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11/09/2005 11:54:38 AM · #1 |
I want to find software that organizes and manages photos. But it must meet these requirements:
I. Allow for cataloging AND typing (see below for more details)
II. Cataloging/Typing must be done via folders and/or image files. (In other words, I don't want to upgrade my OS in 2 yrs and find that I can't run my cataloging software or need to dish out another $300 for an upgrade.) I want it to be inherently marked.
III. Prefer open database, if one is used, or at least one that allows export/import management.
IV. Must allow me to designate "storage area" (ie: I don't want to use "My Photos" or software's special directory. For example I have a folder called DATA DRIVE (which matches an external back-up drive). I keep everything in this one folder. All my photos are under DATA DRIVE\PHOTOS. I want to be able to continue that method.
So anyone know of any package that meets these needs.
- The Saj
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I think the main difficulty is not "searching" for cataloged images but rather in quickly cataloging images to begin with.
I think having a system where you create major "catalog" types.
People, Places, Scenes, Objects, Events, etc.
Then create sub-groups. Followed by detail groups.
Than drag the images to a group to have them catalogued.
Example:
Events = Main Catagory
Music Festivals = sub-cat
Cornerstone Festival 2005 = Detail
I also find that "type" and "catalog" need to be two different things.
For instance, I just catalogued the above photo as an event (with sub-details). But now I want to also be able to catalog "type" (people, portrait, landscape, night, sky, macro, etc.)
Then I can search by catagory & type.
For instance if I am trying to find a picture of a friend who was at the Cornerstone Festival. I would search "catagory" events>cornerstone> and with "type" = people.
This will eliminate all the landscapes, etc.
Also, I think "type" should allow a "secondary" type. "People" + "Friends". As opposed to "People" which may include total strangers.
"Landscape" + "Night"
This is really what I want to find.
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11/09/2005 11:57:28 AM · #2 |
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11/09/2005 11:58:32 AM · #3 |
| Extensi Portfolio. Its the best photographic related purchase I've made in years. Best searches I've seen on any DAM. |
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11/09/2005 12:01:15 PM · #4 |
I want something that I can put all my image cds into and be able to search their contents without having to insert cd, search, damn wrong cd, eject, insert cd, search...
Is there an easy way to catalog my backup disks? I can print out contact sheets of what is on each disk but dang your talking a ton of images on each and how do you store that then? I can not imagine keeping all my images on one single harddrive for any extended period of time. Already lost tons that way once and don't trust it.
Message edited by author 2005-11-09 12:01:54.
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11/09/2005 12:03:39 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by sabphoto:
I want something that I can put all my image cds into and be able to search their contents without having to insert cd, search, damn wrong cd, eject, insert cd, search...
Is there an easy way to catalog my backup disks? I can print out contact sheets of what is on each disk but dang your talking a ton of images on each and how do you store that then? I can not imagine keeping all my images on one single harddrive for any extended period of time. Already lost tons that way once and don't trust it. |
Not sure, but it seems like a smart edition. And any software that has a database could easily add such a feature. *shrug* |
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11/09/2005 12:06:55 PM · #6 |
| I use PhotoImapct Explorer and Photo Impact Album. Explorer does all the things you have described. |
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11/09/2005 02:10:46 PM · #7 |
I use iMatch myself. iMatch is an image database that allows you to catalog photos on offline media such as CDs and DVDs. It creates thumbnails in your database so that you can see all of your images and access them easily. You can assign each photo or batch of photos to categories, which are very much like keywords. I can view the contents of a CD (as thumbnails) by navigating through the imported directory structure, by navigating through the category structure. If you double-click a thumbnail, you are prompted to insert the CD on which the file resides. This software also allows you to import exif data, and you can create custom searches that allow you to find photos that match one or more categories or other file attributes. It even allows you to search for an image based on a rough sketch that you create to describe what you are looking for. Very powerful software and not very expensive either.
It's best to keyword your files before you import them into the iMatch database. If you ever have to re-import a CD into the database, you will likely have to redo the categorization. This is where I fall down, keywording my files is always forgotten before I burn to CD.
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11/13/2005 04:06:21 PM · #8 |
Jason, I was looking for this thread to post this, but accidentally put it in another database thread... here's the post with something interesting for you to look at:
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Thought it was worthwhile posting about Thumbsplus from Cerious software. I have been using it for years as a catalog and general photo utility software. It can catalog CDs and keeps thumbs and other info in a built-in (Access format) or SQL database.
It's a great little viewer and file management program that does RAW and can do batch operations as well. It's not the be-all end-all of such programs (I am still looking for that!), but definitely worthwhile having.
And I got an email from them today saying they are having a 1/2 price sale on it. (It's shareware, so you can try before you buy, but I guess that depends on how long the sale is.)
One other thing I'll say about this operation, having dealt with them for years is that they are very responsive and personal in their relationships with users. Yet professional all the way.
Give it a try.
//www.cerious.com
(Disclaimer: I have no relationship with the company other than being a long term user and a frequent beta tester for them.)
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11/13/2005 04:55:14 PM · #9 |
Sounds intriging...
I'll have to check it out... thanks Neil |
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11/13/2005 05:28:29 PM · #10 |
how about fotostation pro ?
it's used by Reuters and probably every news agency in the world, and many professional photograpehers
I use it an love it.. does everything I want it to do :) |
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11/13/2005 05:36:27 PM · #11 |
| I've been pretty happy with iView Media Pro, and it does everything on your original list (I think). They also just came out with a new version. |
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