Create Smart Albums in iPhoto: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Power of Smart Folders in Mac OS X
A standout feature of Mac OS X applications is the intelligent folder technology integrated within Finder, iTunes, iPhoto, Mail, and Address Book. These smart folders dynamically gather files based on user-defined criteria. Frequently, smart albums represent the most efficient method for managing digital content, minimizing the need for manual file organization.
Apple’s iPhoto is particularly well-suited for leveraging smart albums, especially when regularly importing image files into its library. Utilizing smart albums within iPhoto streamlines the creation of slide shows, web galleries, and photo books, eliminating the tedious process of sifting through extensive file collections.
At a foundational level, smart albums necessitate two primary actions upon photo import: the application of keywords and ratings. Implementing these two steps, coupled with establishing essential smart albums, ensures a consistently organized iPhoto library.
Image Rating and Tagging Strategies
Both rating and tagging serve distinct purposes in iPhoto, but the overarching goal is to optimize efficiency. My personal iPhoto library predominantly features family photos, so I employ a rating system of 1, 3, or 5, prioritizing the highest rating. Images lacking quality are promptly discarded, such as those that are blurred or contain closed eyes.
My keyword selection reflects how my family and I typically access and utilize photos. Keywords are assigned to individual family members, holidays, vacations, and school events. For professional photography, the keywords are naturally more detailed and tailored to specific project requirements.
As we delve into the creation of smart albums in iPhoto, the benefits of diligent tagging and rating will become increasingly apparent in maintaining a well-structured library.
Constructing Smart Folders
The process of creating smart folders is straightforward. Within iPhoto, navigate to File>New Smart Folder. The subsequent dialog box presents options for defining rules for the smart album. Let's begin with a fundamental essential smart folder: Favorites.
The Favorites smart folder is populated with all images assigned a five-star rating. To establish this rule, select "My Rating" from the first drop-down menu, "is" from the second, and then choose all five stars in the ratings field. Finally, assign a descriptive title.
Recent Favorites Album
A variation of the Favorites smart album is the Recent Favorites album. When your iPhoto library contains a large number of images, a quick way to access your most recently favored photos for sharing, printing, or online posting is invaluable. To create this album, follow the same steps as above, then click the + button to add a second rule: "Date" "is in the last" and "2 weeks," or any desired timeframe.
Now that we understand the creation process, let's explore other essential smart albums to consider.
Identifying Unrated or Untagged Photos
This smart album serves as a valuable tool for identifying images that have not yet been rated or assigned keywords.
Smart Albums Dedicated to Children’s Photos
Dedicated smart albums for each family member or friend are highly recommended. Maintaining these requires consistent keyword application. The Faces feature in iPhoto '09 provides an alternative method for tracking photos of family members.
Locating Flagged Images
When preparing images for printing, photo books, or web galleries, flagging desired images is a common practice. A smart album for flagged images automatically collects these selections.
Tracking Unedited Photos
For those who prioritize photo editing, this smart album helps monitor images that have not yet been processed.
Categorizing by Camera Model
If you utilize multiple cameras, creating smart albums for each camera model can be beneficial.
Holiday-Specific Albums
Smart albums dedicated to specific holidays are useful for creating slideshows of current and past holiday photos.
Collecting Movies
With the increasing capability of digital cameras to record video, this smart album gathers imported movie files.
By implementing these and other essential smart albums, the need for manual file organization within iPhoto is significantly reduced. Smart albums automate the process once they are configured.
These are some of my preferred smart album configurations. I encourage you to share the rules for smart albums that you utilize in your iPhoto library.
