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mrdavie99
mrdavie99
Inspiring
April 5, 2019
Answered

Image Folder Structure for LR Classic CC

  • April 5, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 1758 views

This discussion is not marked as a question as my previous topic was ("Virtually Confusing"). I felt pressured to check a correct answer at some point, and certainly, Adobe was not going to let me fail to do that. This is a discussion about folder structure in Lightroom Classic CC. I have been using this image management software since 2015. The images are stored on the HDD by year, then month, then the event. To date I have utilized the filename created in camera. Needless to say, i am starting to have trouble finding images. It is time to streamline my image management system.

Internet searches, YouTube videos, books, etc. have revealed an array of image management solutions. One serious solution I am considering is to import into one folder on the HDD and utilize Collections in Lightroom to sort by....well that is where my process is not complete. I am leaning towards creating collections for places where photos were shot (and maybe again in the future), and for specific events like birthday parties. But what about subjects such as Birds, Landscapes, Nature, etc.? I have images of birds from various places and that collection would become HUGE if it was just titled Birds. I could go on, but at this point i would like to hear your ideas or references to other people or places I might go to work on this task of managing photos in Lightroom Classic CC.

The only other caveat I want to add to this discussion is when I generate .jpegs for distribution or to hardwire a final image after processing. Currently, I send them to a .jpeg subfolder on the file system and then synchronize them to Lightroom. But again, having a detailed file system for physical storage of images on the HDD makes it difficult to find them. I believe I want to rely on Collections to do that. They can all reside in one place on the HDD.

P.S. No need to discuss file names. I am starting to use descriptive file names on import - [date][custom description]-[camera assigned number]-[sequential number]. I include camera assigned number in the name for legacy purposes.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Todd Shaner

    I agree a single folder is a bad idea; however, some notable people, Tim Grey and Scott Kelby, we’re suggesting single HDD folder and focus on Collections, which is why I started this thread - to get other’s opinions. Social media may have its shortcomings, but it does give me access to people with much more experience than myself. Thanks for your input.


    From the mouth of an expert and author of the DAM book (and other books) Peter Krogh:

    TheFIX 003 - Lightroom Collections + Keywords with Peter Krogh - YouTube

    2 replies

    john beardsworth
    Community Expert
    john beardsworthCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 5, 2019

    Keep the folder structure, just use as few top level folders as possible so that you don't have photos scattered all over the place. Maybe that means one top level folder. Once you have this, don't waste much more time moving stuff around. So no to "one folder", maybe to "one top level folder".

    Use metadata to categorise and analyse image - ie keywords, title, caption, job etc. So add lots of keywords like "bald eagle", "sea eagle" etc, and use the 4 location fields - country, state, city, location.

    Use collections to gather photos whenever you need to collect or gather a group of photos. Don't create them in advance of needing them. Instead, use them to exploit the metadata you've already added. For example, say you decide to maintain a portfolio of your best eagle shots. then create a smart collection with criteria such as keywords contains eagle and rating >= 4.

    Your filenaming is a step forward. Just ensure that you apply your convention consistently, and that it ensures that each image is uniquely-named and there is no scope for the same file name applying to more than one photo.

    dj_paige
    dj_paige
    Legend
    April 5, 2019

    I agree with everything John Beardsworth has said, but I would like to state one of his suggestions a lot more strongly.

    So no to "one folder"

    Putting everything into a single folder (or all Bird photos into a "Bird" folder) with no subfolders is a STUPID idea, don't go there.

    mrdavie99
    mrdavie99Author
    Inspiring
    April 6, 2019

    Glad to hear you found the video helpful in formulating YOUR personal image structure. That video covers a lot of ground on the subject, but his book with included videos 'Organizing Your Photos with Lightroom 5' goes into much more detail. It's applicable to all newer versions of LR including LR Classic.  I bought a copy and can recommend it for anyone who is serious about improving their LR image organization. Enjoy!


    I’m reading it now and viewing accompanying videos. Thanks.

    JP Hess
    JP Hess
    Inspiring
    April 5, 2019

    I don't think I want to try to tell you how to organize your images. Everyone has their own idea of how they want to do that. And you're going to get a lot of different ideas from a number of different individuals. The only comment I am going to make is that when I create JPEG images for distribution I don't make them part of my Lightroom catalog. I don't need them there. I only need them created for the purpose of distribution, and after I've used them for that purpose I get rid of them from my computer. I can always re-create them if I need another copy. The master image potentially could be modified at any time. And if I'm keeping JPEG copies that means I have to create another copy and worry about updating that JPEG copy as well. So all I retain in my catalog is my master photos, creating JPEG copies when they are needed, using them for their purpose and then deleting them. Not suggesting that you work that way. I just don't see any need to clutter up my catalog and my computer with a bunch of JPEG copies. My opinion, not worth much.

      mrdavie99
      mrdavie99Author
      Inspiring
      April 5, 2019

      I generally agree with you with regard to jpegs in the Lightroom database EXCEPT I need them for Adobe's Myportfolio app. The app allows Lightroom collections to be synced into the portfolio. And since there are no actual images in the collections, but pointers to the images in the file system I have to have the jpegs. Technically, the Myportfolio app will upload raw files and convert them to jpegs for the portfolio; however, I would not be able to include watermarks with the images. Therefore, I have to create jpegs.

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