Following is the current workflow I’m using for the bulk of my digital imaging work. This workflow has been refined from over a decade of image processing, and uses the latest available software.

Raw/DNG Image Workflow, starting from the camera memory card:

1. Ingestion: Copy files from CF card to computer, using Bridge scripts or Adobe Photo Downloader. During ingestion: a) Convert to DNG, b) Apply your custom metadata template, and c) Make a backup copy to a second hard drive.
2. Initial Sorting: Browse the folder of new images in Adobe Bridge or iView. Apply keywords to images – assign at least one keyword for every file – and perform initial ranking (up to 2 stars on this round). Delete obvious rejects (optional based on disk space).
3. Archive DNGs: Burn optical media archive of DNGs for offsite storage.
   Optional here – synchronize your backup of all working DNG files. If not now, synchronize at least every few days. Use a file backup utility with synchronization capability for this.
4. Make Final Selections: In Bridge or iView, continue ranking, select the final set of files to be converted to master PSD. Read more…