Using external hard drive to store photos?

[mshenderson]

I didn't do a good job of organizing photos in Lr to begin with so am trying to better organize now.  I work with two computers (iMac desktop and Macbook Pro) and each had a catalog.  My ideal situation would be to have one catalog and one set of folders on an External HD and use it with both computers.   Is this possible or advisable?  I would back up the EHD for security.  I have more questions but will wait for any feedback before adding more info. 

[Just Shoot Me · Accepted solution]

mshenderson  wrote

I   Is this possible or advisable?  I would back up the EHD for security.  I have more questions but will wait for any feedback before adding more info. 

Yes, Yes and Yes backup your images to another EHD or to the cloud service. I prefer a second EHD.

[mshenderson]

Okay, thanks for the replies.  I know I am on the right path however another question.  My laptop was at capacity so I moved all the photos to folders within an EHD.  When plugging the EHD into my desktop, I can see the EHD folders but there are "?" next to each folder.  I know that means Lr does not know the location of the image yet the desktop is recognizing the EHD and the image is visible and can even be worked on in Develop? How do I get Lr to recognize the location?

Thanks much this is baffling to me!

[JoeKostoss]

I store all of my photos on an EHD along with a backup copy of my catalog.  EHD is backed up to a second EHD using SuperDuper clone software for Mac users.  So my answer is also YES.

[mshenderson]

Thank you again for the replies to my inquiry.  I found a great help to my situation in the Scott Kelby Lightroom CC book.  I think I am okay with a solution.