Add precision to your picture collection by adding layers of organization

Many times precision is achieved by approaching the target in small steps. This is true also when it comes to your photo collection. It would be great if we could have unlimited free time to add tags and geotags to all of our pictures. Unfortunately, this is not the case and many times we have to choose how precise we want to organize our pictures. So we approach precision in picture organization in layers…layers of organization.

Organize your pictures in layers

My image organization process is accomplished in three different layers (yeah…like the onion layer illustration from Shreck). Each layer adds more and more detailed metadata. The more metadata I add to my pictures the easier it will be for me to find them later.

I always perform the first layer and sometimes layers two and three, depending on what I am trying to achieve (Read Define an efficient workflow). Sometimes, I only perform the first layer, especially if the pictures are only pictures of my family and I’m in a hurry.

First layer: Organize your pictures using folders.

First I rename the folders according to an efficient naming convention (Read How you should name your folders). This way it’s easy for me to find my pictures at a later date. Then I place these folders in a precise folder structure (Read Organize your pictures in 5 steps). Now the folder structure is done. Many times I stop here…depending how tired I am. However, the next two steps add a lot more flexibility later in the workflow.

Second layer: Organize your pictures using tags.

Once I have created the right folders, I start assigning tags (or keywords) to the pictures I have just transferred. I make sure that I use software that can write these tags to the IPTC/XMP fields attached to each image file (Read Create precise keywords for your pictures). I have been using IrfanView to edit IPTC fields, but I have just found Geosetter which also can assign IPTC keywords…so, I’m using both for now.

Third Layer: Organize your pictures using Geotags.

This is closely related to the step above. I separate it because many times I don’t do this step if it doesn’t make sense. For most of the family pictures I don’t need to add geotags. (Read Methods for assigning geotags to your pictures).

Essentials for organizing your digital photos

Here are the essential products and services I have come to rely on for many years to keep my media collection organized and safe. Even though these are affiliate links, I wholeheartedly recommend them.

Excellent Lightroom and Picasa alternative. If you need a cheaper and simpler photo manager then ACDSee Photo Studio for Mac (save 20% until Feb 15) or ACDSee Pro for Windows (save $20 until Feb 15) is my preferred solution for organizing all my media. It has a very fast browser, great image editing and it's simple to use.

If you do a lot of image editing like I do, I recommend using Adobe Lightroom Classic CC via the annual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Lightroom has best photo editing capabilities even though it comes with a steeper learning curve. If you do image editing, Adobe Lightroom is my favorite.

I recommend Backblaze Cloud Backup for affordable & reliable unlimited cloud backup. I have been using Backblaze for backing up all pictures & videos for more than 5 years now. All my invaluable digital memories are safe and secure. This is the best solution especially if you have a large quantity of media files.

Use a reliable & affordable external hard drive for backing up everything on your computer. It is absolutely essential for keeping all your memories backed up and safe.

Start organizing now using detailed, step-by-step instructions and videos:
Personal Coaching (closed) Independent Course Private Lessons
Reference book Basics book Picasa book

YOURS FREE! 10 crucial steps most people miss when organizing their digital photos

Most people want to just organize their digital pictures and ignore these crucial steps right at the beginning...when they are shooting and transferring their digital pictures. Then they wonder why they can't organize their digital photos! Avoid most people's mistakes and start on the right track!

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