Export and Rename Raw to Jpeg

Question

I'm really hoping someone can help clear this up for me, maybe it's a dumb question but it has always stumped me.

For some background, I'm going to cover my workflow:

I pull the images from my camera and put them into a folder on my desktop.

I cull through Bridge, put the culled images in a new folder, them import my culled raw files to LR (using the "add" option)

I edit, then export. Whenever I export I rename the image for the session and add my business name.

I then move the folde with the final images (that I exported to the folder of culled images) to my portfolio folder in "Pictures"

So here's the problem: Once I move the photos, they are lost in the LR catalog. No problem. I click find and reconnect the missing photo. However, if I have deleted the RAW file and I'm reconnecting it to the edited version, it becomes a super edited version in LR catalog. SUPER high contrast, wonky colors, it's not pretty. It also obviously does not save all the adjustments I made. This makes it problematic if I ever want to go back and rework some edits.

I've discovered that if I save the RAW files it will save my adjustments, but then I've got two sets of files for EVERY PHOTO I take. That is going to take up so much space. I have to have the jpeg version because that's what I can use on my website, social media, and what I deliver to the client. Are there any work arounds? Or do I just have to save both types of files? Thanks!

Rob_Cullen · Answer

Some suggestions! (You are using either a stand-alone version 6? or Lightroom-Classic)

-Never delete you original 'raw' image camera files. No ifs, buts, or exceptions! Hard-Disk storage is relatively cheap. They are your pristine "film Negatives".

-Don't cull in Bridge! Import ALL your files to Lightroom and cull in the Catalog library. (Using 'Embedded Previews' will speed up the import process!). Use Lightroom as your DAM software- entirely!

-Don't import files from Desktop folders and 'Move' them later! Import the original raws from camera directly to their permanent and final storage loaction. 'Moving' files about is time wasting and more prone to OS errors.

-If you need to 'keep' the exported named derivatives: Export them to a sub-folder of the 'Originals' and check the option in the Export dialog to [Add to this Catalog]. Then you will never 'lose' them again.

-Always use the "Original" (raw) file to do any "Rework edits"in LrC- it is the only file that will have all the editing History in the Catalog, all the quality from the camera original, all the possibilities of making Virtual Copies, Exporting again for another 'exported' version, etc.

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