So, here is the deal. I am not a gifted organizer, and the administrative side of the photography business stresses me out sometimes. I don't usually have problems, but I just found out that I screwed up an order from a client because my proof numbers and file numbers didn't match.

I need to tell you that usually the numbers do match... while I was proofing this clients pictures, I was dealing with kidney stones and wasn't of sound mind(Vicodin will do that to you) ... so that could explain the mix up... But I am completely embarassed because I sent them to her thinking everything was fine. I don't want it happening again.

What do I need help with you say??? Well, I want to know how you all name your files so mix ups like this don't happen. What are some tips and tricks you have learned??

Thanks all!!

Hey Sarah,

I edit everything in LR and categorize the images by color. Each color corresponds to the categories I upload to Pictage.

Here's what I'm doing:
1. Import Images in LR & sort by capture time (I sync my camera w/ 2nd shooters)
2. Highlight, label and do a quick rough color correction.
**Example, all of the preparation images are green, so I highlight all of those images, adjust them to my preparation preset, and label them in green.
3. I go through and pick my favorite images, give them a 5 star and do final edits on those faves. When I'm done with the faves, I go back and batch edit the like images to match my favorite images.
4. I export each set of images starting with my faves, I sort by 5 stars, highlight all and export to my favorites folder for uploading. When I export I renumber the images beginning and save the original file name in the metadata.
5. I rename the images in the corresponding folders as I upload them to Pictage, example, 01_Preparation, 02_Ceremony, etc. So if there are 200 prep images, they are renumbered 1-200, then let's say there are 250 ceremony images, I start numbering thohse at 201 and then the next folder would begin at 251.

I always print from my final JPG images and these will correspond to Pictage because they are in the same order that Pictage would rename them. If I need to go back to the RAW file for any image, I can look at the metadata and find the file number and go back to it.

Hopefully, I haven't confused you. It's getting late. That's what I do though. I hope that somewhat helps you.

I don't use Pictage, but the rest of your info was very helpful.

Go to bed!

Ok... anymore thoughts??

I have a processing checklist that I work from for each job. This makes sure that I do everything in the correct order (such as not creating the customer cart before re-numbering). This makes it so that I consistently work the workflow without forgetting things and I always know where I am with each job.

Specifically, I export from lightroom and have it renumber. However, LR won't do a set number of digits, so 1 is followed by 10 and 100 rather than number 2. I then use Breezebrowser to renumber the files numerically so that 1 becomes 001 and is followed by 002. Then I do the rest of my workflow.
Cory

I had that happen to me once last year but it was partly white house issue...anyway around it I decided that couldn't happen again.
I take the final images into bridge and do a quick batch renumber. The best thing for me though came down to Photocart software that actually shows me the picture they ordered..not jus the number. It made it so any one helping me put an order together to go out can simply double check it by the picture rather than the number. We haven't had any mix ups since switching over. Even if they order in person I still use the software. Love it!

Thank you! I might have to look into that... I was using Whcc too.. hmmm!

LR will indeedy do this (I'd be lost without it). In your export dialog, choose custom name and scroll down to edit. My custom names look like this: {Custom Text}-{Sequence # (001)>>} Then renumbering is done during the export and I don't have rename elsewhere.

Thanks for all the good information.

I really appreciate it!