New MAC user looking for input about Apreture

vievetrick · 04-12-2009, 08:18 PM

Okay, I am toying with Apreture and will toy with Lightroom as well. For now I just want input on how to use Apreture correctly..

Again not looking for MAC VS PC just want help with the new MAC

I used to use a PC and work flow somethink like this.

Download files from card with card reader
Open and convert files with Silkypix to JPG
Work with PSPX2 for all PP work.

I have downloaded Silkypix for MAC and this part is no big deal. But I still noticed I can do everything with APreture. I am reviewing the tutorials in Apreture and they are pretty helpful but having a hard time figuring simple things out.

I guess not seeing a new file when I convert the files to jpg is throwing me. I am sure I am not explaining myself correctly so just will open it up to what you folks that use Apreture think and any tips that would be helpful.

The few things I have done I must say I really do like the outcome of the shots. for example Bruins vs. Canadians

If you could share your workflow tips and helpfull hints, forums or other sites you think will be helpful that would be great. or even PM with thoughts if you don't want to share on this thread.

davemdsn · 04-13-2009, 01:37 PM

In Aperture you don't have to save a new file. The edits are stored non-destructively in meta data within the library. When you export an image from Aperture to use some where else (photo lab, web, etc) then you create a jpeg copy of the image on export.

I like to change the file name and convert my PEF images to DNG before importing to Aperture so I use the Adobe DNG converter and have it rename the files as it makes copies to my internal hard drive. Then I open Aperture and import the images into it. I used managed masters so it copies the images into the library, which is on an external drive. Then I use Vault to make a backup of the library onto another external drive.

I hope that made sense. I should get to work making some new screencasts for Aperture.

vievetrick · 04-14-2009, 07:09 AM

That is helpful a little confusing but I have more to work with. I may PM you.

Jim Royal · 04-14-2009, 01:34 PM

Vievetrick, I think your confusion stems from the fact that Aperture (and Lightroom, and their little brother iPhoto) has two functions: Image organizing and image processing.

The basic idea is that you import all your photos into Aperture, and use it to organize, label, and sort everything. You do not use the Finder to manage your photos in any way.

In most other programs, you open a file, manipulate it, and then save your changes. In the case of raw images, you open the raw file, make your changes, and save a JPEG, which becomes your final photo. However, that workflow does not apply to Aperture. It has no "Save" function. All changes are "saved" as you make them, and all changes are recorded so you can always undo them at any time.

The only time you would create a JPEG file is if you need to send a photo to another person, upload a photo to a service such as Flickr, or take a photo to be printed at a photo lab. This is an important shift in perspective that needs to be made when you use a management tool like Aperture: The JPEG file is not the master photo; it is output. It is just like a printout, created only to deliver a photo to another person. A JPEG file is always a copy of the original. The original remains inside Aperture.

squarerigger · 04-15-2009, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Royal

Vievetrick, I think your confusion stems from the fact that Aperture (and Lightroom, and their little brother iPhoto) has two functions: Image organizing and image processing.

The basic idea is that you import all your photos into Aperture, and use it to organize, label, and sort everything. You do not use the Finder to manage your photos in any way.

In most other programs, you open a file, manipulate it, and then save your changes. In the case of raw images, you open the raw file, make your changes, and save a JPEG, which becomes your final photo. However, that workflow does not apply to Aperture. It has no "Save" function. All changes are "saved" as you make them, and all changes are recorded so you can always undo them at any time.

The only time you would create a JPEG file is if you need to send a photo to another person, upload a photo to a service such as Flickr, or take a photo to be printed at a photo lab. This is an important shift in perspective that needs to be made when you use a management tool like Aperture: The JPEG file is not the master photo; it is output. It is just like a printout, created only to deliver a photo to another person. A JPEG file is always a copy of the original. The original remains inside Aperture.

Very good explanation. As for me, I use Aperture and have the camera set to DNG. I use Aperture for my entire workflow and have no reason to muddy the waters by using other supplemental programs. Works for me but we are all not on the same level. My needs are simple, I might even have been satisfied with iphoto but I do like the increased abilities of Aperture.

Good luck.

jmdeegan · 04-15-2009, 08:05 AM

here's an idea of my workflow on my mac. my pc habits were pretty similar.

first, a caveat. I use my MBP, and even tho I have upgraded to a 500gb drive, I still run LR using a 1tb external as the location of the catalog.

1-i copy the folder with images from card to desktop.

2-Depening on the importance of the images, i will wait a week or so and then hook up the external drive and get them into lightroom.

2a-if i want them sooner, or if i need something idiot simple, i will dump them into either iphoto or picasa3.

3-most tunining i can now do in any of the 3 mentioned apps, but i do have pse6 and cs3 on the mac should i choose to go there.

honestly, most of my stuff lately have been family snapshots, i tend to just quickly process them in iphoto or picasa for my wife, and use LR more for cataloging

and because im a huge fan of multiple copies, i probably end up with 3 or 4 copies of each image, spread across a few drives.

i did try aperture, but i just didn't take to it as i did with Lightroom.

jmdeegan · 04-15-2009, 08:07 AM

one other thought....especially if you have an apple store nearby....you can look into taking one of their educational sessions on aperture. i've never personally taken one, but i have seen a few being given, and it looks pretty helpful. i wish there were similar sessions for lightroom. a couple hour crash course with hands on is more appealing to me than books, honestly.

vievetrick · 04-16-2009, 06:46 AM

Great info thanks all. I have a local Apple store and may look into the tutrials.

squarerigger · 04-16-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by jmdeegan

one other thought....especially if you have an apple store nearby....you can look into taking one of their educational sessions on aperture. i've never personally taken one, but i have seen a few being given, and it looks pretty helpful. i wish there were similar sessions for lightroom. a couple hour crash course with hands on is more appealing to me than books, honestly.

Excellent point. When I purchased my Mac and Aperture I also got a one year card good for one hour of one to one instruction on any program/s you want. They had a fellow on staff who was a photographer and very well versed in Aperture. It was the best $99 I ever spent. I got many one on one sessions and was able to take my system in for us to play on and work on my files.