How do I IMPORT photos into a folder based on the EXIF of the photo

[GaryWicke]

Good Day

Is there a way to import photos into specific folders based on the EXIF of the photos themselves?

I'm currently using a folder structure of YYYY with subfolders of each month in an MM format.

i.e. C:\...\2021\07

Also, I have many photos already stored in various folders due to inexperience when I first started using LR and Impoting photos.   What are my options for getting all the mis-placed photos into their proper folder based again on each photo's EXIF?

Thanks very much for the feedback and helping me learn!!!   Much appreciated!!!

-Gary

[GoldingD]

not at import, but after, you can rearrange what goes where based on keywords, or better yet Smart Collections.

KEYWORDS

One big key to sorting, arranging, finding, is keywords. It is always recommended to apply lots of keywords. This can help you. By including descriptive keywords you could place records of photos into Smart Collections.

Next Collections, especially Smart Collections

COLLECTIONS.

Also key in managing just what you have photographs of are Collections. Including Smart Collections. Create Smart Collections using keywords fir inclusion.

REARRANGE FOLDERS AND FOLDERS CONTENT

Then create the folders you desire, select a Smart Catalog that would logically match that Folders intent, and move the photos in that collection to that folder

NOTE, photos do not actually exist in collections, they exist in folders.

NOTE, photos can be members of multiple collections.

[GoldingD]

An Additional observation

RENAMING PHOTOS

Consider renaming your photos via the syntax

YYYMMDD_hhmmss

Helps various sorts. In your case, you could use that to move photos in a Smart Collection, to whatever folder, but just those of that date, without having to look at the metadara.

[GoldingD]

So, if you want photos of a specific date, in one specific folder, and they are all over the place, first select all photos, up top, the Library Filter,, select metadata, select a date metadata, move the photos.

[GoldingD]

Some usefull links:

KEYWORDS

Julieanne Kost's Blog | Working with Keywords in Lightroom Classic

Digital Photography School | Why You Should Use Keywording in Lightroom (and How to Do It)

COLLECTIONS

Adobe | Work with photo collections

Julieanne Kost's Blog | Tips and Shortcuts for Working with Collections in Lightroom Classic

Coles Classroom | Lightroom Collections vs Smart Collections – Explained!

LIBRARY FILTER BAR

The Creative Photographer | Lightroom Search Lesson #1: How To Find Photos In Lightroom With The Fil...

FOLDER STRUCTURE

The Creative Photographer | How to Organize Your Photos With Lightroom Classic Collections

[GoldingD]

WARNING

Remember ti move photos only in LrC, not in your OS file management

Remember to relocate and/or rename folders only in LrC, in the Folders Panel, not in your OS file management

Otherwise you will foul the database, the catalog, up.

[Rob_Cullen]

A. Import photos by using the  YYYY/MM Template.

1.Set the Import template YYYY/MM

2. Highlight the Topmost Parent Folder in the Destination Panel. LrC will place the photos in- Parent / 2021 / MM

B. Re-arrange photos in Folders (by Date)- see this article link from the Lightroom Queen-

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/rearrange-photos-dated-folders/

See a discussion on this topic here-

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/community/threads/can-lr-classic-automatically-re-distribute-already-...

[GaryWicke]

Hi Folks

Thanks very much for the great suggestions!

I apologize for being late getting back to you but I've been immersed in Lr trying the above suggestions.

I'm not there yet but making progress.

I'm definitely better going forward.

Thanks again for all the great help!!

-Gary