iPhoto - Original Photos

[flynz4]

For myself, I find it easier to manage the photos myself by deselecting "Copy items to the iPhoto Library" This way, I know exactly what folders my photos are located. Also, this would also prevent duplicates of the originals since they wont be stored in my selected folders and the iPhoto library. Why double up on space right? Third, if any changes to the photos are made, the original in my own folders are untouched and only the edited version is stored in the iPhoto library.

I generally recommend that people keep their data in the library (any DAM... including iPhoto or Aperture). I recommend that people import directly into their library... preventing them from being duplicated in finder. That way you have your "ORIGINALS" safely stored out out "human reach" in the database. Note: I understand that you can go into the library manually... but I strongly recommend against this.

One of the reasons that I recommend keeping them in the library is because it is common to "export" pictures for use in other programs or for special projects. If you store your originals outside of your library.... this leaves you with both "copies" and "originals" out on your drive. Later, when your project is over... it is really easy to delete the wrong files (your originals). If your originals are all within your library... then it is always safe to delete any files or folders with finder.

Likewise, If you store your originals outside in regular finder folders... then it is too easy to muck around with your originals... confusing and/or corrupting your library.

Bottom line:

• Let your DAM do its job... it does it better than humans.
• Import directly into the DAM, and dont keep originals outside of the DAM
• Never poke around in the library
• Export pictures as needed... and then delete them when your task is done. There is no risk... no chance for confusion.

My advice is different for professional photographers with millions of photos... since they have much more complicated workflow and data storage needs. For the rest of us... even most enthusiasts, let the damn DAM do its job.

/Jim

 

[Spikeywan]

I was thinking mainly about simple editing tasks like cropping or straightening. Generally, I'm not likely to ever want the original, once I've cropped it and am happy with the result.

 

[flynz4]

I was thinking mainly about simple editing tasks like cropping or straightening. Generally, I'm not likely to ever want the original, once I've cropped it and am happy with the result.

If you decide to move to Aperture... it does not duplicate files. You always have your originals and also your edits, using the space of just the original. My personal belief is that for any picture worth saving... it is worth having the original.

/Jim