Download - Image Organization, Metadata, and Digital Workflow Arthur P. Miceli May 8st, 2010 Miceli Photography Mentoring Series.

Image Organization, Image Organization, Metadata, and Digital Metadata, and Digital

Workflow Workflow

Arthur P. MiceliArthur P. Miceli

May 8st, 2010May 8st, 2010

Miceli Photography Mentoring Series

Copyright 2010 Arthur P. MiceliCopyright 2010 Arthur P. Miceli

AgendaAgendaIntroductionIntroduction 5 minutes5 minutes

Part 1 - Image OrganizationPart 1 - Image Organization 25 minutes25 minutes

Part 2 - MetadataPart 2 - Metadata 30 minutes30 minutes

Part 3 - Digital WorkflowPart 3 - Digital Workflow 30 minutes30 minutes

Q&A Q&A ~ minutes~ minutes


Part 1 Part 1

Image OrganizationImage Organization



No single “right” approach; but do have an approach and No single “right” approach; but do have an approach and process you follow. process you follow.

Avoid the shoebox syndrome (whether film or digital).Avoid the shoebox syndrome (whether film or digital). Your specific approach will depend on a number of factors:Your specific approach will depend on a number of factors:

– Personal: e.g. to preserve as a family legacyPersonal: e.g. to preserve as a family legacy– Professional: e.g. stock or wedding photographyProfessional: e.g. stock or wedding photography– The constraint is time available and your degree of commitment The constraint is time available and your degree of commitment

relative to life’s other demands.relative to life’s other demands.



My personal photography collection is comprised My personal photography collection is comprised of:of:– Digital images (from digital camera). (60,000 image Digital images (from digital camera). (60,000 image

files, 256GB)files, 256GB)– Scans of old family photographs (3100 images, 14GB)Scans of old family photographs (3100 images, 14GB)– 35mm prints and associated negatives (20,000 pictures, 35mm prints and associated negatives (20,000 pictures,

600+ rolls)600+ rolls)– 35mm slides (7000 slides, 200+ rolls)35mm slides (7000 slides, 200+ rolls)– Home videos: VHS-C (160 tapes, 80+ hours)Home videos: VHS-C (160 tapes, 80+ hours)– Home movies: Super 8mm silent and sound movie film Home movies: Super 8mm silent and sound movie film

(4000 feet)(4000 feet)



Three main components to the Three main components to the organization and storage of my organization and storage of my photography collection.photography collection.

1.1. All the media themselves(the film, slides, videos, All the media themselves(the film, slides, videos, digital files, etc.)digital files, etc.)

2.2. Photo reference logs (i.e. diary of all of the above, Photo reference logs (i.e. diary of all of the above, taken to date). All contained in a single PC folder.taken to date). All contained in a single PC folder.

3.3. Future - “Guidebook to the Miceli Photography Future - “Guidebook to the Miceli Photography Collection” Collection” (i.e. a “brain dump” of all of this; a work in progress)(i.e. a “brain dump” of all of this; a work in progress)


Physical Media StoragePhysical Media Storage Prints stored in their original film wallets in archival cartons from Prints stored in their original film wallets in archival cartons from

University Archival Products.University Archival Products. Prints and their negatives are separated as are odd from even roll Prints and their negatives are separated as are odd from even roll

numbers.numbers. Slides: some are in Kodak trays, with most being in their original Slides: some are in Kodak trays, with most being in their original

small boxes. Noteworthy/competition quality slides are stored in small boxes. Noteworthy/competition quality slides are stored in archival slide pages.archival slide pages.

Long term goal of digitizing entire collection. Would enable easy Long term goal of digitizing entire collection. Would enable easy replication of the entire collection and mitigate risk of total loss. replication of the entire collection and mitigate risk of total loss. Progress to date includes:Progress to date includes:

– 100% of my parent’s photo collection has been scanned.100% of my parent’s photo collection has been scanned.– My Uncle Arthur’s war letters have been camera scanned.My Uncle Arthur’s war letters have been camera scanned.– All 160 VHS-C tapes have been converted to DVD.All 160 VHS-C tapes have been converted to DVD.

(Are also “Live and Local” on my hard drive)(Are also “Live and Local” on my hard drive)

– All Super 8mm sound movies have been converted to DVD.All Super 8mm sound movies have been converted to DVD.(Are also “Live and Local” on my hardrive.)(Are also “Live and Local” on my hardrive.)


