Part 2: Importing Images into Lightroom Classic

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After we organize our Lightroom Classic catalog, our next step is importing images into Lightroom. As we shared in Lightroom Classic CC Catalog: How It’s Organized, importing images into Lightroom starts the workflow. And, it’s a very important step. You’ll do this every time you’re ready to work on your new images.

We need this to be easy and fast! Why? Because we’re in a hurry to see and work on our new images.

These 4 import steps will share how to: 1) Select files from your camera (or other source) for copying into Lightroom 2) Add information about your images 3) Create an import preset and 4) Import your new images.

Here we go!

Importing Images into Lightroom Classic – The Steps

You’ll notice the numbers 1 – 5 noted in red on the import screen below. They’re referenced in the following steps.

Step 1: File; Import Photos and Video; Copy

We’ll start in Lightroom’s menu using File, Import Photos and Video (#1 in red). Then, move to the left side of the screen and select your source (in this case, your camera) (#2 in red). Next, select Copy at the top and center of Lightroom’s panel with image previews (#3 in red).

We’re not going to to hit the Import button which is #5 until the very last step. We have to add information first.

Note: Before importing from your camera, you’ll have options to Copy and Copy as DNG*. I elect to use Copy as it bring the entire file as-is from your camera. The options of Add or Move apply when adding or moving images stored in other locations. These are not available at the time of importing from your camera.

*Note: The other option is Copy as DNG (Converts and saves your raw files into Adobe’s Digital Negative format which takes longer. For more information on this format Adobe’s DNG Pros, Cons and Myths provides a current and historical perspective.)

Step 2. Adding Information about Your Images

When importing images into Lightroom, you also need actions to take place. These actions reside in the panels on right side of Lightroom’s screen (#4 in red). The selections you make are applied to all of your images when you hit the import button.

Yes, it looks like a long list here. That’s because we’re including the choices you can make, but you don’t have to choose them all.

Once you have your method set up, it’s a speedy process. Let’s review what’s in the panels from top to bottom:

File Handling Panel: 5 options

Top red arrow: Our File Handling panel selects how you’ll view your images. This also includes what to do with suspected duplicates, if you’d like to make a backup copy at import and automatically place your images in a collection.

1. Build previews – these previews are for displaying thumbnails in Lightroom’s modules. 4 preview options are available. Standard – default preview, Minimal – low resolution, Embedded and sidecar – camera generated and 1:1 – this option creates full size, minimal and standard previews which adds to import time. I used standard the majority of the time.
2. Build smart previews – you can build a smart preview of your image for editing when you do not have access to your master images. Changes made are stored and applied to the image when they are back online. I do not check or use this feature as I always have my master files with me.
3. Don’t import suspected duplicates – this is always checked. We have enough images to choose from without duplicating the same ones!
4. Make a second copy to – if you’d like to create a backup copy in a different location, this can be specified here. This selection slows down the import process. Plus, there are other methods for backing up your files in the event of a disaster or crash. Backblaze: Before Your Work is in Ashes reviews the backup storage approach I’ve used for five years.
5. Add to Collections – Collections are a speedy method in organizing your images the way you think. You may choose to add your images to a collection at import. If you have multiple shoots, projects on your download, you may not want to do it at this time. I add only my best or favorite images to my collections once they’re in Lightroom. We’ll cover collections in an upcoming article.

File Renaming Panel

2nd Red Arrow: Lightroom offers a structured approach in naming our files via the File Renaming Panel. By selecting Rename Files, a template pops up with naming conventions. We also have the option to apply custom names by choosing Edit.

For example, I have multiple cameras and my mind thinks in terms of dates (scary, I know). My naming convention is “date-850SwnaturephotoJan17. The date Lightroom applies here is the camera recorded image date. . For my filename custom edit: 850 is the model of my Nikon, swnaturephoto is my username and Jan15 (or other date) is the date I imported my images. When I use my other cameras, I replace the 850 with the other model names.

How you name your files is up to you. Filenames are applied to your images on import.

Apply During Import Panel

3rd Red Arrow: This panel adds metadata information to each image during the import process. For example, I add ©Sheen Watkins copyright to all of my images.

There are two adjustments in the Develop module that I apply at import to every image. To ensure I don’t forget, I saved them to a preset. The two that I’m referring to are the Lens Profile and Removing Chromatic Aberration.

By using keywords, images can be located quickly. You can add your standard keywords and create a preset so you don’t have to enter them every time. As you work on your individual image(s) later, add more keywords as needed.

Destination Panel

4th Red Arrow: The destination is where you want Lightroom to store your imported RAW or JPG files. The location is also referred to as a folder. My storage approach is my Master Catalog, the folders and files are on an external drive due to excessive travel. My backup catalog resides on my desktop.

When I started using Lightroom many years ago, I stored my catalog, folders and files on my hard drive. I then stored my backup catalog and a copy of my raw files on an external drive. With over 5 terabytes of data now, I outgrew my hard drive’s capacity.

Lightroom Classic Catalog Part 1: How It’s Organized recaps Lightroom’s Catalog organization.

Step 3: Creating Import Presets

Step 4: Importing Your Images into Lightroom

You’ve indicated how you want the previews to be built, the name of the files and assigned presets. Now’s the time to select Import (#5 in Red). Let the fun of post processing in Lightroom begin!

Additional Resources:

There are many blogs, videos available to assist with just about any question or action needed in Lightroom, Photoshop and others. My favorite sources include:

• Lightstalking
• Anything by Julieanne Kost
• Pretty Presets for Lightroom
• Google search

As Lightroom’s Catalog and file management system is the heartbeat of our work, I highly recommend: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic Classroom in a Book (2020 release) Kindle edition available at Amazon. The investment of time here pays off in productivity, sanity and the long term organization of your work.

Coming soon: Reviewing, selecting and organizing images for editing combined with using Lightroom’s Collections.