What is your workflow to backup photos?

[cameragirl]

I feel I am messing up already....first I import photos from device, select/flag/delete/edit.
So now all these folders are in order of data and some filed under subject name. Everything stored on my "big mac", so if it crashes there is nothing. Its time to buy an external hard drive but how do I start up a better organized workflow?
Do I import (and right away backup to external hard drive) photos from device. Then I select/edit and do I backup these files again to my external hard drive? Any tips, suggestions, please tell me how you organize and back up in Lightroom.

 

[dj_paige]

I think there are two popular methods

1. Have Lightroom create backups when you import; and periodically (daily, weekly) back up the catalog file. Since you have imported photos already, this might not work for you on those photos, but it could work for future photos.
2. Have the operating system (or 3rd party application) do regular backups of photos and catalog file.

Or some combination of the above. Don't forget to make backups of the catalog file.

 

[Replytoken]

I do some work out of LR before importing so my workflow in LR is easier. First, I copy my files off of the memory card to my working hard drive. Then, I may use a program like FastStone to quickly browse my images. This gives me a quick look at things before my PC does "the heavy Lifting". And, it allows me a chance to delete any OOF images or other misfires.

Then, I use ImageIngester to rename, backup and convert my images from NEF to DNG. My images now have my naming scheme, are in my preferred folder structure, and are backed up to another drive (both NEF and DNG files). Now, I just import the DNG files into LR from their folder.

I admit that it is a different workflow than what others might recommend. But, it works for me, and more importantly, it gives you something to think about as you create a workflow that works for you. Creating a good workflow that works for YOU often takes some time and thought. Good luck!

--Ken

 

[mr_munchie]

My system is this.
I have my image files on an external RAID system (DLink 323). The RAID box does the backup for you, all the time. It has 2 hard drives in it. They are set up to have the same data on each. This is called drive mirroring.

For offsite backups I have a web site. The web host company allows upto 5''GB to be stored. They only charge about $4 US a month.

I would recommend a RAID system of some sorts. The one I have has a network connection. This means LR can be on different computer but use the same image files