anyone using a photo database

[pprrad]

Have been looking into ways to catalog photos so that I don't need to store files in specific folders. That way I can search for keywords and pull up all pics associated. For example, over time catalog pics with holiday name - Christmas. In the years to come I could keyword Christmas and have all associated pictures in one folder. Would then directly burn that folder to Cd/dvd. Could also use it to catalog which backup cd/dvd files are stored on. Want something EASY to learn and EASY to use. I'd rather be shooting than in front of a computer.

[Chris Johnson 00 T/A]

I do something similar with Gallery... gallery.menalto.com

I list all my pictures by 'topic' and by searchable keywords... I also have the control to show only certain versions of my images to the web.

I'm not really sure that it it's as 'easy' to use/setup in the way I think your looking for.. but, it's worth a shot.

As for directly burning to a CD.. gallery allows you to add the files you want to a 'cart' and then it'll zip it for you, and let you download a zip file. Extract that zip to a folder, then burn it...

*shrug*

my site is www.2000transam.com ... you can have a look... take note (from above) that I have a very strict security setting for guest users... no right click save as, no searchable fields, etc, etc. Only thing I haven't done is watermark all of my images...

[pprrad]

Chris
Thanks, I'll check that site out. Nice pics by the way. Do you have backup to the images on the site? It would be beneficial to use the site to back up files as well as for sharing with family members. Having files backed up to such a web site rather than at home would provide another level of security against losing files.

[DavidEB]

I use iPhoto, which will do most of what you want. I've been looking at adobe lightroom which combines a very nice database with RAW processing and some slick display options.

[Rumjungle]

From what I understand, Lightroom should be the answer. If you've got a Mac, you can download a demo directly from Adobe. I'm waiting for the PC version...:mad:

[pprrad]

I was thinking about Filemaker Pro. Works great for data and know it accepts JPEG and AVI but will have to investigate Lightroom. Is it important to save exif info?

[leere]

I'm really pleased with Aperture so far. I've enjoyed using it much more than the Lightroom beta.

[EOSAddict]

Don't forget Photoshop Essentials - 3 or 4! This has the Organizer which allows you to add multiple keywords whilst retaining the files in their original locations either on disc or HDD.

[cruzyn56]

I have been using IdImager and am pretty happy with it as a DB and catalog.

[EOSAddict]

I have been using IdImager and am pretty happy with it as a DB and catalog.


Not heard of that one - any details?

[Double Negative]

On the Mac you've got a lot of options (not sure about PC but some of these are cross-platform):

iPhoto, Aperture, Lightroom, Bridge, iView...

If you're talking about keeping images that have been post-processed, for exhibition say - then something like Gallery or POTN's own EE are great choices. I wouldn't use them for storing ALL your photos.

[Double Negative]

I'm really pleased with Aperture so far. I've enjoyed using it much more than the Lightroom beta.
Aperture is very cool, and you'll need to run v1.1 - on a fast Mac no less. But even Apple knows that it's an ab*rtion. I suspect the next version, whenever that will be - is sure to be a LOT better all around. v1.1 is definitely an improvement over v1.0, but it's the core of it all that's needy of a complete overhaul.

ArsTechnica has two good reviews (one on each version) that highlights all this.

I happen to like it the most as well, but Lightroom is more usable for ME right now - and even then it's a pig (darned older G4 hardware). I'm using folders right now rather than a cataloging app and just use Bridge as my browser of choice.

[hef]

How about Picasa2 from google. It's free and not that bad.

[EOSAddict]

How about Picasa2 from google. It's free and not that bad.

Agree - but just watch its 'spyware' tendancies - best to block it's access to the internet with your firewall!

[claudermilk]

Not sure what platform you're on or your requirements. In gerneal what youa re probably looking for is Digital Assets Management (DAM) software. There's several simple ones like Picasa, ThumbsPlus, ACDSee. Or you get into more complete ones like iVew, Portfolio, IMatch. And the two newbie all-in-one Aperture & Lightroom. Run a search on the category; all the apps have trials so you can determine which fits your needs.

I'm on PC & use IMatch--once you get over the steep learning curve a great app. I personally don't care for Picasa at all.

[pprrad]

I have both Mac and PC. I think iphoto is ok but is limited. I have about 4000 images in iphoto but want a better way to search. I don't shoot professionally, only for myself, mainly of my kids. Ten years down the road I want to be able to "find" pictures because by then, I won't remember what folder a certain picture is in. Claudermilk - your right - just DAM software. I did search photo database on POTN and found very little. How steep is steep with IMatch? Thought about Aperture and Lightroom as suggested previously. Only thought about Filemaker Pro as I've used it before and can use it for other organizational aspects of life as well.

[Double Negative]

Check out iView MediaPro then. Great for cataloging on the Mac.

EDIT: Here's the URL... http://www.iview-multimedia.com/

[lakiluno]

Agree - but just watch its 'spyware' tendancies - best to block it's access to the internet with your firewall!

spyware tendancies? What are these? I've run picasa since the day google released it free, and I've never had any issues. It does automatically update, if thats what you mean, but then so does firefox :D

Leo

[Greg_C]

I have both Mac and PC. I think iphoto is ok but is limited. I have about 4000 images in iphoto but want a better way to search. I don't shoot professionally, only for myself, mainly of my kids. Ten years down the road I want to be able to "find" pictures because by then, I won't remember what folder a certain picture is in. Claudermilk - your right - just DAM software. I did search photo database on POTN and found very little. How steep is steep with IMatch? Thought about Aperture and Lightroom as suggested previously. Only thought about Filemaker Pro as I've used it before and can use it for other organizational aspects of life as well.

I'm another IMatch fan. Most find it a little difficult starting out using this program and it seems to be they just have to learn it's quirks and how the interface works.

Once you get up and running with it you wonder how you could do without it. The category system it uses is great and the features in the newly released v3.5 are very useful. When using any form of this software it's all about routine and discipline, get into the habit of importing the photo's and adding the category data to them straight away.

I've set up categories for my kids and then dragged / dropped the dynamically sorted images in these categories to my CD burning software when I wanted to send these to family. BTW, the images were all in different folders on the PC to start with. Sounds very like what you want to do with your Christmas stuff.

Hope this helps.

[Double Negative]

Just wanted to add that iView MediaPro is also available for Windows... Even though I don't use a PC, I like products that are cross-platform. In a mixed environment it's good to know that everyone has the same software.

[EOSAddict]

spyware tendancies? What are these? I've run picasa since the day google released it free, and I've never had any issues. It does automatically update, if thats what you mean, but then so does firefox :D

LeoI didn't realise euther until I read a thread on here a few months ago. Picasa catalgoues all your images onto Google. Watch your firewall and see - it will track Picasa requestring outbound internet access. Since finding that out I have just blocked it and used it no worries.

[Chris Johnson 00 T/A]

Chris
Thanks, I'll check that site out. Nice pics by the way. Do you have backup to the images on the site? It would be beneficial to use the site to back up files as well as for sharing with family members. Having files backed up to such a web site rather than at home would provide another level of security against losing files.

Sorry for the late reply... some of the other replies are great options as well.

Me, personally, I have 3 copies of all of my stuff in 2 different locations.

The webserver, and external HDD, and DLT tape.

The web server is my primary storage location, and I sync using 'unison'. Great tool if your somewhat of a computer geek.

PM me if you have any questions....