It wouldn't be impossible just difficult. What your friend was warning you about is the fact that once your photos are imported in this default protective manner - called “managed” - it’s then a bit more challenging to get all of your photos out so that you can use them with say, another photo editing program.įor example, if you ever wanted to stop using a Mac, and start using a different photo manager on a Windows PC, it would be difficult. iPhoto protects your photo inside of this “shell” so that you can't accidentally move them, or worse, delete your master image files. What iPhoto does by default, when you import a photo, is it makes a copy of your photo(s) and stores them inside of this “photo library” file (really a folder disguised as a file). And then there is the “photo library” file that is stored (by default) in your “Pictures” folder - also inside of your user folder. There is the iPhoto application which is stored in your “Application” folder.

And by “in iPhoto,” I don't mean using iPhoto in general - because iPhoto is great! I mean keeping your photo files stored inside of the iPhoto photo library file.īy default, when you import photos inside, iPhoto operates kind of like an “overprotective mother.” I believe this is actually a good thing though, and what I would recommend for anyone who isn’t an advanced user. I can completely understand why an experienced user of iPhoto or another photo management software might tell you to avoid keeping your photos in iPhoto. So good for you for getting a new start now! Storage Location of Photos in iPhoto Maria, it takes quite a commitment to yourself to be better organized since it's not just a decision you have to make, it's also the dedication to learning new things. I look forward to reading your newsletters.

Do you have any thoughts on Lightroom as opposed to PE? What would you suggest?Ģ) I am currently using Photoshop Elements to process my photos. A couple questions:ġ) Someone told me I should not store my albums in iPhoto but should create picture files elsewhere on my computer. I have recently purchased a new camera and vowed to be better organized in the photo storage and processing department.

How to combine mac photo libraries