Photo file structure

I am awaiting the release of 10.10.3 and the new Photo application. I have been researching and believe that the new Photo will allow the user to manage photos in a normal file structure, folder and sub-folders. Can anyone confirm that for me? TIA

I have been researching and believe that the new Photo will allow the user to manage photos in a normal file structure, folder and sub-folders.
By "normal" do you mean accessible via the Finder? If so, iPhoto has that capability now, and yes, Photos has it too. But I would strongly caution against using it as, like iPhoto, it's more work for exactly no benefit and the app lacks basic tools for managing it. This
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6361
was written about iPhoto, but the situation is substantially the same with Photos.

Similar Messages

Hi, I'm new to Mac and need my photo file structure to resemble what it was on my PC

I uploaded all my new photos from my PC, which then fed into iphoto.
However when I look into the iphoto library they have automatically created folder and file names, rather than what they were names in my PC. In the iphoto ap they appear fine there.
How do I get the library structure to resemble the folder names given in the iphoto ap or on my old pc?
It is the latest operating structure and iphoto ap running.

Just tp highlight a couple of major issues with a referenced library
Importing: Copy items to the iPhoto Library
This preference is turned on by default. When you import photos from a hard disk, iPhoto copies(duplicates) the photos to the iPhoto library and uses the copies. The original photos remain untouched in their current locations.
If you have an extensive collection of photos on your computer and you want to keep your current file organization, you can have iPhoto point to your original photo files instead of importing them into your iPhoto library. To have iPhoto access your photos from their current locations on your hard disk (rather than making copies of them), deselect this checkbox. Note that if you edit one of these images in iPhoto, the edited version is saved in the iPhoto library and the original file remains untouched.
If you turn off this preference, be sure not to move the photos from the location from which they were imported. If you move the files, your iPhoto library won’t work correctly.
So you still have not reporduced the PC structure since you only have that structure for the original photos - no edits appear in that structure
Importing is more compicated
Deleting ai more complicated since you have to delete form iPhoto nand then from yoru own managed file structure
and most critically you can not more the photos - so replacing defective hardware or upgrading to a larger hard drive or to a new computer is not possible
Plus there is no gain from a referenced library - so I suggest you do not recommend it since it does not work for hardly anyone
LN

Using Adobe Bridge file structure with iPhoto (latest version)

I use Adobe Bridge and have all my pics in named folders in Pictures/PICS/Folder Names. Inside the PICS folder is the iPhoto Library (only a few pics in it). Is there any way I can use the file structure I have set up with Bridge and iPhoto (latest) simultaneously? I really dont want to import (copy) all my pics into IPhot because I am pretty sure I will end up with two versions of each. I havent been able to manage pics manually the way I like to in older versions of iPhoto.

Here's some info to help you setup Photoshop for use with iPhoto:
Using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements as Your Editor of Choice in iPhoto.
1 - select Photoshop or Photoshop Elememts as your editor of choice in iPhoto's General Preference Section's under the "Edit photo:" menu.
2 - double click on the thumbnail in iPhoto to open it in Photoshop. When you're finished editing click on the Save button. If you immediately get the JPEG Options window make your selection (Baseline standard seems to be the most compatible jpeg format) and click on the OK button. Your done.
3 - however, if you get the navigation window
that indicates that PS wants to save it as a PS formatted file. You'll need to either select JPEG from the menu and save (top image) or click on the desktop in the Navigation window (bottom image) and save it to the desktop for importing as a new photo.
This method will let iPhoto know that the photo has been editied and will update the thumbnail file to reflect the edit..
NOTE: With Photoshop Elements the Saving File preferences should be configured as shown:
I also suggest the Maximize PSD File Compatabilty be set to Always. In PSE’s General preference pane set the Color Picker to Apple as shown:
Note 1: screenshots are from PSE 10
Note: to switch between iPhoto and PS or PSE as the editor of choice Control (right)-click on the thumbnail and select either Edit in iPhoto or Edit in External Editor from the contextual menu. If you use iPhoto to edit more than PSE re-select iPhoto in the iPhoto General preference pane. Then iPhoto will be the default editor and you can use the contextual menu to select PSE for your editor when desired.
OT

