LARGE FILE COLLECTION ORGANIZATION

[jamesmcmurray]

My collection of photos and videos has grown to an almost unmanageable level, I wondering what everyone else does to keep their files organized, i.e do you keep separate original untouched copies of all your photos etc ?

 

[KmH]

This will give you the full rundown - The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers

 

[jamesmcmurray]

Thanks KmH, have you read it ? is it worth a £50 price tag ?

I came across a few software programs while researching online, tried about 5 of the top rated ones and found a program called Phototheca to be the best.

The program is freeware in case anyone else may find it useful, Phototheca — Photo Management Software For Windows

 

[JClishe]

Get the Dam book.

 

[KmH]

Save some money. Get a used copy.

Yes, I have the book sitting on my book shelf close to my computer so it is close at hand for quick reference..
Many other TPF members have gotten the book too, based on my recommendation

 

[dennybeall]

Lightroom professes to be the answer to all prayers for files tracking and storage, I don't think so. Personally I rename batches in Bridge into folders and include date and time as well as the camera does geocoding. But then I can't hardly ever find what I want so hopefully there will be some good reviews of the DAM book mentioned above..
As to your second question, Yes I keep originals of everything I keep but throw away a large amount. I tend to just shoot a second or third or 10th shot just to try something after I've got the shot I want. Most of the "I wonder IF" shots get trashed.

 

[KmH]

Yep, but the book I recommended covers LR workflow and Bridge (ACR) workflow.
Compared to professional grade (enterprise) image database management applications Lightroom is pretty crude.

A main sore points are that Lightroom can only be accessed by 1 computer at a time, and can only open 1 image catalog at a time.

The average personal computer user/photographer has never been exposed to using any kind of database management software, which is different than the regular file management software PC's come with.