Integrating a workflow in PS Elements 5, LR1 and Photoshop

Question

Here is a workflow that helps me integrate LR, Elements 5 and Photoshop...
Prior to release of LR1, I used PS Elements 5 to organize my photos, along with RawShooter and PS7.0.
I had hoped to replace both PS Elements and RawShooter by Lightroom - but that is still in the future. My problem in migrating fully to LR is that the tag structure fails to import properly from Elements to LR and I don't have the patience to retag thousands of photos in LR (many others have encountered this issue).
So I have been looking for a way to use the "develop" and other powerful functions of LR + PS while still keeping everything organized in Elements until Adobe fix the Import from Elements function.
First, if you haven't read Kevin K Yong's LR-Photoshop clever idea for workflow, read it first. Kevin's workflow uses two folders ("Develops" and "1A Sortbox") and the autoimport feature to integrate LR and Photoshop:
www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bc34679/15
OK, here's how I build on that:
Set up: I have PS Elements watch "My Pictures"and automatically add new files to the organizer. I have LR set up with Kevin's "Develops" and "1A Sortbox" folders. I have LR "Automatically write changes into XMP". I convert all RAW to DNG.
Now, lets say I want to work on a project:
1. Find the photos I want to use in Elements and get them into the photo browser (using tags, collections or whatever).
2. Optionally, select the photos and "Write tag and properties info to photo" (File Menu).
3. Select all photos and drag and drop from Elements into the LR Grid View. LR imports them in the normal way at their current location. LR will recognise most/some of the tags (not for RAW).
4. Develop photos as needed in LR.
5. Export any photos needing work in Photoshop using Kevin's technique, filing the .psd files where desired but somewhere within "My Pictures".
6. Export finals for printing, web etc.
7. When finished with the project, go back into Elements, which will automatically add any new Photoshop files into the organizer. Stack with originals if desired.
This takes about 10 minutes to set up, once, and then the flow is straightforward and fairly natural. It makes using LR a pleasure. Try it.
Hope this is helpful to those working with Elements, Regards, Nigel
Windows XP, Intel dual core 2.8Ghz, 1Gb. LR1.0, PS Element 5.0, Photoshop 7.0

Answer 1

Nigel,
I have been searching several forums in order to transfer my Tags and Collections from PSE5 to Lightroom. Your posting seems to work (I have tried one Tag and one Collections) today. I use the PSE5 editor not PS so is there a step I need to take to insure that my changes will appear in PSE5? I am really encouraged with the "workflow" in your message as I have over 30,000 images in PSE5 in various Tags and Collections.
Also I need to see Kevin's technique...where can I find that bit of knowledge? Or do I need it if I do not use PS as my editor.
I am a new member to this forum,
Rollie
my personal email address is [email protected]