How do I add new photos to my external back up without duplicating the entire library?

Question

My iPhoto libraries are a complete mess. I can't be the only person who:
a) wants a number of libraries for different types of image (digital art, holiday snaps, etc)
b) wants to keep the bulk of his library on an external drive, to free up space on my main hard drive.
One problem is that iPhoto does not show things clearly. It does not say:
a) which hard drive the currently displayed iPhoto library is in
b) which iPhoto library is currently open (at the top it just says iPhoto instead of giving a directory).
Another problem is that when I import photos from my iPhone or camera, they automatically go into the iPhoto libaray on my main hard drive; I don't seem to be asked: "To which iPhoto library do you want to import these photos?"
On top of that, whilst in some cases a pop-up asks if you really do want to add a duplicate image to a certain location, I haven't found a simple way when doing back ups to ONLY ADD NEW IMAGES to an existing library ('Apply to all' etc.)
As a result, I have loads of duplicates in different libraries, with crazy titles like: "Mostly family photos up to Sept 2010" or "Digital images to June 2012, many duplicates."
A friend recommended iPhoto Library Manager but I don't find that well laid out and haven't used it.
As I've also had difficulty upgrading my iPhoto libraries, I've started saving my photos in a regular folder (not iPhoto), with View set to large icons. I find that easier to organise.
So....Can anyone advise on a simple clear way of organising my photos and adding new ones in to the appropriate folder?
Many thanks,
Eatmorenuts

Answer 1

One problem is that iPhoto does not show things clearly. It does not say:
a) which hard drive the currently displayed iPhoto library is in
b) which iPhoto library is currently open (at the top it just says iPhoto instead of giving a directory).
Correct - it always uses the last selected library - If you use iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ -  to manage your libraries you do have a display showing whaih=ch library you are using
And with iPhoto '11 you can switch libraries from the file menu
You can always suggest a new feature to Apple - iPhoto manu ==> provide iPhoto feedback
Another problem is that when I import photos from my iPhone or camera, they automatically go into the iPhoto libaray on my main hard drive; I don't seem to be asked: "To which iPhoto library do you want to import these photos?"
Incorrect - when you import photo to iPhoto they always go to the currently selected library which could be any library in any valid location
On top of that, whilst in some cases a pop-up asks if you really do want to add a duplicate image to a certain location, I haven't found a simple way when doing back ups to ONLY ADD NEW IMAGES to an existing library ('Apply to all' etc.)
Not sure what you are saying - did you see the "apply to all" check box?
As a result, I have loads of duplicates in different libraries, with crazy titles like: "Mostly family photos up to Sept 2010" or "Digital images to June 2012, many duplicates."
Correct IF you do not have a good plan for managing multiple libraries and IF you do not folow it - iPhoto is a basic program designed for the mass market and knows only about the current library - it has no idea about any otehr libraries - it is far better to have only one library - but if you choose to have multiple libraries tehn you must ahve a good plan for managing them and yo must follow yoru plan - if you do not then it will not work wisince what you doing is not a feature of iPhoto
A friend recommended iPhoto Library Manager but I don't find that well laid out and haven't used it.
Well your friend made a good suggestion and it is a great product for manageing multiple libraries - but if you do not like it then you should not use it
As I've also had difficulty upgrading my iPhoto libraries, I've started saving my photos in a regular folder (not iPhoto), with View set to large icons. I find that easier to organise.
Then the question arises "why are you using iPhoto at all?" It does not work like you want, you prefer using teh finder to organize your photos and you have created a mess by trying to use iPhoto in ways it was not designed to be used - your best choice is to not use iPhotoa and do it your self the way you prefer
So....Can anyone advise on a simple clear way of organising my photos and adding new ones in to the appropriate folder?
Yes - use one library and learn how to use iPhoto (BTW in iPhoto folders do not hold photos - they only hold albums and other folders) - the solution is to have one library with multiple backups and to organize using albums, folders, Keywords and folders in the single iphoto library
Otherwise you need a different program and different workflow - what you have is not working and is almost impossible to make work - either use iPhoto the way it is designed or use a program that is designed like you want
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