High Level Conceptual ViewHigh Level Conceptual View

Personal computer with it’s “Live and Local” disk storage.

OS image backup #2(i.e. a disaster recovery backup image)

Viewing and Output Options

• Browse and view on your desktop PC or laptop• Make prints and enlargements• Share via email• Social networking sites• Online photo galleries• Google Earth/GPS• Personal media players • Smartphones (iPhone, Droid, etc.)• View on your television• Digital photo frames•Create elaborate slideshows.• Future, yet to be imagined uses.

OS image backup #1(i.e. a disaster recovery backup image)

Media and file backup(s) Set #1

Media and file backup(s) Set #2

Miscellaneous backups

Facilitates easy replication and safeguarding of your entire collection.


Digital Image OrganizationDigital Image Organization


File NamingFile Naming


RAW CaptureRAW Capture Key consideration: The cost of flash memory cards and more importantly hard drive Key consideration: The cost of flash memory cards and more importantly hard drive

storage is not a significant concern due to cost per GB dropping faster than my storage storage is not a significant concern due to cost per GB dropping faster than my storage growth. (eg. As low as $99 for an external 1TB multi-interface drive.)growth. (eg. As low as $99 for an external 1TB multi-interface drive.)

With RAW, you can have your cake and eat it. I.e. you can shoot RAW only and With RAW, you can have your cake and eat it. I.e. you can shoot RAW only and still easily obtain JPG, TIF, and/or PSD files if you so choose. still easily obtain JPG, TIF, and/or PSD files if you so choose.

RAW contains all of the image data captured by the camera’s sensor. RAW contains all of the image data captured by the camera’s sensor. Enables you greater flexibility in post-processing.Enables you greater flexibility in post-processing. Enables the color balance(daylight, tungsten, custom, etc.), colorspace(sRGB, Adobe Enables the color balance(daylight, tungsten, custom, etc.), colorspace(sRGB, Adobe

RGB, etc), file format, and bit depth to be selected after the time of capture.RGB, etc), file format, and bit depth to be selected after the time of capture. RAW provides several stops greater exposure latitude potential.RAW provides several stops greater exposure latitude potential. As a practical matter, I shoot JPG for action and casual photography; RAW for As a practical matter, I shoot JPG for action and casual photography; RAW for

serious and professional photography.serious and professional photography. I rarely shoot RAW+JPG in camera. It is an unnecessary waste of memory card I rarely shoot RAW+JPG in camera. It is an unnecessary waste of memory card

capacity, lengthens camera burst processing times, and image transfer time to your PC.capacity, lengthens camera burst processing times, and image transfer time to your PC. In my workflow, I convert all my RAW files to the standard Adobe DNG file format.In my workflow, I convert all my RAW files to the standard Adobe DNG file format.

– Helps protect against raw file format obsolecsense.Helps protect against raw file format obsolecsense.– DNG eliminates need for XMP files.DNG eliminates need for XMP files.

For precise color balance, I recommend use of a white balance reference card such as the WhiBal For precise color balance, I recommend use of a white balance reference card such as the WhiBal card (card (www.rawworkflow.com), Photovision Digital Reference Card, and/or Gretag MacBeth ), Photovision Digital Reference Card, and/or Gretag MacBeth ColorChecker.(or Passport).ColorChecker.(or Passport).

http://www.rawworkflow.com/


Part 2 Part 2

MetaDataMetaData


Image MetaDataImage MetaData What is Metadata? Metadata refers to information about the image. I.e. What is Metadata? Metadata refers to information about the image. I.e.

the “data” is the image itself and the “meta”data is information the “data” is the image itself and the “meta”data is information regarding that image.regarding that image.

Types of Metadata?Types of Metadata?– Embedded (resides within the image file itself)Embedded (resides within the image file itself)

EXIF: Image parameters automatically populated by your camera at the time of EXIF: Image parameters automatically populated by your camera at the time of capture. Includes things like date/time taken, shutter speed, f-stop, lens used, capture. Includes things like date/time taken, shutter speed, f-stop, lens used, focal length, etc. May also include camera make, serial number, and your focal length, etc. May also include camera make, serial number, and your name.name.

IPTC: variety of fields available for your use. Includes such things as your IPTC: variety of fields available for your use. Includes such things as your identify and contact information, copyright and usage rights, description, identify and contact information, copyright and usage rights, description, keywords, etc.keywords, etc.

