Digital Scrapbooking 101

What "Finding Photo Flow" Is

I’ve had a few people ask me what I mean by “photo flow.”  Let me start by sharing what Photo Flow is not: A one-size fits all workflow solution.

Workflow is a term that is used by many when describing working with your photos.  On the professional photography circuit you can find class after class of photographers sharing their personal photo workflow. 

Workflow involves software, it involves steps and process (star ratings, keywords, etc.) and often a “best practice” idea of what works.  Students learn this workflow and then go home and apply it step by step in their workflow with a few tweaks.

While Photo Flow does involve some of these things (i.e. you can choose to use star ratings & keywords in your photo flow), it is very different.  There is no "best practice" involved in Finding Photo Flow.  

Finding Photo Flow is kicking things up a notch to work on a higher level.  It's more about how you feel about your workflow.  It’s about looking at a bucket full of blocks, each block representing a step you could choose to add to your workflow, but don’t necessarily have to.  It's about creativity. It’s about being engaged, happy and excited to work with your photos and building a process for yourself that supports that.

Most photo organization classes focus on how many photos you can keyword, rate, and print during class.  While the end goal of Finding Photo Flow is to help you process images and create amazing results, the four weeks in this class are about thinking, inspiring and creating an amazing workflow that will last long after the initial excitement fades.

After teaching photo organization for years, the one thing that gets to me is students who have followed my work all this time and write to me again and again saying, “This is it. I know what I need to do. This time it is going to stick and I’ll get caught up with my photos.”

Finding Photo Flow  came out of my thoughts of how to help students find something that "sticks."  In my own life there have been times when I have tried to adopt something someone else was doing because it looked amazing, and yet I never could keep it up for the long haul.  The lesson I learned from that was this: When you try to do something over and over again and it doesn’t stick, the reality is you just haven’t yet found flow.

Finding Photo Flow is about looking at your time, the current season of your life and then creating photo flow that supports that.  It’s about letting go and enjoying.  It doesn't matter if your workflow is highly complex or completely simplified, what matters most is that it engages you and supports your creativity.

Finding Photo Flow is about taking the time to absorb different ways of doing things in your workflow.  I want you to think about what is working now with your photos and creating a simple system that is sustainable.  A process that doesn’t overwhelm and at the same time gives you what you want from your photo library.

Quite simply, Finding Photo Flow is about finding joy in your photo library.  It's about inspiring creativity.

I hope to see you in the classroom!  You can learn more about Finding Photo Flow here.

 

 

 

Digital Stash Organization with Lex

A few weeks ago I recieved the nicest email from an amazing lady.  Have you ever put something out there that you hope catches on and then months later you see that it's not only catching on but there are some pretty awesome people doing wonderful things with it?

That describes Lex to a "T" - she took what she learned here, made it her own and wrote up an amazing post about it!  

If you're serious about organizing your digital supplies, it's definitely worth a look...

Review: Any File Lightroom Plugin

I've had quite a few emails these past few months about a nifty little plugin called Any File Lightroom Plugin.  The promises of this plugin sound fabulous - "import any type of file into a Lightroom 3 catalog and manage the files just like photos..."

I should preface this post by saying a few things (disclaimers): 

• I LOVE Lightroom because it is fast, quick and gets me what I need in seconds.

• I am passionate about organizing my digital files for the LAST time - that means the metadata I do write to the files stays INSIDE the files.  This way problems with catalogs or files getting jumbled up and disconnected won't cause me to lose all my work.

So with that in mind, I decided to give the plugin.  I recently downloaded The Daily Digi files and hadn't processed them yet.  I imported the elements from one of the kits using the Any File Lightroom plugin. 

