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A Question on Locating /Retrieving Unprocessed Images

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kitjv

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As a former Adobe Bridge/ACR user, I am learning my way around the trial version of LR4. Although RAW processing in the Develop module is what I was familiar with in ACR, the organizational structural of LR4 is totally different. So the tedious hours of learning are rolling under me & the empty wine bottles are piling up next to my desk. But I'm progressing. :)

However, I do have one workflow question that I would appreciate some guidance from some of you LR veterans. Suppose, for example, I import a set of 50 new images from my memory card. In the Develop module, I process half of them, but don't have time to do the rest. Let's say that a month goes by before I remember that I didn't finish processing that set of images. Problem is ... I can't remember when I shot them and, thus, which folder they're in. Is there a particularly easy way that you might suggest for locating images are awaiting processing?

Thank you for any help. I am looking forward to gleaning a lot of information on this forum.
 
Hi, welcome to the forum.

A quick Smart Collection would probably be the easiest way. Here's one example that would find all photos taken in the last month which don't have any develop processing. Of course you can adjust the time period to whatever you want, or not bother with a time period.

Cap1.JPG
 
While Jim's method works after the fact, I use a different approach on import. Every image is assigned a Red label using a metadata preset at import time. Visually, I can see that any image that has a red label is unprocessed and unevaluated. When I start processing images, I assign them a Yellow label. (To finish out the Color Label Set, (Green = Needs Review, Blue = Complete but unpublished and Purple = Published).
 
Hi, welcome to the forum.

A quick Smart Collection would probably be the easiest way. Here's one example that would find all photos taken in the last month which don't have any develop processing. Of course you can adjust the time period to whatever you want, or not bother with a time period.

View attachment 2227

Thanks, Jim. Although I haven't yet delved into Smart Collections yet, this certainly sounds like an option. Before adopting a specific method, it would be wise for me (since I'm still on the learning curve) to consider this relative to other methods. Thank you kindly.
 
While Jim's method works after the fact, I use a different approach on import. Every image is assigned a Red label using a metadata preset at import time. Visually, I can see that any image that has a red label is unprocessed and unevaluated. When I start processing images, I assign them a Yellow label. (To finish out the Color Label Set, (Green = Needs Review, Blue = Complete but unpublished and Purple = Published).

Cletus: A logical scheme right at the point of importation. Question: When you decide to process the Red-label images, do you simply search by that label? Thank you.
 
Admittedly, this is all new to me. But as I was thinking a bit more on this, I was wondering if I could simply select my newly-imported images & immediately put them in a regular collection titled (something like) "New Imports". After I finished evaluating & processing the images, I could delete the collection. Seems simple & straight-forward. Does this make sense or am I missing something here?

Thank you for your help & patience.
 
There are plenty of different ways of doing it, one of which Cletus has described. Your method would also work, though you might end up with lots of "New Imports" collections if you get behind with the post-processing. The point about the Smart Collection method is that it's dynamic.....because the new imports will be unedited they will immediately be added to that SC, so that becomes your 'goto' place when you're in editing mode. But as soon as you start applying edits, it will be removed from the SC automatically.
 
Cletus: A logical scheme right at the point of importation. Question: When you decide to process the Red-label images, do you simply search by that label? Thank you.

Hi kitjv

Hoping not to assume what Cletus actually does here, but I'd say he simply uses the filter to only show red labelled images.

20120505-jrhuc7q3h52jd3j8348spwjcxp.jpg
 
There are plenty of different ways of doing it, one of which Cletus has described. Your method would also work, though you might end up with lots of "New Imports" collections if you get behind with the post-processing. The point about the Smart Collection method is that it's dynamic.....because the new imports will be unedited they will immediately be added to that SC, so that becomes your 'goto' place when you're in editing mode. But as soon as you start applying edits, it will be removed from the SC automatically.

Jim: I understand. And as I get increasingly familiar with LR, I am sure that Smart Collections will become a regular part of my workflow. But I think for the moment I'll keep things simple. Thank you.
 
Cletus: A logical scheme right at the point of importation. Question: When you decide to process the Red-label images, do you simply search by that label? Thank you.
I'm trying not to overwhelm you at this point with too much workflow processing for you to absorb. The answer that I gave earlier was to directly relate to your dilemma. What I've described previously is a part of John Beardsworth's Workflow Smart collections which I have modified, simplified and enhanced to include Publish Services. It consists of a single static Collection and a series of smart collections (red label filter is but one). My workflow works entirely in the Collections and Publish Services panels. I have my Folder panel turned off since folders are not relevant to LR processing or finding images to process.

For me in order for an image to be complete, It needs at least two keywords (a location and a "who" or "what"), a Title and a Caption. Also is must have Adjustments that usually include a Crop. John's Smart Collections walk me through all of these steps.

With the ultimate goal for each image to garner either a blue or purple label. Those with a purple label automatically show up in one or more Smart Publish Service Collections
 
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kitjv, In addition to the Workflow Smart Collections that I have referenced previously, there are some other features that you could probably benefit from.
In the Catalog panel there are two System generated collections that you should be aware of and understand how they relate to post processing.

First, after every import, the "Previous Import" collection is emptied and populated with the very last import set of images. The contents of this changes with every import.

Second is the Quick Collection. It is populated by the user and can be converted to a permanent static collection, purged or made the target collection (where individual images can be added using the {B} shortcut key.) Unless you change it, the Target Collection is defaulted to the the Quick Collection.
 
I've recently found I'm making much more use of another feature - the ability to define favourite folders/collections in the Filmstrip. It's great to have some of those workflow smart collections listed there - eg edited in the last day.
 
Cletus,

Not overwhelmed at all. Having familiarized myself with the various types of Collections, your comments are quite reaffirming. Interestingly, your comment regarding turning off the Folders panel, is something that had crossed my mind as well. As I learn more about the power of Collections, I was questioning the value of the Folders panel in my workflow. But, being a complete LR rookie, I certainly don't want to dismiss anything at this point.

To Cletus, Jim & johnbeardy: Thank you for taking me under your wing. It's obvious that you guys have been around the block a few times when it comes to LR. I appreciate your time & patience.
 
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