Non-destructive images processing and photo management
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Disclaimer
This page is solely devoted to analysis of workflow regarding non-destructive images processing.
Problem definition
With massive of digital cameras a photo library of over 10 000 shots is not unusual any more. Managing such collections is possible thanks to cataloging software like F-Spot and digiKam. However, just storing pictures is not sufficient.
Users often tweak photos for different purposes and using different tools: they adjust white balance, sharpen, desaturate, "heal" skin defects, stitch panoramas etc. While some adjustment tasks can be fulfilled in cataloging software, other can't. It means that users needs to make these adjustments in some standalone graphics editor and make both project file (PSD, XCF etc.) and the processed image be available from cataloging software, possibly as version of the original file. Managing a photo library of both originals, project files and processed images becomes major pain.
Analysis
First step to solve this issue is giving answer to the following questions:
- How do we define workflow?
- How do we make graphics editors and photo management software work together in a non-destructive workflow?
- How do we define versions and how do we managed them?
- How do we exchange photos that are edited in a non-destructive manner?
