Advanced Photography Indexing

[michaeltucker photography]

Good afternoon, I am wondering if anyone has ever created an advanced indexing system for photography?  I do photographic documentation but was asked if I have ever done advanced indexing. 

[Derek Cross]

What about Lightroom and Bridge?

[D Fosse]

For personal uses Lightroom is likely as advanced as you will ever need. You'll be surprised what it can do. People tend to hate the Lightroom catalog concept, but that's what makes very advanced file management possible.

For a larger number of users, you're looking at pro level DAM software at a whole other cost regime. At work we use something called Fotoware, which runs off a dedicated server and allows users to search by any parameter known to man. I'm the main administrator for this (since it's basically filled with my images), so I happen to know that it cost us roughly $25.000 just to get up and running, plus a yearly "maintenance fee" covering upgrades and technical support.

Yeah, and people think Photoshop is "expensive"... 😉

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

If you are looking for the tools in Adobe software, then as mentioned, Bridge or Lightroom may do the job. Otherwise, a dedicated DAM tool may be what you are after.

If it is not the tool so much, but the keyword assets that you are talking of, then something like this may be what you are looking for:

Controlled Vocabulary

The Controlled Vocabulary Keyword Catalog

[D Fosse]

Very nice, Stephen. I'll bookmark that. Consistent and standardized search phrases is essential, and to arrive at that, you need to build an "architecture" in your head first. Establishing the rules, as it were. That link contains some very useful tips.