Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
produces multiple files with the same name,” says Graham. Use
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to rename, rank, and add metadata
to the photos you plan to keep; cull those you don't.
Graham names his files by date (and possibly subject). He would
store a series of photos taken Dec. 12, 2013 at Stinson Beach in a
folder named “20131212_Stinson_01”; within the folder, he
names each image incrementally, and each image has a unique fi-
lename. “That way, it lines up on the hard drive real easily,” he
says. Follow Windows naming conventions to keep filenames us-
able on non-Macintosh platforms (32 characters maximum; only
numbers, letters, underscores, and hyphens).
Convert raw images to Adobe Camera Raw
It may be best to convert all your camera raw images to the DNG
format. Unlike many cameras' proprietary raw formats, this open-
source format can be read by any device.
Keep a master image
Save your master in PSD, TIFF, or DNG format, not JPEG. Each
time a JPEG is re-edited and saved, compression is reapplied, and
the image quality degrades.
Show off to clients and friends
When you prepare your work for delivery, choose the appropriate
color file for the destination. Convert the image to that profile,
rather than assigning the profile. sRGB is generally best for view-
ing electronically or for printing from most online printing ser-
vices. Adobe 1998 or Colormatch are the best profiles to use for
RGB images destined for traditionally printed material such as
brochures. Adobe 1998 or ProPhoto RGB are best for printing
with inkjet printers. Use 72 dpi for electronic viewing and 180
dpi or higher for printing.
Back up your images
You've devoted a lot of time and effort to your images: don't lose
them. Because the lifespan of CDs and DVDs is uncertain, it's
best to back up to an external hard drive (or drives!), ideally set to
back up automatically. “The question is not if your [internal] hard
