Photo organizing software

[cmacvet]

I currently use Paint Shop Pro 7 or 9 for my photo editing. I really need a decent system for organizing my growing number of pictures.

I'd like to be able to tag each photo with its components so I can later recall it by its tag.

Does anyone have any recommendation (or criticisms) of possible software? Any insight or experience will be appreciated. Thanks!

Carol

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Carol, welcome to PR Not sure what you budget is or your exact needs but, I would recommend taking a look at Adobe Lightroom. It's a little pricey at $299 but well worth every penny. It allows you virtually unlimited ways of cataloging photos, everything from tags to by the camera used.

[cmacvet]

Do you have any suggestions in the $100 to $200 price range? I'm not a professional - just enjoy taking lots of photos.

Carol

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Carol, I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with anything in that range. What are you shooting with for a camera? Did it come with any software that might work for you? My girlfriend has a Canon G2 and there is a program that came with that, Zoombrowser I think it's called, that is kind of a database.

[cmacvet]

Mostly I use a Canon Rebel. Sometimes a pocket Panasonic. What I'm looking for is the ability to put tags on my photos so I can pull out photos by their tag byline. I'm happy with my editing program but sadly it doesn't have any organization feature.

I've hear of ACDSee and Elements but haven't used either one. I'm reluctant to buy without some confidence that it will do what I need.

Thanks again.

Carol

[FishMan473]

Wow, I am in a remarkably similar situation, same needs for tags and everything. As a Mac user I am considering iPhoto, Nikon Picture Project, Aperature 2.0, and maybe also Lightroom. I am on a very tight budget, and I already own the first two (free!) iPhoto at least is a bit too consumer grade for my taste, but I can certainly afford it. I have only just begun to explore picture project but I don't want to get too into it if I am going to switch to something else.

Can anyone compare some of these programs or others?

[Xia_Ke]

Hi FishMan. I haven't used iPhoto or Aperture but, did use Picture Project for a while before I got Lightroom. When I used PP though, it was right when I first started getting into photography so I never really took full advantage of it's capabilities. It does allow for basic cataloging and databasing as well as basic editing. This will work perfectly for a lot of users. Lightroom is kind of like PP on steroids. It has better editing and much better cataloging capabilities. Definitely geared towards serious amateurs and professionals. If you need to keep track of hundreds or a couple thousand photos, I would stick with PP. You can't beat the price on it If you plan on getting more serious with photography and will need the ability to keep track of thousands or tens of thousands of photos, then I would give Lightroom some serious consideration.