Import Multiple Subfolders and Categorize

[bryanc31400415]

I shoot a lot of timelapses which I organize by having a main folder for the day/trip and then subfolders for each timelapse. I then usually build out the exact same structure in LR and import each folder individually into collections.

Is there a way to create the same folder structure faster in LR and then import all folders at once and have them place all photos into the appropriate collections based on the folder they came from? Or do I have to manually do it like I've been doing it? 

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

"I organize by having a main folder for the day/trip and then subfolders for each timelapse."

If you have already done this organization in Windows File Explorer, then all you need to do is-

Import photos with the [ADD] option in the import dialog - Choosing the {day/trip} parent folder and [Include sub-folders].  Your photos remain in the folders and sub-folders where you saved them to the drive. And the folders in the LrC folder panel 'mirror' the folders you created.

For the Collections that mirror the Folders-  you would then need to [Right-Click] on each SUB-FOLDER and [Create Collection 'Folder Name'...].   (Don't check the box for [Add to Collection] in the Import dialog- This only allows you to select one collection for all the photos being imported.)

[bryanc31400415]

It was the [Right Click] that did what I needed it to do! I didn't know that was a feature, that makes it really easy. Thanks!

[dj_paige]

Why not skip the subfolder structure, just the main folder for the day/trip; then import everything from that one main folder for the day/trip; and move the desired photos in collections as needed?

I don't see the point of mirroring subfolders in collections.

[bryanc31400415]

I break collections down into subfolders as well because if I go onto LR Mobile then I can see all those folders, I can't see the main folders (I believe) unless the photos are in collections. I wish LR Mobile was organized the same as Classic even though I don't usually edit from mobile, but if I want to look at photos or show someone photos then I pull it up and find the correct collection and go from there.

[jtparmley]

I shoot landscapes and many times I am doing fous stacking.  I put each focus stach in its own folder on the camera (R5).  This allows me to easily know what the first and last image of the stack is.  Otherwise it can be a challenge if you are doing multiple stacks of the same object