IPhoto 11 file structure

I had my laptop stolen recently and have my iPhoto library backed up using Carbonite. I have been trying to restore it from Carbonite, however, at the rate it is restoring it will take months to restore. I have a locally backed up version of my iPhoto library from two months ago. What I want to do is just restore from Carbonite photos taken over the past 2 months and then I'll re-add those to the local backup I have. The problem I have is that I'm finding the iPhoto Library file structure really hard to navigate through and work out. Where would I find the photos from the past couple of months (it is under Masters?). Also where is the metadata I would have added when I imported them to iPhoto (file name, faces info, keywords etc.).
I've tried to find online something that explains the file structure without success.
Thanks,
David

the iPhoto library is a SQL database - you can not reconstruct it in pieces - the best you can do is to restore your local i{Photo library and then get the recent photos from the masters folder and import them to the library
Metadata is stored in the database - file names are as imported (iPhoto does not modify file names)
LN

IPhoto Library file structure

I have consolidated a large number of photos into rolls with meaningful names (e.g. NOT Roll 108 etc.,) and when the roll is empty in iPhoto the title disappears. However, if I try to use othr applications to access the originals, all the old, empty rolls are still shown in the file structure. Can I safely delete these in Finder or will it affect iPhoto? I just want to tidy up the file tree for when I'm using something other than iPhoto for manipulating my photos.

BreizhRonB
an I safely delete these in Finder or will it affect iPhoto?
It is strongly advised that you do not move, change or in anyway alter things in the iPhoto Library Folder as this can cause the application to fail and even lead to data loss. Given that iPhoto is not removing them automatically may be because there are pics in the trash that belong to these Rolls (solution: empty the iPhoto trash). However, it might also be due to HD issues.
However, if I try to use othr applications to access the originals,
This is also not recommended. What other apps are you using? Photo editors? You can set 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 the editor, and when you save it it's sent back to iPhoto automatically.
or
There are three ways (at least) to get files from the iPhoto Window.
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.
Also, many applications use the the media browser. However, the key information is that Users and/or other Applications should not attempt to access the iPhoto Library Folder.
Regards
TD
Message was edited by: Terence Devlin

IPhoto file structure corrupted?

Dear all,
It seems that my file structure of iPhoto is corrupted.
I import my photo's from a Sony digital camera and during vacations I use the iPod as an in between storage medium as well.
After the holidays I downloaded the pictures into iPhoto, and I see now that the photo's are not saved any longer in the 'Year, Month, Day' folder structure as it used to do before using an iPod, but now all of a sudden the pictures are stored in the an 'Original' folder in the iPhoto Library and which has now also year folders like 2001, 2004, ... 2006, etc.
These folders in turn, contain subfolders either labeled for example 'Filmrol 228', 'Filmrol 229', etc., and '100APPLE', through '103APPLE', which contain the individual photos. So no 'Months' or 'Day' directories.
It seems that my file structure has been corrupted (by the iPod??) somehow.
Currently there is no logical way I can find my pictures under the 'Year, Month, Day' file set up any more, exept by clicking on the photo and with the right mouse button and select "Show file".
How can I correct this mess?
Thanks,
Hans

Hi Hans,
From your post, it seems as though you are now using iPhoto 6. I say this because this is how iPhoto 6 organizes in the finder.
iPhoto 6 Library folder in the Finder
As you can see the structure is now related to rolls. Rolls are created for each folder you import and each import session from a camera.
It is very easy to change the names of film rolls within iPhoto to make them easier to find images within. Open the info panel in iPhoto by clicking on the "i" icon. Once it is opened, click on the roll title in the viewing window.
Click on the word "title" in the info pane and type in your new title. I like to use a date and text format such as 12/25/05 Christmas at Mom's, 1/05/06 my birthday, etc. Once the roll names are changed within iPhoto, they are also changed within the Finder, making it easy to locate an image.
When importing from a camera, make sure you name the roll with a date and text before the import.