– External: Image information such as ratings, keywords, virtual collections, External: Image information such as ratings, keywords, virtual collections, etc typically stored by a cataloging application in it’s own database.etc typically stored by a cataloging application in it’s own database.


Metadata SearchMetadata Search


Review So FarReview So Far

• The challenges associated with organizing your photographic collection.

• Approach to numbering and storage of my legacy collection.

• The end result (folder heirarchy and filenaming) of my ingestion and organize workflow.

• Role and value of Metadata.

• Concepts and rationale related to RAW, GPS, etc.


Part 3 Part 3

Digital WorkflowDigital Workflow


Digital Workflow PhasesDigital Workflow Phases Digital workflow: the series of steps you employ to ingest, organize, modify, and/or output your Digital workflow: the series of steps you employ to ingest, organize, modify, and/or output your

images.images. This presentation focuses on the ingest and organize phases.This presentation focuses on the ingest and organize phases. Recommend you document your workflow and update it as it evolves over time.Recommend you document your workflow and update it as it evolves over time.

IngestIngest: the movement of the image files from your camera’s memory card to your computer’s hard : the movement of the image files from your camera’s memory card to your computer’s hard drive.drive.

– Remove your memory card from the camera and plug into a card reader. Use in conjunction Remove your memory card from the camera and plug into a card reader. Use in conjunction with the image ingestion features of software such as Canon’s ZoomBrowser, ACDSEE, or with the image ingestion features of software such as Canon’s ZoomBrowser, ACDSEE, or Photoshop Bridge.Photoshop Bridge.

OrganizeOrganize: the phase which deals with reviewing and deleting images, applying ratings and : the phase which deals with reviewing and deleting images, applying ratings and keywording, metadata, and file renaming, etc. keywording, metadata, and file renaming, etc.

ModifyModify: the phase which represents all the modifications you may choose to make with programs : the phase which represents all the modifications you may choose to make with programs such as Photoshop or ACDSEE.such as Photoshop or ACDSEE.Examples include adjusting levels, curves, masking, layers, color correction, sharpening, etc.Examples include adjusting levels, curves, masking, layers, color correction, sharpening, etc.

OutputOutput: the steps you would utilize to prepare your modified images for output; which can include a : the steps you would utilize to prepare your modified images for output; which can include a variety of uses including print, Internet image galleries and websites, and/or professional photo labs. variety of uses including print, Internet image galleries and websites, and/or professional photo labs. Examples include cropping, resizing, converting colorspace, etc.Examples include cropping, resizing, converting colorspace, etc.


““Ingest and Organize” Workflow StepsIngest and Organize” Workflow Steps

1.1. Ingest images from the memory card into a folder named yyyyymmdd.Ingest images from the memory card into a folder named yyyyymmdd.2.2. If the image folder contains any RAW files:If the image folder contains any RAW files:

a)a) Use the DNG converter to convert them to DNG.Use the DNG converter to convert them to DNG.b)b) Delete the original RAW files and any XMP files that might exist.Delete the original RAW files and any XMP files that might exist.

3.3. Determine the next roll sequence number to be used.Determine the next roll sequence number to be used.4.4. (Optional) Assign ratings here. (Optional) Assign ratings here. 5.5. Do deletions here. Do deletions here. 6.6. Apply my standard metadata template to all the selected files. Apply my standard metadata template to all the selected files. 7.7. Then enter into the Description field the Roll number and descriptive information pertaining to all the images.Then enter into the Description field the Roll number and descriptive information pertaining to all the images.8.8. (Optional) Then iteratively select images as appropriate and add additional description data.(Optional) Then iteratively select images as appropriate and add additional description data.9.9. Batch Rename:Batch Rename:

a)a) Set sort order of images to date/time captured.Set sort order of images to date/time captured.b)b) Select all Select all imageimage files. (CTRL-A) I.e. Select all files, then deselect files that are not image files. (For files. (CTRL-A) I.e. Select all files, then deselect files that are not image files. (For

example: Thumbs, ZbThumbnail, Bridge cache files, etc.). (Renaming them would have “broken” their example: Thumbs, ZbThumbnail, Bridge cache files, etc.). (Renaming them would have “broken” their respective programs ability to read them.)respective programs ability to read them.)

c)c) Perform Batch Rename using a predefined template.Perform Batch Rename using a predefined template.10.10. (Optional) Do keywording here. (Optional) Do keywording here. 11.11. (Optional) Open all the DNG files in ACR and adjust to suit. Exit(“Done”) from ACR.(Optional) Open all the DNG files in ACR and adjust to suit. Exit(“Done”) from ACR.12.12. From Adobe Bridge, use the Photoshop “Image Processor” tool to convert any DNG files to JPG. From Adobe Bridge, use the Photoshop “Image Processor” tool to convert any DNG files to JPG.

