Catalog / Date folders vs. Collections

[NJHeart2Heart]

Hi all,
I'm not here to debate which one is better than the other for organizing, because all of us have our own ways of doing things. As of now, most of my images are just organized by date, other than very large quantity groups (vacations), which I place in collections that cover more than one date. I was recently reading about some of the differences between what you can and can't do within each organizational venue. My interest lies primarily in working from the library mode. For example, do PICK flags carry into collections, or within dated library folders, or not at all (once you move cursor from one folder to the next in either section, the pick flags reset). same with color tabs, etc. Anywhere to get a "cheat sheet" about that? I am looking to using collections more frequently, but I want to know what designations will carry from one folder to another before creating 5' collections and having my pick flags reset within the collection...

Thanks a bunch,
NJHeart2Heart Dawn

 

[johnbeardy]

[quote author=NJHeart2Heart link=topic=8'26.msg54684#msg54684 date=1254762612]I'm not here to debate which one is better than the other for organizing, because all of us have our own ways of doing things.[/quote]
Just because they differ doesn't make all of them equally good practice.

[quote author=NJHeart2Heart link=topic=8'26.msg54684#msg54684 date=1254762612]
As of now, most of my images are just organized by date, other than very large quantity groups (vacations), which I place in collections that cover more than one date. I was recently reading about some of the differences between what you can and can't do within each organizational venue. My interest lies primarily in working from the library mode. For example, do PICK flags carry into collections, or within dated library folders, or not at all (once you move cursor from one folder to the next in either section, the pick flags reset). same with color tabs, etc. Anywhere to get a "cheat sheet" about that? I am looking to using collections more frequently, but I want to know what designations will carry from one folder to another before creating 5' collections and having my pick flags reset within the collection...[/quote]
Pick flags are local or confined to a dumb or manual collection, so the same image can have different flags in different collections. When applied to an image found in a smart collection, the flag applies globally within the context of the catalogue. So you would see it if you then go through a folder to find the file.

Flags local character is an exception. Other markers, like ratings and labels, apply globally.

I suggest you set up a small catalogue with a collection of each type, and just play away.

John

 

[NJHeart2Heart]

Hi John,
Thanks for the reply

From what I had read previously, your answer about pick flags is not surprising.

To confirm my understanding, what you are saying is: If I were to go through a dated folder of photos and mark several of them rejects, if I then placed them in a dumb collection, the reject flags would not carry over.

However, if those rejected photos happen to have attributes which caused them to be "swept" into an existing smart collection, the reject flags would persist.

Other markers (colors and ratings) are universal, so no matter where I happen to be, if I color or rate a photo, that marker will then show up in the dated folder and any collections (dumb or smart) I have set up?

As for the other comments, I think I've read your opinion on the subject, but now you've piqued my curiosity (why would he answer my statement as if I was asking a question?)...

NJHeart2Heart Dawn

 

[johnbeardy]

Oh, an observation as there was no question! Too often I hear "different strokes for different folks" as way of obscuring a shaky line of argument.

You've understood all the other comments.

Some time back I put this better, but I couldn't find the thread:
Flags are temporary / subjective / local / but not for long term evaluations of images
Ratings are long term evaluations / almost objective or meaningful to others / global / permanent
Labels are whatever you want / totally subjective / global / permanent or temporary

John

 

[NJHeart2Heart]

Thanks John. I checked out your blog, but didn't come across any "static" posts regarding your treatment of folders vs. collections. I'd like to read that, and you are so well known, and regarded, it would be nice if you had a link from your blog to that particular information. I'm sure there are many beginners out there who are eager to find that information readily available.

 

[johnbeardy]

Sorry, I meant a thread here (which was in a discussion of flags, ratings and labels - not collections). I assume the thread was before the software changed, and searching doesn't seem so effective on older posts.

 

[Denis Pagé]

So look a this tip: Better search results in Lightroom Forums

 

[johnbeardy]

I even went through the advanced box and did a site specific Google search - easier to rewrite!

 

[NJHeart2Heart]

Hi John,
Actually my reply was probably obscure . So that I don't hijack my own post, let me start another topic for this...
NJHeart2Heart Dawn