Managing imported photos and originals

Question

I have several thousand photos that I'd like to import into iPhoto 09. However, I'm concerned about the originals. I'd like to keep them and just have copies imported into iPhoto. Is that the default?
Then, as time goes on, I'd still like to add new original to my non-iPhoto folder on my desktop (where they are now), and have copies added to iPhoto. That way, I’ll always have the originals as a backup. Plus, I sync these originals to an online source (using SugarSync) as a backup in case something happens to my computer.
Bottom line, I like many of the iPhoto features and would like to start using them, but backup of the originals photos is my primary concern.
Is there a web page somewhere that goes over the theory of managing photos? Or general comments of how to do this would be appreciated.

Answer 1

However, I'm concerned about the originals. I'd like to keep them and just have copies imported into iPhoto. Is that the default?
Yes. By default the will be copied to the Library on import.
But why do you need to keep the originals - and that way use twice as much disk space?
Also, copies of files stored on the same disk are not a back up. They’re just copies. They won't protect you in the case of disk damage, for instance...
When you import an original to iPhoto it makes a +byte by byte+ of the file. It's identical in every way. These are simply stored in the Finder - just like your files are right now.
Are you concerned about the Package File format of the Library? With iPhoto 7 (iLife 08) the old iPhoto Library Folder is now a Package File. This is simply a folder that looks like a file in the Finder. The change was made to the format of the iPhoto library because many users were inadvertently corrupting their library by browsing through it with other software or making changes in it themselves.
Want to look inside? Go to your Pictures Folder and find the iPhoto Library there. Right (or Control-) Click on the icon and select 'Show Package Contents'. A finder window will open with the Library exposed.
Standard Warning: Don't change anything in the iPhoto Library Folder via the Finder or any other application. iPhoto depends on the structure as well as the contents of this folder. Moving things, renaming things or otherwise making changes will prevent iPhoto from working and could even cause you to damage or lose your photos.
If you're worried about back-up - and you're absolutely correct to be - then simply back up the Library, and protect everything.
If you really want to go the way you describe: then simply use the Finder or Image Capture (in your Applications Folder) to move the files from your Camera to wherever you want to store them, and then import them to iPhoto.
Regards
TD