All metadata and filenames are inherited from their DNG parent. All metadata and filenames are inherited from their DNG parent. 13.13. Rename the parent directory containing the images to the Roll#. For example: “R1234_label”. Rename the parent directory containing the images to the Roll#. For example: “R1234_label”.


Ingestion using CS4 Bridge Ingestion using CS4 Bridge “Get Photos from Camera”“Get Photos from Camera”


DNG ConversionDNG Conversion


Before Applying TemplateBefore Applying Template


After Applying TemplateAfter Applying Template


Updated IPTC Description FieldUpdated IPTC Description Field


Batch RenameBatch Rename


Typical Results of Batch RenameTypical Results of Batch Rename


Photoshop Image ProcessorPhotoshop Image Processor


Results of DNG to JPG ConversionResults of DNG to JPG Conversion


ResourcesResources

Digital Photography Best Practices and Workflow Handbook by Patricia Russotti and Richard Anderson (Focal Press)Digital Photography Best Practices and Workflow Handbook by Patricia Russotti and Richard Anderson (Focal Press)

http://dpbestflow.orghttp://dpbestflow.org

The DAM Book – Digital Asset Management for Photographers by Peter Krogh (O’Reilly)The DAM Book – Digital Asset Management for Photographers by Peter Krogh (O’Reilly)http://www.thedambook.comhttp://www.thedambook.com

Photoshop CS3 Raw: Get the Most Out of the Raw Format with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge by Photoshop CS3 Raw: Get the Most Out of the Raw Format with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Bridge by Mikkel Aaland (O’Reilly)Mikkel Aaland (O’Reilly)

Adobe DNG information and DNG Converter: http://www.adobe.com/products/dngAdobe DNG information and DNG Converter: http://www.adobe.com/products/dng

ACDSEE Pro: http://www.acdsee.com/ACDSEE Pro: http://www.acdsee.com/

Microsoft Expression Media 2 (formerly iViewMediaPro)Microsoft Expression Media 2 (formerly iViewMediaPro)http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/Overview.aspx?key=mediahttp://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/Overview.aspx?key=media

Canon Application Software: http://www.usa.canon.com/html/canonindex.html (Then select “Downloads”, etc.)Canon Application Software: http://www.usa.canon.com/html/canonindex.html (Then select “Downloads”, etc.)

NovaBackup Software: http://www.novastor.comNovaBackup Software: http://www.novastor.com

ExifTools: program which allows advanced management of image metadata fields.ExifTools: program which allows advanced management of image metadata fields.

8mm (silent and sound) to DVD Conversion by David Seltzer Productions: 8mm (silent and sound) to DVD Conversion by David Seltzer Productions:

http://www.bestfilmtransfer.com Telephone: 866-DVD-2523http://www.bestfilmtransfer.com Telephone: 866-DVD-2523

Arthur Miceli: www.miceli-photography.com; [email protected]; Cell: 908-902-4151Arthur Miceli: www.miceli-photography.com; [email protected]; Cell: 908-902-4151


Thank you!Thank you!


GPS GPS

• Enables the recording the exact location and date/time at which you took your image(s). Also records additional information such as altitude, etc.• Quality brands include Garmin, Magellan, and Tom Tom.• I own the Garmin 76CS handheld model along with the companion MapSelect software for the United States.• Other capabilities useful to a nature photographer include calculation of sunrise/sunset times and tide tables.• Do sync your cameras’ clock with that of the GPS beforehand.• Native GPS support is now becoming available in a number of camera models.•For selected photo shoots (for example, all day hikes, vacations to Arizona and Cape Cod) I export and store the GPS information with my images.• Can be manually or automatically correlated later into the image metadata by programs such as RoboGeo. • The GPS information can also be used in conjunction with Garmin’s MapSelect maps, Google Earth, and/or social networking sites.


Example of a Photographic Journey Example of a Photographic Journey