File Structure- RAW Workflow #1

Photo Import File Structure and Organization SOP Objective: This SOP explains how to organize photo files by season, person, and photoshoot, then sort imported images into dump, keepers, done, and JPEG folders. The goal is to create a consistent folder structure that makes photos easy to find and manage while avoiding unnecessary file duplication.
Key Steps

1. Create a seasonal top-level folder structure 0:12


  • Organize photo archives by season and year.
  • Create folders such as:
    • Summer 2026
  • Continue this pattern for each new season and year.
  • Keep the structure consistent so older and newer files are easy to locate.


2. Build subfolders for each person or category 0:40


  • Inside the seasonal folder, create subfolders for each person or major category.
  • Example folder names may include:
    • Son
    • Daughter
    • Photos
  • Use clear, descriptive names so the folder purpose is obvious at a glance.


3. Organize the Photos folder by individual photoshoots 1:01


  • Open the Photos folder within the seasonal structure.
  • Create a separate folder for each photoshoot.
  • Example photoshoot folders may include:
    • Cruise This Summer
    • Tina
    • Photos for This Class
  • Keep each shoot isolated so files do not get mixed together.


4. Import all original images into a dump folder 1:20


  • For each photoshoot, create a Dump folder.
  • Copy all images from the memory card into the Dump folder.
  • Treat this folder as the complete, untouched set of original images.
  • Do not edit or delete files in this folder during the initial import process.


5. Move selected images into a keepers folder 1:24


  • Review the images in the Dump folder.
  • Move the photos you want to keep into a Keepers folder.
  • Use Keepers for the best images that will be edited, delivered, or archived.
  • If your workflow requires it, you may copy instead of move, but be aware this creates duplicate files and uses more storage.


6. Avoid unnecessary file duplication 1:44


  • Do not create extra copies unless there is a specific reason to do so.
  • Duplicating files increases hard drive usage and can quickly consume storage space.
  • Use a move-based workflow when possible to keep the file structure lean.
  • Only copy files if you intentionally need a backup or separate working version.


7. Place completed JPEGs into a Done folder 1:51


  • After finishing work on the JPEG files, store them in a Done folder.
  • Keep final JPEG outputs separate from the original dump and selection folders.
  • This makes it easier to identify completed files versus raw imports.
  • Use the same folder pattern for other shoots, including class-related folders.


8. Repeat the same structure for every new import 2:15


  • Apply the same seasonal, person-based, and photoshoot-based structure for all future imports.
  • Use Dump, Keepers, and Done consistently across projects.
  • Consistency helps team members quickly understand where files belong and where to find them later.
Cautionary Notes
  • Do not duplicate files unnecessarily. Extra copies can quickly consume storage space.
  • Be consistent with folder names. Changing naming conventions makes files harder to find.
  • Keep original imports separate from edited outputs. This reduces the risk of overwriting or losing source files.
  • If copying instead of moving, confirm storage capacity first. Large photo libraries can fill drives and cloud storage quickly.
Tips for Efficiency
  • Use the same folder template for every season and photoshoot to reduce setup time.
  • Create folders immediately after importing so files are organized from the start.
  • Use descriptive names for shoots and people to make searching easier.
  • Keep raw files, selects, and final JPEGs in separate folders to simplify editing and archiving.
  • Standardize the workflow across the team so anyone can pick up a project without confusion.

​Link to Loom https://loom.com/share/92c84cc9e1824dd1950445eb68ae549e
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