Your best Lightroom / Photoshop Image management workflow!

Hi everyone,
I'm brand spanking new to this forum, so I hope I'm posting this question in the correct spot....
I'm trying to develop my own ideal photo editing workflow using LR and PS, but I have not yet been able to find a workflow that consistently works for me. I'm looking for ideas on workflow processes that work for you so perhaps I can learn from your experiences..
I'm interested in the general step by step process you follow from importing images from you camera card to the final edit. I'm wanting to know how you use the folder structure to separate raw images from edited images (both LR edited as well as PS edits), what system you use to rank/pick images for editing, and how you organize your file structures to capture Work In Progress versus final images. I'm also interested in understanding when you tag, rename images and use smart collections. Then I'd like to understand in which order you process your images in LR, and then PS...
If you have a system that works, I would really love to hear!! Or if you know of a photographer/class that teaches a good system, please also let me know.

Thank you so much!

The complexities of an ACR workflow

30 day challenge

Guessing you don't like LR?

It's a steaming pile of sh*t. Give Bridge a chance, you'll never look back, I promise.

Edit - just realised that you did not specify which version of LR you are using (Cloud or Desktop/Classic) The following is for Classic with files stored on your local computer.

Lieve V wrote in post #19089613
I'm interested in the general step by step process you follow from importing images from you camera card...

1. Use a separate card reader, rather than a cable to the camera.
2. Spend time studying the Import dialogue screen. One of Lightroom's greatest benefits is its ability to automate. During Import LR can...

• make a second (backup) copy of your files to an external drive or NAS
  
• rename the files
  
• create a folder and copy the files into it
  
• automatically add a preferred develop preset to all the images
  
• add keywords and/or metadata to all files*
  

You don't, it's unnecessary. You use collections/smart collections and/or keywords instead.

Important note: Lightroom does not edit files/RAW are not images.
RAW data is sensor data. When you "edit" a RAW file all LR does is create a list of the edits in the LR catalog file and build a preview JPG that shows what the file image will look like when you Export one. You don't need to Save your edits (they are automatically written to the catalog) and you don't need to Export a copy until you actually want to use it.

Collections/Smart Collections
You just returned from Mongolia where you shot portraits of Eagle Hunters with their Eagles. Do you put them in a simple dated folder or one called Monglia... or maybe Portraits or Birds? If you call it Portraits will you remember what is in their a year later and if you want to find all photos with Birds in how many folders different will you need to look in?

Collections are virtual folders. They can add any image, regardless of what folder it is actually in. You can have multiple collections and images can be in multiple collections (without you having to create actual copies of the file that take up storage space. So you can have a Mongolia collection that contains all images taken there at any time, or a Mongolia 2021 collection for just one trip, and a Portrait one and a Birds one.

Smart collections are even better because they self populate based on criteria you set (certain metadata/keywords that you add to files). So, when I come home from shooting Street Photography I select my Street Import Preset, which automatically adds the keyword "Documentary/Street" to all the images as it Imports them. As a result they are automatically added to my Street Photography Smart Collection.

Out of time now (dog needs a walk) so will just add that you should run through these tutorial videos at least once... https://helpx.adobe.co​m …om-classic/tutorials.html

Thank you so much, Dan! I use LR Classic, and I understand how LR works in terms of not actually changing the raw files. I just want to optimize my workflow.
I'll review the links~

Lieve V wrote in post #19089613
Hi everyone,
I'm brand spanking new to this forum, so I hope I'm posting this question in the correct spot....
I'm trying to develop my own ideal photo editing workflow using LR and PS, but I have not yet been able to find a workflow that consistently works for me. I'm looking for ideas on workflow processes that work for you so perhaps I can learn from your experiences..
I'm interested in the general step by step process you follow from importing images from you camera card to the final edit. I'm wanting to know how you use the folder structure to separate raw images from edited images (both LR edited as well as PS edits), what system you use to rank/pick images for editing, and how you organize your file structures to capture Work In Progress versus final images. I'm also interested in understanding when you tag, rename images and use smart collections. Then I'd like to understand in which order you process your images in LR, and then PS...
If you have a system that works, I would really love to hear!! Or if you know of a photographer/class that teaches a good system, please also let me know.

