What is the best way to start "fresh" with iPhoto '08?

Question

I am running iPhoto '08 on a mid-2007 iMac. When I set up the machine, I moved all the photos from my PC to the Mac retaining the existing directory structure that I had on the PC. I then imported all the pictures into iPhoto with no problems.
Unfortunately, the other person who uses the Mac needs to be able to use the directory structure as it existed on the PC (that structure involves several subfolders with specific names etc.), and it appears that iPhoto is not designed to work that way. I know the photos can still be manipulated in the folders I imported, but then I run the risk of at best, being out of synch with iPhoto and at worst, corrupting iPhoto completely.
That said, what I would like to do is delete or remove the current iPhoto library (or whatever iPhoto accesses; not the whole application unless necessary) and then selectively import photos to iPhoto. That way, the other user can access the photos in the familiar folder structure and manipulate them at will without disturbing the iPhoto db and, once photos are edited etc. and ready for primetime, they can be imported to iPhoto to gain the advantages of displaying using Front Row etc.
My question is what is the best way to achieve what I am looking for? Just backup then delete the iPhoto pkg file in the HD/Library/Receipts folder? Uninstall the entire application and start over?
All assistance greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

ETRA
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
You don't need to re-install iPhoto, just change the library - and you may not even need to do that.
1. You can easily recreate your Directory structure in iPhoto. Simply start at the bottom of your structure and drag a folder of images to the Source (or left hand) pane of the iPhoto Window. iPhoto will create an Album of the same name. The create your enclosing folders (File -> New Folder) and drag the albums to it. This way you can quickly recreate what you have/
2. The other user of the files can access them directly via the iPhoto Window or a Media Browser such as THIS. The advantage of this system is that your directory structure is available to them ina convenient and recognisable way. They can then drag the pics from the iPhoto Window / Media Browser to the app they as the need. (A whole lot faster than fumbling around in Folder after Folder etc, plus the advantage of keyword searching.)
3. Is this necessary for working with an editor? You can set Photoshop (or any image editor) as an external editor in iPhoto. (Preferences -> General -> Edit Photo: Choose from the Drop Down Menu.) This way, when you double click a pic to edit in iPhoto it will open automatically in Photoshop or your Image Editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically. Btw this is the only way that edits made in iPhoto will be visible in iPhoto.
4. Finally, if you do wish to go as you described: Simply trash the iPhoto Library from the Pictures Folder. Start iPhoto and it will create an new empty library. If you wish to recover the files from the Library first, then Right Click on the iPhoto Library and go 'Show Package Contents'. Your files are in the Originals Folder.
Regards
TD