 The first thing that I noticed is that the import process took about four times what it usually does.  However, one thing to consider is that the Any File plugin was building JPEG proxy files for each PNG files, so that is understandable.  When it was finished, this is how the thumbnails looked in my catalog:

The AF overlay delineates that these files are proxy thumbnails.  If you right click on the file and choose Show in Finder, you will find that the AF plugin has created proxy JPEGs right next to their PNG counterparts:

Keeping in mind my usual workflow, I gathered a bunch of supplies for a layout in my "current layout" collection in Lightroom and then opened them up in Photoshop using the Lightroom Edit In > Edit in Adobe Photoshop CS5 > Edit Original command in Lightroom.   I ended up opening the JPEG proxy files in Photoshop...

Ack! I should have read the instructions beforehand.  So this time let's follow the instructions from the AFP Website that say, "To open files in their default application, as configured by Windows or Mac OS, select the files and do Library > Plug-in Extras > Any File > Open (keyboard shortcut ALT+L S O on Windows)."

So I follow the instructions... and I get the spinning beach ball.  I also learned that my "default application" for PNG files is Preview...

At this point I decide there has to be a better way.  I change the global file association for PNG files on my Mac by right clicking on the file and choosing Get Info.

In the Get Info I scroll down to the "Open With" pane and use the drop down menu to select Photoshop:

That works great for this file, but I want this to be the case with ALL my PNG files:

Clicking the magical "Change All" button does that!  Now when I open the PNG files with the plugin, I get this in my chosen PNG program, Photoshop:

Now, we are good to go...  Technically the plugin is allowing me to write metadata to the JPEG proxy file. I can also use the plugin to open up my PNG files in Photoshop.  I should be happy, right? I'm not.

If the goal is to get organized for the last time, you need to remember the PRENUP.  If you lost Lightroom or your catalog tomorrow, and your files got jumbled from here to Hades, what happens then?  You spend hours trying to reconnect everything together.  Not fun.

Also, once you bring in files through Any File, you can't ever move them like you do regular files in Lightroom.  You have to write metadata to files, remove them from your Lightroom catalog, then move them in Windows Explorer or Mac Finder and then reimport them. It can be done, but it takes a lot of extra time.

The way Any File works is by adding extra JPEG files of your PNG images and then writing metadata to the proxy files.  In my opinion, you might as well save yourself the time and just convert to TIF and TRULY IMPORT your files into your organization software.

Even for those who want to use Lightroom to organize and like opening images up as Smart Objects it still makes sense to convert to TIF, import to Lightroom, add your keywords, and then opening files with the following steps: Right-click to choose SHOW IN FINDER - then drag your files to Photoshop.

The goal is to organize your files for the LAST TIME.  It is really hard to do that without writing metadata to your files.  You need a file format with the closets to store metadata, a program that truly writes to the files and a backup system off site and on-site that protects those files.

Quite honestly, I can't see using this plugin long term.  I think it is great for the casual organizer that doesn't care if they have to start over from scratch if they lose their catalog, but for those who truly want  a long term solution, I'd choose another route that truly brings the original file into Lightroom.

What do you think?  Are there Any File Lightroom Plugin users out there that can help me see what I'm missing?  

P.S.  I'm also including file association instructions for Windows users...you can use this to change associations so that with or without a plugin when you open a PNG, JPEG or other file type it automatically works with your favorite editing program.  Hope you find it helpful. 

Notes for Windows Users:

1. Open Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Start button, and then click Explore.
2. Click a folder that contains a file of the type that you want Windows to open in a program that you select.
3. Right-click the file and, depending on the programs installed on your computer, complete one of the following steps:
   • Click Open With to choose the program that you want.
   • Point to Open With, and then click Choose Program to choose the program that you want.
4. The Open With dialog box is displayed. Use one of the following methods to select the program that you want to use for this file type:
   • In the Programs list, click the program that you want to use.
   • Click Browse, locate and then click the program that you want to use, and then click Open.
   • Click Look for the appropriate program on the Web to browse the Internet for the program that you want to use.
5. Click to select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box if it is not selected.
6. Click OK.

