![]() The Synchronize command might take a while and show a message like this below if you've not done this before or have lots of images not indexed by Lightroom. You can then right-click on the top-level folder and choose Synchronize, and it will start to import images that exist on the drive but aren't yet indexed by Lightroom while leaving them safely in the originally stored location. Remember, if you can't see it, you can use the Show Parent Folder command by right-clicking on a folder, and it'll show the top-level folder above the one you're currently looking at. Plug in the drive that you want it to index or choose the location where you want to index on the left. If you're in a situation where you have images stored on old drives and you want to see what's on there without having to wade through tons of file-level folders figuring out what's what, then the Synchronize command in Lightroom is just what you are looking for. I finally choose the storage location (in this case, my NAS called "photo"), where the images will reside under the folder Weddings/Engagement Shoots/2023 and the couple's name.Ĭlicking Import then imports all the images, catalogs them, provides keywords, and organizes them on my storage drive. I choose a preset I've written myself that gives lens correction and straightening and apply that during the import process. I choose not to rename my files here (they are actually renamed on the way out of the catalog for the client's benefit, and I rename them then with my company name and the original file number).Īpply during import is used to add my default metadata in there, keywords (generalized to start with, e.g location, type, and anything that is key to finding the image, like the client's name). At this point, I don't make a second copy, and I only use collections manually, so don't include them here. Select Don't import suspected duplicates for obvious reasons. For the import options, I choose Minimal in file handling (I prefer to get the images in quickly and then only build 1:1 previews for the ones I'm going to edit. Then, the destination and options are on the right. That's just an extra step that doesn't need to happen, and it saves me time and effort. ![]() Okay, so I do this because I want fewer steps than having to import to the destination drive and then have to go in and add them in Lightroom. Import Using Lightroom Rather Than Finder or Explorer Then, they all get backed up and are easy to find should you ever switch computers, copy your catalog elsewhere, or want to give anyone your presets. ![]() This is a great and recommended option, as it moves all of your presets into the same folder the catalog is stored in and stores it in a folder called Lightroom Settings. There's an option within Lightroom P references under P resets - Store presets with this catalog. Store Your Presets in Your Catalog Folder Using Time Machine for Mac or a similar program to back up Windows will allow you to have your single catalog file safely backed up. Also, make sure your catalog file is either stored on your main drive (just the catalog mind, not the images). A single catalog is easier to back up, and it's much easier to manage the ever-expanding previews file. A single catalog separated into perfectly organized folders will allow you to find exactly what it is you want, and if you can't remember everything about the shoot, you can at least narrow it down and find what it is you are looking for with a faster method than just scrolling blindly through old folders. How do I know this? I've seen it done, and I've seen it working. A single catalog can hold over 3.4 million photographs. Okay, so I know there are going to be people that disagree with me on this, but hear me out. If not, take a look at my article Network Storage Is the Only Safe Way to Store Your Photos, then come back to this. For now, we're going to assume you have access to all of the images in a single location. This is having a good system that allows you to find your client's images in a reasonable period of time. I'm not just talking about keywording your images here or even putting your images into date/location/style folders. Delete Your Previews Files if They Get Too Bigįinding your files in Lightroom can be a pain if you haven't done the initial groundwork.Import Using Lightroom Rather Than Finder or Explorer.Store Your Presets in Your Catalog Folder.
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