Digital Workflow Management

Venues and 2012 dates to be announced

This advanced workshop provides a critical overview of digital asset management, production strategies and creative workflows. It is designed for professional photographers, artists and advanced amateurs who seek to safely and efficiently manage their data acquistion, archiving and production processes.  Ingestion pathways, metadata creation, accession databases, non-destructive workflows, smart objects and DNG strategies are paired with advanced actions and scripting for effective, reliable, and quality outcomes. Topics covered include:

Digital Asset Management
•  Designing an archive
•  Short and long term storage solutions
•  Accession numbering, file naming conventions and file formats
•  Creating, editing, storing and accessing metadata
•  Databases, cataloguing tools and strategies

Designing Workflows
•  What is a workflow?
•  Creativity, productivity and diagnostic workflows
•  Sorting, tagging, sequencing and storing images
•  Processing, tracking and outputting images
•  Customizing RGB, CMYK and B&W workflows

Automating Workflows
•  What can and can’t be actioned?
•  Creating interactive multi layered action scripts
•  Batch processing and desktop droplets
•  Maximising production efficiency
•  Image independent scripting

Case Studies
•  Linear workflows
•  Multiple source/destination workflows
•  Adobe Bridge/Camera RAW portrait workflows
•  Commercial photography workflows
•  Fine art photography workflows

A series of demonstrations and analytical investigations focus on the development and management of custom workflows across a broad range of imaging applications. Specific case studies examine the complex and demanding processes, from image capture, ingestion, cataloguing, storage and archiving to fine tuning the expressive image for output and distribution. Studies are drawn from and referenced across a broad range of businesses, archives and disciplines to propose innovative workflow solutions for the creative imaging industries. Detailed class notes are provided.