 

 

Reader Tip from Carla Skipper

Having a hard time seeing those white on white elements in Lightroom?  Check out this fabulous tip from Carla Skipper along with some time saving actions -

 

***UPDATE***  Because Carla was so generous to ask and I had so much fun answering, I sent her a sneak peek on this tutorial - I do that for those of you who send me ideas! (Provided I have your email address).   Anyway, Carla shared the following with me after viewing this tutorial and I think some of you will also find it helpful.  

"One more thing I found helpful - I found a few items in my stash that were both a white word & had a mask.  If I save those w/ a black background, I loose the mask but can see the word.  To solve this I made a 2nd action to save w/ a medium blue background.  Now I can see both the word & mask.  :-) "

 

Getting to The Point with Lightroom & OnOne

Selective focus is a pretty cool tool in a professional photographer's bag because it makes it easy to see the story in an image.  

For example, in this senior shoot I focused on one of the subjects to draw the viewer's eye exactly where the story of the photo can be told.  It says a lot about how much fun she was having. 

P.S. you can get the fabulous overlay I used on this image here.

 In this photo, the focus tells you that the story in the image isn't about the people - it's about what is being done -  

What happens when you don't have the time to selectively focus a shot?  Seriously, sometimes you are chasing a toddler's fleeting smile or capturing a hug and you just don't have the time to think - only to grab the shot.  What do you do?

Fix it in your post processing using a fabulous Lightroom plugin! For this sample image I was literally chasing ducklings. I didn't have much time to selectively focus.  I love that even though I don't have a fancy artistic lens or the time to play with the most creative focus I can get it after the fact with Focal Point.  

If you want another trick in your post-processing handbag, take a look.  You can find the plugin here. 

**UPDATE** It never hurts to ask. :)  The folks at OnOne have setup a special discount for my peeps - they just lowered their prices for the summer and are offering Digiscrap101 readers an additional 10% discount using the coupon code Digiscrap101. 

 

Afterthoughts:

There are focal points that can be created in your photos using blur and vingetting as we've shown here and then there are layout focal points which are created based on the placement of elements and photos.  

One of the most helpful books I've ever come across for scrapbooking design is  The Simple Secret to Better Painting: How to Immediately Improve Your Work with the One Rule of Composition .  It made not only my photography better, but also my layouts.  

Hopefully you'll find it inspiring as well.  You may also want to check your local library for a copy. 

 

Reader Q&A: Lightroom Ratings and Labels

Krystal in AZ asks, "I am curious if you have found an effective way to use the colored flags, and if you ever use 4 & 5 stars?  Also, how do you track which photos have been printed or scrapbooked?  I've looked through the content quickly and not seen where you might have addressed these . . . I'm working backwards through my massive collection of photos, and wishing there were a way to "flag" entire folders so I could remember where I left off lol.  Only about 40,000 pix to go!"

Great questions!  If there is one thing I have learned over time it is that simple is better.  My goal with my photo system is to keep things as simple as possible so they are easy, repeatable and sustainable.  It is really easy for me to overcomplicate things so I constantly work to simplify.

• I don't currently use 4-5 stars because over time my library is going to grow and I want to have the room to expand - to always be able to pull the needle out of the haystack so to speak.  Over time my library collection of 2 star images is going to grow to the point where it is difficult to find what I need by choosing keywords and 2 stars - I think I am about 10 years away from that but still.  When it does, I'll move a select few of my 3 star images to 4 stars and then only pull out my true favorite 2 star images and make them 3 stars.  Not using 4-5 stars right now is giving me the freedom to expand later.

• It is easy to track which photos have been printed or scrapbooked by simply adding a keyword to the image.  Currently I don't use either in my system for photos.  I've moved away from worrying about whether or not a photo is scrapbooked or printed because most of my photos are never printed until they are in a layout.  I do share them - but mostly digitally on Facebook and slideshows for grandparents.  