Iphoto file structure

I hate the date file structure for iphoto. If I move to a programme which isn't iphoto, I cannot navigate through the date structure to find certain photos.
Why is it when I name a photo in iphoto, the name does not show in the file structure. Is there any way around this or am I stuck with using iphoto for ever. Could be a probleem if Apple went bust
TIA Anteric

Hi anthony,
The iPhoto 6 files organization is now by Years/rolls
iPhoto 6 Library folder in the Finder
As you can see the structure is now related to rolls. Rolls are created for each folder you import and each import session from a camera.
It is very easy to change the names of film rolls within iPhoto to make them easier to find images within. Open the info panel in iPhoto by clicking on the "i" icon. Once it is opened, click on the roll title in the viewing window.
Click on the word "title" in the info pane and type in your new title. I like to use a date and text format such as 12/25/05 Christmas at Mom's, 1/05/06 my birthday, etc. Once the roll names are changed within iPhoto, they are also changed within the Finder, making it easy to locate an image.
When importing from a camera, make sure you name the roll with a date and text before the import.
The title you give a photo in iPhoto stays within iPhoto. the image file name remains the same in the Finder.
If you want to rename images, it should be done before importing into iPhoto.
download using your camera software or Image Capture, rename the photos, then import into iPhoto.
If you need to access photos from an album it is very difficult for a third party application to navigate the iPhoto Library in order to find the photo you need. You will have to know the date of import(iPhoto 5), or roll name (iPhoto 6) in order to find the photo.
There are some third party applications that can read the xml file and can navigate the iPhoto library and show you the Albums. Hopefully more applications will be revised to read this file.
Until then you will have to Share/Export the photos to the desktop. You can then navigate to the desktop to use the photos (example: web uploading from online photo site)
If your application supports drag and drop, you can drag the photo from an open iPhoto Library window into your application.
For email you can also use the email icon within iPhoto to open a message with the highlighted photo attached.
You can also use spotlight to find images in an Album...
This is what I have done using Spotlight to find my images that are in iPhoto albums without opening iPhoto..
In iPhoto, select the album, then select all, go to Photos/batch change.
Change the comments to text. In the text field I put the name of the Album.
Do this for each album.
Close iPhoto.
Open Spotlight and put in the name of the Album ( you have to remember the names of the albums or have then written down)
In the spotlight search results. click on "show all"
Under "Images" click on the "xx more" to show all the images in the album.
Make sure you have it in icon view, the icon view box is the last one on the blue images line.
Now you can control click on the image to "reveal in finder", open in iPhoto or Mail, etc.
I am not sure if this is going to make you happy and it is a little more work, but you can find images in albums and even view them in a slideshow (by clicking the play arrow at the end of the Images highlighted blue line) using Spotlight, all without opening iPhoto.
One important thing to know is you can set up a graphic program to be an external editor (when you double click an image in the library} such as PhotoShop or PS Elements. You set up that within iPhoto Preferences. Just make sure you save the image flattened and with the same name. The edits will then be relected in iPhoto when you hit "save".
I have just found this useful piece of info at Macoshints.com
"Since Apple developed its "digital hub", with iLife and now iWork, I have wanted to have a system-wide panel that would let me choose pictures from my iPhoto library without having to open the application.
For example, if I want to add a picture to a TextEdit RTFD document, I had to launch iPhoto, chose the picture, and drag it to the document. Waiting for iPhoto to launch can be long if you have a lot of photos.
But there is a way to get around this, using an Automator action.
1. Open Automator, and click iPhoto.
2. From the list of actions, select Ask for Photos, and drag it to the right-hand pane.
3. Save this as a plug-in, and select Script Menu (the script menu that displays in the menu bar) so it is accessible anywhere. (If this menu is not visible, launch the AppleScript Utility in /Applications/Applescript, and check 'Show Script Menu in menu bar.')
Next time you need a picture from your iPhoto library, select this action from the AppleScript menu, and you'll have a media browser that lets you do so without opening iPhoto. "
Two Apple kbs for you to read
Don't tamper with files in the iPhoto library folder
About the iPhoto Library folder

Corrupted file structure in iPhoto library?

