Original Image Retention - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

05/30/2008 02:22:05 AM · #1

Could anyone tell me exactly how long the original images need to be retained after a challenge has completed? I had thought it was 30 days but I think I've seen some people get DQed after that point. Do we need to keep our originals forever?

Thanks much!

love

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

05/30/2008 02:27:01 AM · #2

I do.. but I'm wondering why you don't keep your originals anyway.. just curious

05/30/2008 02:41:29 AM · #3

I usually apply tags to my images to aid with sorting them, since that is altering them I believe it makes them non-original. I also may make required adjustments such as white balance or contrast when it is obvious the result is better than the original. Mostly tagging however.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2008 02:41:36 AM · #4

There is no definitive "statute of limitations." Technically, we can review any photo at any time, but in practical terms, most photos get reviewed within the two or three weeks following the closing of the voting.

In some pretty unusual circumstances, photos have been reviewed/DQd some months afer the challenges were over.

That said, I've never been able to understand why anyone would throw out originals anyway, especially if it's just one file, where it's known it's possible it will be needed. At least burn it to a CD or something -- at current storage prices a high-resolution RAW photo should still cost less than five cents to keep forever. I copy all of my files to a hard drive and burn them to CD/DVD before I delete them from the camera card.

05/30/2008 02:44:35 AM · #5

I suppose I can make copies of what I use for DPC and just rename them as such so they don't get intermixed and lost without tags :)

Edit: Oh and thanks for the replies love and GeneralE :)

Message edited by author 2008-05-30 02:44:54.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2008 02:44:50 AM · #6

Originally posted by togtog:

You could put a copy of the files in a separate folder -- when you have 600MB or so burn a CD and delete those files, keeping only your tagged files on the hard drive.

PS: Yes, tagging them would make them "non-original" for DPC validation purposes -- sorry ...

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2008 02:46:44 AM · #7

Originally posted by togtog:

I suppose I can make copies of what I use for DPC and just rename them as such so they don't get intermixed and lost without tags :)

Edit: Oh and thanks for the replies love and GeneralE :)

You're welcome -- don't re-name them either. Just put a copy of the file from the camera card into a separate folder, and keep track that way.

05/30/2008 02:47:55 AM · #8

Why don't rename them?

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

05/30/2008 02:53:40 AM · #9

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by togtog:
I usually apply tags to my images to aid with sorting them, since that is altering them I believe it makes them non-original. I also may make required adjustments such as white balance or contrast when it is obvious the result is better than the original. Mostly tagging however.

You could put a copy of the files in a separate folder -- when you have 600MB or so burn a CD and delete those files, keeping only your tagged files on the hard drive.

PS: Yes, tagging them would make them "non-original" for DPC validation purposes -- sorry ...

General, I have had a number of photos validated in the past, and have submitted the RAW file that has been through either DPP or RAW Shooters Esential (?); I have now switched to Lightroom, and tag my RAW files - does that now make them ineligible for validation purposes?

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2008 02:55:13 AM · #10

Originally posted by togtog:

Why don't rename them?

Because then they are no longer "original, exactly as they come from the camera" ...

Are you so short of disk space you can't set aside room for a folder of "DPC Originals" where you keep a copy of the "true originals" until you can archive them on optical media?

That doesn't stop you from tagging away on another copy in your usual folder system.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2008 03:00:00 AM · #11

Originally posted by SaraR:

Possibly -- I don't work with RAW files myself, so you'll have to check with another SC member. I suggest you submit a ticket (under the Help Menu) describing your process as precisely as you can, and attach a sample "original" which has been through that process.

I have to check out now -- I have to be at work in six hours and I haven't been to bed yet ... :-(