Delete images during import

Report · Jan 10, 2022

When I'm in the import screen reviewing the images on my SD card to import, can I delete photos in this screen so that they are not imported and they are also deleted from the SD card too? I am only able to uncheck them so they aren't imported, but if I leave them on the SD card, they will get imported next time. There must be a way to do this that I'm missing. Thanks

Report · Jan 10, 2022

It isn't possible to delete images from the SD card during import. Though not typically a problem today, this is a holdover from when manipulating the SD card on the computer could cause problems for some cameras and it was recommended to always use the camera to do so. Cameras run a different operating system than computers and in the past this could cause file system problems/corruption on the memory card. As I said, this isn't a problem with newer computers and cameras but the mentality is still there.

For my workflow, I import into dated destination folders so there is one checkbox per group of images from previous days that I can 'uncheck' to not import those older images. When I am ready to erase the images from the memory card, I use the camera's format function to erase and reinitialize the card.

Report · Jan 10, 2022

Ah ok, gotcha, that makes sense. Deleting a bunch of pics on the Sony A7 is such a pain, and it's hard to tell from a series which photos to discard or keep just from the screen, but yeah you're right if I delete them from the SD card they show up as zombie images on the camera.

Ideally I don't want to have to waste time importing images that I plan to delete later. I don't understand why lightroom doesn't remember the image name or timestamp of the last image imported and give you the option to only load the newer images into the import screen instead of loading all the images every time and then comparing them against what's been imported. It's so slow and then any images you deleted from your library show up in there again. Is there a way to do something like this? I'm importing into dated folder, but I'm not sure I completely understand your workflow. Thanks!

Report · Jan 10, 2022

If you're importing into dated folders, then the import dialog has a selection to show destination folders for the import. This also 'sorts' the images into groups based on the destination folder. Each group will have a global checkbox indicating whether or not to import anything from that group.

I often use this when I am in the field for extended periods where I don't want to delete images from the memory card until I get back to my studio and make back up copies (Yes, I make extra copies to a portable drive in the field but I have my own back up system at the studio). So, after several days, there are lots of images on the memory card which have already been imported and culled out (deleted from my LR photo library). By unchecking the box for that group, none of the older images will be reimported.

Report · Jan 10, 2022

1. Import all of the photos. In Lrc create a folder for rejects, move the ones you do not like to rejects. This way, all photos will be accounted for.

2. When you decide to format that SD card, go back in LrC and delete the rejects.

The above is what I do while on a photo vaction/trip.

Report · Jan 10, 2022

To build on this reply, the Import dialog is about getting photos off the flash card and into LR, and into the temporary second file backup - not about making keep / trash decisions. Once photos are recorded in LR, you can more properly make those decisions, comparing more than one image for sharpness, for example, or making quick adjustments to allow you to see if the shadows are blocked or the highlights ruined. So yes, as a rule import all and just deselect the obvious junk, then reformat the card.

Report · Jan 10, 2022

Mind you, do not reformat the card until you have at least one backup of the photos, at least the keepers, in addition to the import.