This is a little like the "disappeared library" problem that someone else reported, but my library looks OK. It's just that several years worth of photos have disappeared (i.e. folders show as empty).
A quick check into the library folder suggests that originals and modifieds are still there. There seems to be a "disconnect" in linking the library structure to the contents.
As with the other guy, I wouldn't want to restore everything one roll at a time and rebuild my folders.
I have daily backups (using Backup). 10 days ago everything was fine; but if I do a Restore from 15 days ago, I get a successful restore msg, but nothing has changed. Maybe there are bugs in Backup too. You put some faith in Backup working, but I've had Restoring problems with Backup of Mail files as well in the past.
I'm no expert at this sort of thing, but it might be helpful to just know what the iPhoto file structure is supposed to look like. Then maybeI could try to restore specific items on a trial-and-error basis.

Thanks for the prompt reply, TD...
You've come close to describing my situation, but I don't see the solution.
In my case I have the following in my iPhoto folder (quite similar to your list...
In my case I have folders labelled 2001 through 2007 in my Originals folder, and the same for Modified, although oddly enough there's no 2002. It's possible that I didn't make mods for that full year, but doubtful.
If this is the case you have nothing to worry about.
In earlier versions of iPhoto the folder structure
was based in Date. With v6 a new structure was
created:
Originals are the photos as they were
downloaded from your camera or scanner.
(ii) Modified contains edited pics, shots that
you have cropped, rotated or changed in any way.
This allows the Photos -> Revert to Original command
- very useful if you don't like the changes you've
made.
(iii) Data holds the thumbnails the the app
needs to show you the photos in the iPhoto Window.
OK, you've explained that well, but here is the real problem. If I can call that thing on the left of my screen a Table of Contents, I have folders labelled by year, Last 6 rolls, Last 18 months and dozens that I have created myself... plus some slide shows. That whole structure seems intact from the way I left it before things went wrong.
The issue is that it's the most recent years.. 2006, 2007 have (0) beside them and don't show any photos when clicked on. The same is true of all of the folders (albums) I've created with pictures from those years.
I can see from a file listing of 2006/2007 that I have 3GB of photos in Originals and another 1 GB on Modified. Sampling the photos in Preview shows that they're OK as far as I can tell. What I'm calling the Table of Contents simply isn't accessing them.
Hopefully you have a simpler solution for me, but what would happen if I did an import on the 2006 and 2007 files? I suppose the 100 or so albums I've created would all have to be created???
And, I still don't understand why my Backup Restore isn't recreating what I had working fine just 10 days ago.

Export Masters To Organized File Structure

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to Aperture 3, in the past my photo library and folder structure has been a mish mosh of imports ranging from iPhoto to Picassa. The original photo structure of all my photos is a real mess. Of course, when I download Aperture 3, I jumped right in and imported all my photos (as referenced) then went about organizing them in Aperture.
I have looked around and not found the answer to this, but what I would like to do is take my Aperture Organized file structure and Export all the masters to a different location in the same organized File structure. Basically I want my "New" Master file structure to match my Aperture organized folder/project structure and store the referenced files on a share. Currently they are on my MBP with limited disk space.
I have played around with the export versions, but export Masters is grayed our when I select my entire "Projects and Albums". Any help would be much appreciated. I'm just trying to get better organized with my original Master jpeg folder structure.
Thank you,
Steve

