| Photography Forum: Photography Help Forum: |
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Q. PC Software for slides
Asked by Katie Nielsen
(K=279) on 9/6/2001
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I am thinking about investing in some labelling/cataloging software and wonder what other photographers are using these days. For labelling, I would like to be able to use up to 4 lines per slide label. For cataloging, I'd like to be able to use categories and keywords. How do other people number and file their slides? Currently I have slides in Print File archival sleeves which are sorted by sub-category and filed by category in hanging files. They are stored in Rubbermaid tubs. I am a struggling home based photographer on a low budget who needs to get organized. Ideas please?
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Steve Kaufman
(K=2748) - Comment Date 9/7/2001
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Katie, I originally started numbering my slides, and manually writing down key words for them (I started in the early 70's before I had a computer). I soon found lots of problems with my numbering system. If it's consecutive numbering, how do you file images to be able to recall one particular number? And if you start shooting lots of images, it becomes nearly impossible to catalog them all (I have over 350,000 slides now)
When scanners and CD writers first came out, I bought into the idea of producing my own CD-ROM catalogs. I scanned and keyworded about 1,500 images.....and soon gave up on that attempt as well. It just took too long to input all the data; it was keeping me away from other real money producing work.
So, to wrap up this litany, to print labels I use Microsoft Word which came with a template for Avery 5167 labels. I choose a font that will allow me to print 4 lines/label, or a larger one if a 3 line label will suffice. I file in archival sheets like you do, and organize them by subject in filing cabinets. And yes, I still have problems if I have to find one particular image, but I usually can locate it eventually.
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Katie Nielsen
(K=279) - Comment Date 9/7/2001
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Thanks for your input Steve. I am currently using MS Word to make labels and that is working fine. The labelling isn't the real problem, it's the filing. I have lots of images that would fit in many different categories. If I am searching for images of a certain region, it's a super pain to have to look through a bunch of different categories, eg. Mountains, Lakes, cities, forests, trees, etc. If I could assign keywords to each image, it would be much easier to locate the images I think. Any suggestions from you kind folks out there?
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Chris Whaley
(K=3847) - Comment Date 9/8/2001
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Hi Katie..this is second hand knowledge I scalped from another site. I have not used these programs but they are called FotoBiz and NSCS Pro. From what I read NSCS is considered one of the better ones so there is a start for you. Hope that helps. Chris.
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Mark M
(K=33) - Comment Date 9/8/2001
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Hi Katie,
I use filmaker pro to keep track of everything. If you are unfamiliar with it Filemaker is a little relational database that allows you to develop your own databases. It's quite easy to use and moderately priced--$240.
The only disadvantage I have found is that you need to learn to use it and develop the database yourself. This, however, allows you to custom design an application for your exact needs.
There isn't much you can't do once you've figured it out: print labels, generate file numbers, search and sort by anything, track image submissions...etc.
It isn't for everyone because it can be frustrating trying to do this yourself if you don't like mucking around on the computer, but I have found it worth my time. Good luck.
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Katie Nielsen
(K=279) - Comment Date 9/10/2001
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Thanks for the suggestions...I have somewhere to start researching now.
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