Thank you so much!

Here's what I do. I have a folder for each year. I then make subfolders under the year with the date and name of the photos. I use European dates. Ex: 200701 Waterfowl in the folder 2020. I shoot in RAW. I copy the files from the shoot into this folder from a card reader. I import them into Lightroom Classic CC using keywords as necessary. I'll adjust or add more keywords later if necessary. I then check the Remove Chromatic Aberration and Enable Profile Correction boxes. If needed (rarely), I adjust exposure and (rarely), white balance. Crop as needed. Then I adjust Highlights, Shadows, set the White and Black Points, Clarity and Texture. Once in a while depending on the image I may adjust Contrast, Dehaze, Vibrance, Hue or Saturation. Once in a while I will use the Adjustment Brush, Graduated or Radial Filter. If necessary I adjust Noise Reduction and rarely use Sharpening. If the images are wildlife or landscape etc. I then use the map feature. I rank them using the star system. I do use collections I name depending on the subject. I never use Smart Collections. Once in a blue moon I'll then edit in Photoshop to remove an object. Sometimes Photoshop will do a better job than Lightroom. I'm not good with Photoshop yet. I then rename the files with my preset which will include the European style date and a name I give them with them numbered in order. This saves all the information for these images. The name change is permanent in your files and folders. My backup program will then save this to my network backup system. I'm sure others have many other methods but this works for me.

I'm not sure what you mean by "capture Work In Progress versus final images". Remember that your images are not changed unless you export them. Lightroom saves all your changes for each image in a database and you can go back and redo anything at any time.

Hope some of this helps and maybe gives you ideas.

sogs wrote in post #19089752
Here's what I do. I have a folder for each year. I then make subfolders under the year with the date and name of the photos. I use European dates. Ex: 200701 Waterfowl in the folder 2020. I shoot in RAW. I copy the files from the shoot into this folder from a card reader. I import them into Lightroom Classic CC using keywords as necessary. I'll adjust or add more keywords later if necessary. I then check the Remove Chromatic Aberration and Enable Profile Correction boxes. If needed (rarely), I adjust exposure and (rarely), white balance. Crop as needed. Then I adjust Highlights, Shadows, set the White and Black Points, Clarity and Texture. Once in a while depending on the image I may adjust Contrast, Dehaze, Vibrance, Hue or Saturation. Once in a while I will use the Adjustment Brush, Graduated or Radial Filter. If necessary I adjust Noise Reduction and rarely use Sharpening. If the images are wildlife or landscape etc. I then use the map feature. I rank them using the star system. I do use collections I name depending on the subject. I never use Smart Collections. Once in a blue moon I'll then edit in Photoshop to remove an object. Sometimes Photoshop will do a better job than Lightroom. I'm not good with Photoshop yet. I then rename the files with my preset which will include the European style date and a name I give them with them numbered in order. This saves all the information for these images. The name change is permanent in your files and folders. My backup program will then save this to my network backup system. I'm sure others have many other methods but this works for me.

I'm not sure what you mean by "capture Work In Progress versus final images". Remember that your images are not changed unless you export them. Lightroom saves all your changes for each image in a database and you can go back and redo anything at any time.

Hope some of this helps and maybe gives you ideas.

sogs, this is a Bridge workflow. Please give it a try. You'll never look back.

Thank you so much, this was very helpful!
My comment on finished images versus raw: I understand LR does not change the files themselves, but once you apply the LR updates (or PS updates),. do you then move the pictures into a different folder to more quickly find them? I've seen some approaches where people move images within LR from a raw folder to a finished folder within the root folder. Do you export the final images as a high res Jpg into a different folder?

Great info! I have been using LR/PS for years and still manage to learn something from this post.

Lieve V wrote in post #19089888
Thank you so much, this was very helpful!
My comment on finished images versus raw: I understand LR does not change the files themselves, but once you apply the LR updates (or PS updates),. do you then move the pictures into a different folder to more quickly find them? I've seen some approaches where people move images within LR from a raw folder to a finished folder within the root folder. Do you export the final images as a high res Jpg into a different folder?