scSaxon1 wrote:
Hello Everyone,
... what I would like to do is take my Aperture Organized file structure and Export all the masters to a different location _in the same organized File structure_ . Basically I want my "New" Master file structure to match my Aperture organized folder/project structure .... {Emphasis added}
(Added) First -- and this is important -- you must understand the difference between exporting an image (which creates a new file) and +relocating your Masters+ which moves your Masters to another drive location and tells Aperture where they are.
What you want to do -- quoted above -- can't be automatically (and thus usefully) done ... and (imho and apparently the Aperture design team's HO as well) there is no need.
Stepping into Aperture's world is bit like stepping off the solid pier onto a boat. You feel afloat. You worry about sinking. The boat won't sink.
Aperture is based on image-management. Until Aperture and like programs matured, photographers relied on +file managers+ and, basically, advanced file browsers.
Leave that behind. +There is no utility in having a one-to-one correspondence between your images and your digital negative files+. You literally can no not do this and use Aperture: Versions are images created on-the-fly, based on text files. They don't perdure as image format files (yes, I have been waiting a long time to use "perdure" in a sentence). Aperture lets the user manage their images (in tremendously plastic ways) and (except for backup) ignore file management completely.
I've touched on this in a few other responses in the forum. I'll try to find links. IME, the only file-management need I have is being able to find a file without Aperture. I keep all my Masters in their own directory (no one's captures but mine). I stick to a good file-naming convention. My computer sorts these tens of thousands of images by date in less than a second. I have never not been able to find a file almost immediately (as long as I know what I'm looking for).
If I don't know what I'm looking for -- I'll never find it using a file browser. That's what I use Aperture for.
I realize my presumption in assuming that your needs parallel mine. If they don't, specify exactly what functionality you are looking to maintain. Aperture may not be able to do it. My hunch, however, is that you are trying to stay moored to the world of file browsing. Push off -- there's good sailing out here.
Some additional thoughts and suggestions are [in this thread|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13294441#13294441]. And [here's a thread|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=13115722&#13115722] with even more.
Message was edited by: Kirby Krieger

Photo file issues with iWeb and Aperture....also too much duplicating!!

