Organizing RAW files

I'm enjoying using RAW files, but developing a method of organizing them (saving, electronic filing, etc.) is something that I'm struggling with. Does anyone have a system that works for you? I've basically got a mess of files and I could sure use a systematic way of maintaining control.

I file mine as follows:

D:\
Canon 20D
year (2007)
month (06-june)
date (2007-06-23-sunset across harbour)

This keeps them fairly organised, although I use Lightroom as a database to keep track of them now.

I just rename mine consecutively once I have sorted in LR and then move to folders in batches of 200


But I tag and track in LR

From what I can tell, LR is a fairly expensive, complex program for professionals. Is there, from your experience, something a little less sophisticated but would do the same thing?

PuppyDogMom wrote in post #3427715
From what I can tell, LR is a fairly expensive, complex program for professionals. Is there, from your experience, something a little less sophisticated but would do the same thing?

actually is not that complicated i just purchased it myself and up and running in no time at all, but if you are on a tight budget check out acdsee it works great also i use also for organizing lots of images fast

Is this similar to the software that comes with the Canon? I'm thinking this might actually do the same thing in terms of processing RAW files and organizing pictures. Maybe I'm trying to make this too complicated.

I use Photoshop Elements 5 and it comes with a decent Organizer. I import my raw files in it, which automatically creates a folder by date, quickly delete the bad ones, and then tag the good ones I plan to keep and work on. Before that, I back-up to an external hard drive. Through adobe camera raw plugin, you get a decent raw importer to edit the pix in PS Elements further. Only drawback is Elements does not support batch processes, so depending on how many pictures you shoot and deal with, that could be a problem. Good news is that it is really cheap for the package you get (~$70)!!

Hey, thanks. That's good info, and gives me something to ponder on...

laverdure wrote in post #3427989
I use Photoshop Elements 5 and it comes with a decent Organizer. I import my raw files in it, which automatically creates a folder by date, quickly delete the bad ones, and then tag the good ones I plan to keep and work on. Before that, I back-up to an external hard drive. Through adobe camera raw plugin, you get a decent raw importer to edit the pix in PS Elements further. Only drawback is Elements does not support batch processes, so depending on how many pictures you shoot and deal with, that could be a problem. Good news is that it is really cheap for the package you get (~$70)!!

The Organizer in PSE 3 was perfect for my needs, unfortunately the equivalent functionalify in LR is amajor step back.. here's hoping for LR 1.1 soon!