Adobe LR 3-Saving multiple libraries

[BJB Productions]

Hey everyone,
I'll try to explain this the best I can.
I use Adobe Lightroom 3 to process all my photos. My business is for senior photos (mainly.)

Anyway, each time I have a new client, I create a new folder on my external HD for them and then within that folder I have more folders for RAW photos, preview photos, final exports, etc.
In the past; after I've delivered all the finals to the client, I just completely wiped my Lightroom library in preparation for the next client. (I like to keep things clean and I don't like having multiple clients all in the library..just a pet peeve.)

Well I've now regretted that and I'd like to know if there is a way to save the entire library of each project I have to a certain location. (So I can wipe the library and start clean, but yet still be able to open older libraries at any time. I'd like to basically be able to go to any of my clients' folder and open up their Lightroom project if I ever need to access it again.

(entire meaning includes all the photos I imported in that library, all the ones I processed, meta data, filters etc FOR THEIR PROJECT ONLY).

Is this possible?..Sorry for all the crazy formatting, I'm just trying to make sure I'm clear.

Much thanks,
-BJB

 

[RodoLana]

OK, I'll assume that when you say multiple libraries you mean multiple catalogs as while there is a Library Module in LR, it creates a catalog file.

So the short answer to your question is yes, you can create and save multiple catalogs.

Keep in mind though, that the catalogs do not contain the actual image files but rather it contains data about them. The images are stored wherever you have chosen to import them and will have to be backed up independently as LR will only backup the catalog files. In order to facilitate backing up and to keep LR running smoothly you should keep all your images in one main folder, you can have as many sub-folders as you like within it.

As to whether or not using multiple catalogs is the most efficient use of LR and other tips see these links:
http://tv.adobe.com/watch/the-complete-picture-with-julieanne-kost/single-or-multiple-catalogs-in-lr3/

http://dpexperience.com/2009/12/17/smart-use-of-lightrooms-smart-collections/

http://www.beardsworth.co.uk/?s=10+Things+I+Wish+I+Could+Tell+A+Slightly+Less+New+Lightroom+User

http://www.lightroomqueen.com/blog/2009/03/24/lightroom-top-10-gotchas/

RL

 

[RHVC59]

Matt Kloskowski from NAAP has a post on his blog about using multiple catalogs as well as many other great tips on the Lightroom Killer Tips blog.


http://lightroomkillertips.com/2008/qa-day-multiple-catalogs-and-lightroom/

 

[BJB Productions]

Yes sorry-- I meant catalogs. You're right, the only thing really stored in the catalog files is the data for images, not the images themselves. It just reads off wherever I imported the files from. Thanks so much, I'll take a look at those links!