A little background, before I get into my iWeb issue.....
Years ago I tried iPhoto, but I didn't like how it duplicated all my photo files and I wasn't very fond of the file structure it created. Years later (last month) I got Aperture. Aperture (still has a long way to go) also duplicates all your files and places them in their own file structure. If I can get along with Aperture (and if it will get along with my other programs), I won't mind putting all my files into the file structure it creates. But for now, I still have my original files in the original file structure I have had for many years as a back up.
On to my issue with iWeb and Aperture....
To add photos to iWeb, you can either go into the iWeb media center or you can drag and drop photos from other locations.
1st: iWeb media center
To get my photos into the media center, I would have to load them into iPhoto (iP 6 does allow you to keep your original file structure, but it still creates .jpg files, which fills up your hard-drive. More duplicates I don't need or want). So that is out for me. iP6 will let you view and use your Raw files.
Another way is to drag and drop your file structure directly into the media center window. I don't think this duplicates any files (at least I haven't been able to find any), but it takes an awfully long time to thumbnail all your photos (several hours and still waiting for 22K + files). Also, it won't show any Raw files. Again, out for me.
Aperture won't let you drag and drop its library into the media center at all. So if I was to move all my files into the Aperture Library, I wouldn't be able to access them for iWeb at all.....Out for me.
2nd: Drag and Drop
I was able to drag and drop Raw files directly into iWeb from C1 Pro, Adobe Bridge and Adobe Lightroom.
As I said before, I am trying to move over to Aperture. However, Aperture won't let me drag and drop photos. What is the deal here??? These are both Apple programs and they won't play nice with each other. Very annoying.
Anyway, I put a link below to my iWeb test webpage I made. All the photos were Raw files that I did a drag and drop from C1 Pro, Adobe Bridge and Lightroom. There were no problems with the publishing.
http://web.mac.com/phil_navarro/iWeb/Site%202/Drag%20and%20Drop%20test.html
So, does anyone know if they can get photos from Aperture to work?? Thanks for any responses.
Phil
G5 Desktop Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Jedi,
Perhaps you are right.
I am not a web developer and I will never be. I don't feel like spending countless hours learning how to use Dreamweaver or some other Pro web app. iWeb looked like a way to start making websites of my photos for my friends and family (much easier and better than Home Page on .Mac). All I was asking was for a way to drag and drop my photos (especially Raw files) with Aperture. Which I can do with Lightroom, Adobe Bridge and C1 Pro, and without using iPhoto.
I am not a Pro photographer either, but I purchased Aperture based on what was advertised on the Apple website. From that ad, Aperture fit my photo needs almost to a tee. I am looking to adjust Raw files, Crop, Archive and keep my use of Hard Disk space down to a minimum. I can use Photoshop for the other 5% of things I do. However, Aperture has some issues (if you own it, then you already know. If you don't, you can read the Aperture Forum) This is one of the reasons I never went to iPhoto for archiving. I didn't like the way it duplicated all my files, taking up more disk space and its file structure. So even though Aperture won't play nice with other programs, I was surprised that it wouldn't play nice with any Apple programs.
After reading your post and based on what you are saying, everyone either needs to have/learn/use Pro apps only or have/learn/use iApps only. Don't Cross the Streams!!
I guess that means Apple will need to fix DVD Studio Pro. It uses photos that are in your iPhoto library and music from iTunes (iApps in a Pro app??....for shame...."it was never intended"). Also, DVD SP won't read the Aperture library. Does that mean there are 3 platforms? Pro, iApp and Mediocre??
Now I have 2 questions:
1. Can someone please tell me which apps are Pro and iApp, or if there is Mediocre? I don't want to mix them up and "Cross the Streams".
2. Again....is there anyway to use Aperture with iWeb?
TIA,
Narvon

Question about InDesign File Structure

I had an interview Friday for a design job and they asked me to send them a stripped InDesign file without photos or anything, just a file so they can check out the structure of the file and see how I set up my files.
1. What is good file structure?
2. What do you suppose they're looking for?
3. What should I send them?
Thanks!

I would provide the following:
Bleed setup     (Usually specified as .125 inches for commercial print)
Layer Stacking Order (Z order)     (To see if you know how a document flattens)
Margins and Columns     (Mainly for Multi-Column Documents)
Page Setup     (Whether Facing Pages or Single Page spreads are needed)
I would start with 3 layers listed how they appear in the Layer Pallete:
Text     (This remains on top to counteract the affects of transparency)
Images     (This layer used for all images or type with transparecy effects)
Background     (I create a bleed size rectangle with a fill and stroke of none as a default)
If including text:
Provide an example of:
Character and Paragraph Styles
Nested Styles
BONUS: Grep Styles
I would also make a mixed ink group of some sort and dieline utilizing a spot color and overprint.
It might impress them if you included Rich Black where needed.
All of these would show them your mastery of Indesign and Print Design

Moving file structure to a new disk

I am trying to move my catalog and photo files from one disk that is running out of space to another drive. I have tried all the obvious like backing up and restoring to another disk which created the catalog file as well as the file structure but when I open the new catalog it still points to the old file structure. I am using Elements 3.0.
Any Ideas? It is important for me to maintain the original folder structure since I think some filenames are the same.Also it is important for me to maintain all my tagging inof.
Thanks

I have tried all the obvious like backing up and restoring to another disk which created the catalog file as well as the file structure but when I open the new catalog it still points to the old file structure. I am using Elements 3.0.
Any Ideas? It is important for me to maintain the original folder structure since I think some filenames are the same.Also it is important for me to maintain all my tagging inof.
Are you sure you opened the new catalog?
What happens if you just move all the folders to the new disk in Windows, and then change the drive letter so that (for example) if the old drive was D:, then the new drive becomes D: ??

