Issues opening RAW files with CS2...

Question

I find if a bit complicated to open RAW files with Photoshop CS2 in iPhoto 08 (I'm using OS X 10.5). Currently the only way I've been able to do this is do a search for the file name in the finder, at the bottom of the Finder window, in the path, double click on the folder that the RAW files are in (user/my name/pictures/iphoto library/originals/2007/RAW files), then highlight the NEF files (the cameras a Nikon D200) I want to open, hit command/O then Photoshop CS2 opens the files in the RAW converter. If I try this from CS2 (command/O) the path goes as for as iphoto library (user/my name/pictures/iphoto library), at this point the iphoto library icon is ghosted out and can not be opened. If I drag and drop the image from iPhoto to the CS2 icon in the dock it opens as a jpg not the RAW file I need. If I try clicking my way to the folder from the left side of the finder, my name/pictures/iphoto library this is as far as I can go. There's something strange going on here. How can you go to a folder only one way and not the others? There seems to "hidden" folders now.
So... My question (finally), how can I simply open RAW files from iPhoto 08 in CS2?

Answer 1

In iPhoto's Advanced preferences select the checkbox under RAW Photos: "Use RAW when using external editor". That will open the Cr2 file in the raw editor. To get the edit to show in iPhoto you'll need to click on the Open Image button so the jpg version is created with the edits you made to the RAW file. Then when you save you'll need to navigate in the Save window to the Modified folder and save it into the folder representing the event that the original is in. It's not easy. I've not done much with RAW, just a few tests, so there may be an easier way to get iPhoto to recognize the edited version.
If you don't use the Open File and close iPhoto won't display the edits you made to the RAW file.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.