I also use the folder for each year approach as shown below. In each year I name the subfolders by event name and date. I never move them to a finished folder. That's just more unnecessary work IMO and I don't see how you would find them any faster. After import I drag the file into the appropriate year and that is it. Finding things quickly is for key wording, etc.

The catalogue is a data base that is a record of your adjustments and is totally separate from you files. You can edit your files using any other developer and it will not effect LR's edits. LR (the catalogue) just needs to know where your files are. This is why it is suggested to move them around within LR. Easier to keep your catalogue tuned up.

If there is a large move like 10,000 you should use the OS and then re-establish the broken link which is easy to do. I only use one master catalogue. It is on the HD and my files on on an external powered drive. There is no known limit to the catalogue size. Last I read was 13 million.

I try and avoid PS as much as possible which is easier now with the latest Hue local adjustment feature. I have to step out for a while. I will elaborate a little more on catalogue merging if you travel. Also how I manage the workflow when sending a file to PS and back.

Lieve.
Dan and Sogs gave great information.
I Import all images through Lightroom by DATE Folder Structure. YYYY-MM-DD All Imported Images are named with my
LASTNAME_YYYYMMDD_0001 and then sequentially from there. I then Rename the Folder 2015-08-27 Rome for example. If multiple locations name accordingly.
For me DATE works as I generally have an idea when they were captured. Some people like a Folder Atructure, Like Animals, Architecture, Family, Sports, Travel. What a about the family dog while in California for example, which Folder?... So for Me DATE works for faster recall.
Also images in Folder are simply Key Worded.
I don’t use Collections..... yet... Maybe.....
I if I would like to Develop an image now or down the road, I rate the Image 3 stars, when completed 4. If a Dud, like out of focus I will give it 1Star and only delete 1Stars from Folder. Once all 1Stars are Deleted from Disk, I then rename all images.
I then start to work on Developing after all of this is done.
Regarding a Back up (Copy) I have same Folder Structure and like a bank reconciliation Statement. find what is Missing on the COPY and Drag and Drop. A Little Labor intensive, but it works.
KelbyOne has nice classes on LR and Photoshop. he is not a fan of DATE folder as he has no recall of when. And he admits that which is good. Two different ways, but consistency throughout is the Key.
Sit back, and Map out your way of getting to your end goal. Enjoy the ride.

Managing your workflow is more of a high-level OS/hardware decision than manipulating a specific application. Consider the situation in which you decide that Lightroom is no longer the application that you want to use to manage and edit your image files ... then what? Although this may not happen, it is wise to set up your system assuming that it will. An application-agnostic management solution is probably a better idea in the long run.

Take a look here:

https://www.dpbestflow​.org

for some ideas on what to consider and prioritize. If you use a Mac, the modern OS versions have the ability to do most of the management and tagging that you may need, along with search tools that query most metadata (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, camera, etc.).

Putting all of your eggs in the Lightroom basket will wed you to Lightroom unless you build a system that does not rely on Lightroom - you can always do this and simply adapt Lightroom to it.

There is an application that is better suited than Lightroom (faster, better toolset) for tasks like importing, culling and rating of raw files, and it is also compatible with Lightroom (reading the ratings and initial develop settings) - see Fast Raw Viewer:

https://www.fastrawvie​wer.com

Have a look.

Kirk

Have a look here:-

https://www.lightroomq​ueen.com/

Lots of useful information available from that forum.

For my follow up.

Travel. I create a new catalogue on my laptop based on the trips name. The catalogue is on the laptop and I store the files on a portable external drive. When I get home I copy the catalogue to the drive and plug it into the desktop. I use the "Import from another catalogue" command, it merges the trip catalogue into the master and moves all the files off the drive. All edits are retained.

LR file to PS and back. I send the file, do the edits, use Save (not Save As) and LR places the edited TIFF file beside the original RAW file. I immediately flag the original RAW file. I do that for every file I send to PS because I don't want to export them, only the TIFFS. When done all the editing I use Edit - Select Flagged Photos. Now all the RAW files that were edited in PS are selected. Then I use Edit - Invert Selection. Now only the files RAW files that were edited in PS not not selected. The TIFFs and the rest of the RAW files that didn't go to PS are selected. When you export the numbering sequences are in proper order, etc.