How do I access photo files from Aperture Vault for Lightroom?

I am considering switching from Aperture to Lightroom on the Mac. Aperture uses Vaults to store its photo files. What is the proper procedure to access these files so that Lightroom can use them? If I switch, the files can be completely removed from the Vaults, but before I finalize the switch, I need to keep the files available to Aperture AND Lightroom (or at least, copies of the files available to Lightroom).

Jao's suggestion will work, though you have to dig through a couple of package files. The advantage of Relocate Masters is that you can set up a folder structure that reflects the old projects, if you want, or break everything out into a date format.
Rather than either way of trying to keep files in both systems, the better way to make a transition though is to use Export Masters because it can create sidecars which LR can read, so all your keywords and other metadata come across.

Photo Files Everywhere

Why are some of my photo files in Modified, others in Original and yet more in Data folders of iPhoto? They appear to be all over the place. On top of that I have thumbnails that are viewable but the picture is missing. This is happening on about 10% of my total library and only to some of the horizontal pictures! Appears that files are distributed haphazardly.
What is up with that, and where did the full size photos go?

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.
Organise them in the iPhoto Window - create Albums, use Keywords, Events, Smart Albums whatever. It really matters not a whit what iPhoto does in the background because you never, ever have to go near there.
The entire +point of iPhoto+ is to organise your Photos without recourse to the files.
Then, should you need a file:
There are many, many ways to access your files in iPhoto:
*For Users of 10.5 and later*
You can use any Open / Attach / Browse dialogue. On the left there's a Media heading, your pics can be accessed there. Command-Click for selecting multiple pics.
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
(Note the above illustration is not a Finder Window. It's the dialogue you get when you go File -> Open)
You can access the Library from the New Message Window in Mail:
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
*For users of 10.4 and later* ...
Many internet sites such as Flickr and SmugMug have plug-ins for accessing the iPhoto Library. If the site you want to use doesn’t then some, one or any of these will also work:
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. However, if you're using Gmail you can use iPhoto2GMail
If you use Apple's Mail, Entourage, AOL or Eudora you can email from within iPhoto.
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.
*If you want to access the files with iPhoto not running*:
For users of 10.6 and later:
You can download a free Services component from MacOSXAutomation which will give you access to the iPhoto Library from your Services Menu. Using the Services Preference Pane you can even create a keyboard shortcut for it.
For Users of 10.4 and later:
Create a Media Browser using Automator (takes about 10 seconds) or use this free utility Karelia iMedia Browser
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.
Note that iPhoto sends a copy+ of the file to Photoshop, so when you save be sure to use the Save command, not Save As... If you use Save As then you're creating a new file and iPhoto has no way of knowing about this new file. iPhoto is preserving your original anyway.
Regards
TD

Organizing and file structure-

just getting started with LR. Will the program allow me to keep my images in their current location on my HD? If so can I still use LR to organize and create new folders once imported?
Or do I need to organize before importing.
If they are all imported dent that then duplicate a large photo collection and use up lots of disk space?

Yes, you can keep everything where it is currently, you import into Lightroom using the Add option. New folders can also be created on import into Lightroom, or at any time thereafter using Lightroom (not your operating system). Importing takes up very little extra space.
Let me point out that in my opinion, organizing has nothing to do with folder or file structure. NOTHING. The two can be and should be independent. The better way to organize, in my opinion, is to simply leave photos in their existing folders, then add new photos to default named folder (such as capture date), and do the real organizing in Lightroom using Lightroom tools -- keywords, captions and other metadata. Add keywords religiously to your photos, and add captions as appropriate. This gives you a much more flexible and powerful organization than anything you could achieve using files and folders, and gives you much faster and more powerful searches as well. So, please, stop worrying about folders, and start thinking about adding meaningful keywords and captions to your photos.

Photo file structure

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