• Lightroom keeps track of everything in Facebook for me through the Publish Services (I spoke about this in a very recent video tutorial on this blog).  However, when it comes to my layouts I do add a keyword to delineate if the layout is printed and if it is published.  This just helps me to keep track.

• I realize that for a traditional scrapbooker it may be more important to keep track of your photos being printed as that is how they are scrapbooked and catalogued in your system - so it is all good! :)

Lastly, if you are organizing those folders of 40k pictures in Lightroom it is very easy to flag the entire folder to know where you left off - 

• Click the folder you want to flag on the left side of library and press "G" to make sure you are in Library mode.

• Press CTRL/CMD + A to select all the images in that folder.  Right click on one of the thumbnails and choose Set Color Label and then the color label you want to differentiate which photos you have worked on and those you haven't.    You could repeat this for every folder that hasn't yet been processed.

• When you are done working in a color coded folder, select the group of photos processed and then set the color label to none. This way when you return to the folder it will be very easy to see where to start working again! :)

Hope the answers are helpful to you in your Lightroom workflow - happy Lightrooming! :)

Reader Q&A: Lightroom Publish Service vs. Export

Today's question comes from Carm,

"What is the difference with publish service and export with presets?" 

 This is a great question because the way Publish Service and Exports work in Lightroom are very similar.  In this video I cover the differences and a little of how I use each - there are very good reasons to use both at different times in your workflow.

Also, a few reference links from the video:

• 2011 Spring Lightroom Class
• Lightroom Publishing Video 

 

Review: Perfect Layers in Lightroom

by Kayla Lamoreaux

Layers in Lightroom?  OnOne's Perfect Layers plugin makes it possible to take your photo editing to a completely different level - without Photoshop.  Check it out in this video Review:

Some helpful links - 

• Perfect Layers Plugin
• Scrapbooking in Lightroom
• Creating Scrapbooking Templates in Lightroom

Yes, I Caption My Layouts

After spending a few more months in my system, I'm still captioning my layouts but changing things up a bit.  You can read a lot about my process for captioning layouts here.  In addition to the things revealed in that post, I've added a few more.

The Lightroom caption for this file reads: Photo taken Jan. 31, 2006.  Emily was up in the loft of our Centerville home pulling faces and I snapped away.  She is the "girly girl" in the family.  Her favorite quilt is the Butterfly quilt given to Troy and I by my Grandma LaRue.  I love her expressions.  Products Used: SugarPlum Paperie Chocolate Kiss Kit

The journaling is a bit dry - but it is there.  This is another reason I love the system.  I can just jot down my journaling without worrying if my writing is perfect whereas with layouts it seems so final and on display - so I spend a LOT more time.  By journaling in the photos, by the time I get to making layouts it is a lot easier to refine my writing.

If you read my first post on captioning layouts, you will know I primarily use captions to record products used in a layout.   Since I wrote that post, I've begun to change a few more things.  I often write the date the photos were taken, the story behind the layout or things I wanted to say in the layout but didn't.  

The Lightroom Caption: I just HAD to create this layout once I saw the photos in Lightroom.  With Hyrum's ADHD sometimes things are a struggle and he takes a lot of heat from teachers and others who don't completely understand him.  He may not be the perfect student, but he excels at things others could only dream of creating.  Such are the many sides to having ADHD & being gifted and talented.  What a fun ride - I am always learning so much from my son.  Products Used: Kitty Designs Template - 365Inspirations6, One Little Bird and Leora Sanford Tranquility kit, Paislee Press Storyteller kit

Also - keep in mind that after I create a layout with a caption that details products used, I strip all the digital scrapbooking keywords from that layout and replace them with Photo Memory keywords - i.e. Who, What, Where and When.

So in a way, the captions on my layouts are also my side to why I am telling the story the way I am.

What about you, do you caption your layouts?

Why Your Photo Library is More Important than Scrapbooking

I am still organizing my photos.  I keyword and caption images at least weekly, daily if I can find the time.  I also have a backlog of photos and information dating clear back to the 1800's to scan and organize.  It may seem overwhelming, but one step at a time I am making progress.

