IPhoto n00b import question

Question

I recently switched from a PC to a Mac mini and have migrated all the applications I am able to but for one - CompuPic.
Using CompuPic on the PC, I arranged all the pictures I took over the last few years into a hierarchial structure reaching 6-8 folder levels deep in places, and these folders have been copied over intact from the PC.
When asking around about photo editing / management software on the Mac, iPhoto keeps popping up as the recommended program, but I haven't had much luck with it so far.
I've heard of using the file's metadata to 'tag' the pictures and being able to sort on the same (and like the concept), but for now I just need something that will allow me to work with my filing system as it is now until I start getting the hang of iPhoto.
Is there a way I can import my existing hierarchial folder arrangement directly into iPhoto or do I need to pour all 3GB+ of my pictures into a single folder and then build up events / albums / etc. by hand in iPhoto?
Message was edited by: Dave Dahle

Answer 1

Dave
To add to Old Toad's input:
The key concept that can take a few moments with iPhoto is that it's about organising your Photos rather than the files that contain them. So, you let iPhoto manage the files and you sort, organise and do everything else in the iPhoto Window - without recourse to the files. If you want to gather all your favourite pics, well then give them all five stars and create a Smart Album so you can see them together. iPhoto will create the album but not move the files. It will reference them on the HD.
If you then want to access the actual file: There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
For 10.5 users: You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Apple-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
To upload to a site that does not have an iPhoto Export Plug-in the recommended way is to Select the Pic in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export and export the pic to the desktop, then upload from there. After the upload you can trash the pic on the desktop. It's only a copy and your original is safe in iPhoto.
This is also true for emailing with Web-based services. If you're using Gmail you can use THIS
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto. With 10.5 you can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
If you use a Cocoa-based Browser such as Safari, you can drag the pics from the iPhoto Window to the Attach window in the browser.
Or, if you want to access the files with iPhoto not running, then create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use THIS
Other options include:
1. *Drag and Drop*: Drag a photo from the iPhoto Window to the desktop, there iPhoto will make a full-sized copy of the pic.
2. *File -> Export*: Select the files in the iPhoto Window and go File -> Export. The dialogue will give you various options, including altering the format, naming the files and changing the size. Again, producing a copy.
3. *Show File*: Right- (or Control-) Click on a pic and in the resulting dialogue choose 'Show File'. A Finder window will pop open with the file already selected.
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. This is the only way that edits made in another application will be displayed in iPhoto.
As OT says: create a test library and experiment is the best way to learn.
Regards
TD