense. Might ease my discomfort with how LR creates/manages dated folders for images. Thanks!!

Dngallagher & Searcher,

This makes perfect sense and I can definitely see applications for both approaches. Personally, I think I'll rely more on keywording as part of my structured workflow (especially since the metadata will save me an extra step after export), and collections more for convenience and regularly accessed sets. But I also think a hierarchal design will be the best approach for both.

I really appreciate this discussion so I can think about this early in my learning curve.

Hey, speaking of structure, as I'm now beginning to work with LR, it's file protocol is taking some getting used to. I know that technically if I use keywords & collections effectively, it really doesn't matter where the images are stored, but it feels very uncomfortable. I have always kept very structured folders with a specific naming convention and it's hard to break old habits. As an example, when I'm importing from several SD cards from the same shoot, I'd prefer to place them in a single folder for that date & event (again, based on my old habits). The first import goes fine, but then subsequent imports or moves end up placing the images in a nested/dated folder within my target folder. I'm still learning & researching this process, but any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.

So what's the advantage... or difference in using nested collection sets over hierarchal keywords?

This is great. Thanks. Just because I've never had a problem doesn't mean it's the right way. And you know it'll always blow up during the most important event!

Makes perfect sense!

Great idea to not erase the card... provides a good failsafe in case something goes wrong importing or during initial culling.

Is it significantly better to erase/format SD cards in the camera rather that on the computer? I use both, and both have worked fine for me, but in-camera seems like it would provide a more compatible or reliable solution.