I love this system!  Every time I go through a month's worth of photos with captions, keywords and ratings - I feel relief.  I no longer feel the stress of trying to stay "caught up" with all my scrapbooks.  

The reality is that when you record the caption to a photo - the memories and the why - along with keywords to identify Who, What, Where and When - you have almost everything anyone will need to know why that image was important to you.  Ratings are icing on the cake - they will tell future generations which photos you liked the most while the captions will tell them why.

Honest question - if you could be given ten scrapbooks with 25 layouts each, and a decent amount of journaling OR a digital library of 21,000 images (each with journaling, keywords and ratings) which would you choose?

I can see the appeal of the scrapbook and yet I would choose the digital library EVERY TIME.  Let me explain.  

This layout was created a year ago with lots of different photos of mine and my best friend's children.  It is a layout that captures the essence of the many things we did that day and it basically says that time with friends is wonderful.  

Yet when I peek into my photo library I learn much more...

The story behind the milk cow that inexplicably licked my friends daughter over and over.  My feelings about a friendship of over 20 years, the reason one child isn't smiling in a photo, thoughts on the bond between my twins, and more.  There are literally 9 different stories for the photos in this layout.

I may not have the time to scrap 9 different stories right now, but with captions recorded in my photo files in my photo library, I am ready to do so with the "in the moment" thoughts of my heart thanks to my system.  It takes a LOT less time to record the caption to a photo than it does to create a layout.

Now don't get me wrong - there are a lot of layouts I have that document the story -

This layout tells the story of the first day of school.  I love it.  However, if I adopted the workflow that all my stories should be told in my scrapbook layouts, I'd lose the opportunity to preserve those stories with the photo files.

So yes - it is WONDERFUL to tell your stories in your layouts.  However, I think we sometimes forget that scrapbooking is  a CREATIVE PROCESS.  You can alleviate a lot of the stress of being creative while trying to find space for journaling by simply recording the stories in your photo files. That way when your creativity is sparked - you can go back to your photo library reservoir of memories and tell the story just like it happened yesterday or leave the journaling off the layout and save it to the file in other ways.

A lot of people tell me I think to far in the future.  I have to say it is because of this woman:

This is my great-great-great Grandmother Mary Taylor Simmons Robinson.  I first heard her story when I was 18 years old.  She traveled from England all the way to the United States and walked across the plains until her legs were frozen black all the way to her knees.  Along the trail she lost a child, her husband, and her parents.  

I often have wondered what kept her going.  For years all we had of her were a few photos like the one above and this photo of the tiny cabin she lived in next to my great-great grandfather's home.

Yet even with these photos (where everyone was identified in the photo), I still was left to wonder until 2002, when an amazing set of circumstances led our little family to stay with my grandmother for five months.  In those five months I was given more pieces of my family history  - which included several handwritten letters to my great-great grandfather from Mary in the late 1800's.

Having these letters is like having crayons to color in the pictures from a coloring book.  I learn details of Mary's health, her love for her children, her spiritual strength and more.

The photos are beautiful, but it is the details recorded in these letters that are the treasure to me. Stories of the everyday - recipes for herbal remedies - thoughts on daughter in laws and more.

So yes, I may look too far in the future but how can't I?  Looking back to my family in the 1800's has given me a perspective I can't shake.  I think of the questions I would love to ask Mary if I had twenty minutes.  Am I answering them today for those who will follow  me?  Keeping a photo library with detailed captions, ratings and keywords with BACKUP seems to be a wonderful way to do just that.

Don't get me wrong, I still scrapbook quite a lot - and yes I still tell my stories in my layouts. However, with the way my workflow is now, I don't stress quite as much about journaling in my layouts when the stories are embedded in my photo files with my Lightroom Library.  I am FREE to create layouts however I want - following my heart.

When I follow my heart there is bliss in creativity.  How about you?