We’re all shooting multiple file formats with multiple cameras. Even when photographing with only one camera we can easily end up with: Raws, Raw + JPEGs, JPEGs (only), and movie files. Yikes.
If you’re photographing with two (or more) cameras, super yikes — when it comes to efficient workflow, for archiving and processing.
Actually, there are some simple solutions.
For my last AfterCapture column, I provide some solutions. For “Sorting Out Diverse File Formats” I turned to Richard Anderson for advice, who applied dpBestflow.org knowledge to a real-life workflow dilemma I was facing. The article is valuable, but to be honest, the most pertinent advice might have gotten lost in the shuffle.
The bottom line, most important concepts you should consider for dealing with multiple file formats in your workflow are these:
• Separate each different file format into its own folder. Anderson explains that this is helpful because each type of file will (likely) require different workflow processing steps.
• Name each archive folder with the same base name used for you image files. Anderson explains that this best practice is important for archive sanity (although he didn’t phrase it that way.)
• Bring images together in a cataloging program – for organizing, editing and outputting. Catalog programs rule! They don’t care if your images are separated into different folders. In cataloging software — such as Lightroom and Expression Media — you can bring them together, seamlessly organizing by file name, capture time or any other metadata.
If this sounds complex complex or confusing, these images will show you what I mean:
See how all my “100302″ captures are divided into “DNGs”, “Jpegs” and “Movies”?
See how there is a gap between DNG 0174 and 0179?
No problem! Files 0175 through 0178 are JPEGs and, as you can see, they are in their own folder.
Just because these DNGs and JPEGs are in separate folders, they all come together seamlessly in my Expression Media catalog. If you are over 18 and don’t have a weak stomach, you can see an example here: Continue reading “On Sorting Diverse File Formats — Simple Version”
