[moved from feedback to Aperture forum]
I would like to begin a conversation about migrating from Aperture to other applications. A number of questions come to mind, all based upon what we have been doing in Aperture. For instance:
1. Aperture allows us to store our files on an external drive, and manage our files with a referenced Library on our hard drive. This library has allowed us to view all of our pictures even when the original files are offline. We cannot edit them without connecting. The size of the Aperture Library is directly related to the ‘size/quality’ of the previews we select. Therefore, with limited hard drive capacity we are able to manage the size of the library. How do the other major programs handle this? LR, PS, DXO?
2. Most of us Aperture loyalists have decided to continue to use Aperture until we know more about Photos when it is fully released. In the meantime, I have upgraded from a Nikon D700 (12MP) to a Nikon D810 (36MP). The full Raw is over 3x the size. My settings are currently Medium 5 and 1920x1920. Can I reasonably reduce this to reduce the impact on my Aperture Library? I know if I don’t my referenced library will become huge.
3. So far I have not heard of any other application that will import the Aperture Library reflecting all of the edits undertaken with Aperture. Therefore, am I to assume that any Raw files formerly imported into Aperture will need to be imported into the new application and edited all over again?
4. If we decide to switch applications, what should our strategy be for retaining and storing our Aperture Library? Do we reprocess our entire library at a lower ‘quality’? If so, what? Or do we move our Aperture Reference Library onto the external drive on which the originals are stored without making any changes? Do we import our original files into the new application so we can continue to view them even without the edits? Or do we just keep everything separated and keep our workflow(s) completely separate? We will continue to use Aperture on our ‘old’ files until we have a problem and it no longer works. And we use our new application for all files after a certain date?
5. I was at the PDN Expo in NYC recently and visited the Mylio booth. This application was very interesting. Basically you can access your files from different devices and make edits as you wish. These ‘side car’ files (XMP) are then synchronized with the latest edits taking precedence. The key here is that you do not need to have your original files connected in order to make changes. However, you do need the original files to be connected in order to save the changes at some time. You are also able to specify whether you want the program to use Thumbnails, Previews, or Original Files to be used for viewing your pictures. Only Previews and Originals can be edited. Supposedly the entire Aperture Library can be imported so that the “Library” structure will be replicated. The program is new and evolving. The developers appear to be accessible and willing to listen. Does anyone have experience with this yet?
Many have said that we should sit tight and wait for what happens in 2015. I think that this is just postponing the inevitable. So instead of waiting, I wonder if it is possible to begin a productive conversation of our options; the benefits and liabilities of each; and suggestions. This is no longer ApertureExpert, but PhotosExpert. I’m game.
Thanks.
Jon
Good questions, I will look forward to any answers offered.
Taking Pics in Tassie
Future for Aperture Users………Remarkable that in 16 days, there is no response to points raised by Jon Kirshner. I’m heavily “invested” in Aperture with over 60,000 images that is growing faster that I am able to completely cull the rejects from…….always a work in progress.
There may be some who know where we go in the future for image management, but I don’t seem to be able to locate any comprehensive options yet. I’d welcome input by anyone who thinks they can see what our future options are.
DonColorado
Don, I’ve been wondering the same thing. I can only guess that there is nothing productive to say yet.
Jon
It’s possible there is another topic thread on Aperture replacement on this site…….but, I seem to have problem finding/following how this site works.
DonColorado
Well, I believe that most of us would like to migrate to PHOTOS and not to another vendors software. It might be the case that I will migrate to LR some times but this would happen only if a migration to Photos would fail. For me it is now impossible to have an opinion on this.
Best regards, Alex
Figure I would check back if anything is doing. Not really. Started 2015 with Aperture. Wait and see.
Jon, thanks for checking in here again. I’m now starting to realize further the complexity of issues as regards preserving my image adjustments, keywords and the cataloging when a change is made to other software to manage my Library. I’ve seen some of the interesting capabilities of One One - Photo Perfect Suite 9 and Lightroom. PPS9 does not hold images “hostage” as does Aperture, enabling access of an image from folders on either the hard drive or remote drive…….but, I’m not yet clear as to the preservation of metadata/adjustments made in Aperture and what pathways would be to migrate my images out of Aperture.
Most likely, I’ll give PPS9 a try for new images as the editing features are quite intriguing. Then look further for the migration/management of library issues after I’m more familiar with the software.
I regret that my time and energies need to be taken away from photography interests to address this change, precipitated by Apple’s lack of commitment to Aperture and it’s users.
DonColorado
With lots of interest I follow these posts. I think that we have 2 options:
We can migrate to any other product as depicted above. As there are many options available this will result in an entire evaluation of pros and cons of the different solutions in terms of photo data base and development tool for our raws.
On the other hand we can first wait and see what photos will bring as photos is certainly an additional migration option. I personally would not migrate to any other product without taking into consideration the new Apple solution. Because of that I can not decide today. In any case I will have to migrate from Aperture to something else.
An option on how to proceed: As an Aperture user I have to get aware what functions I perform today with our today’s solution. In a second step we can evaluate what alternative solution, incl. Photos, can perform these same functions. As a result we have a short list. In a second step we have to evaluate the migration paths for each solution on the short list.
Somehow I feel that we could start that evaluation and when Photos will be announced we can just add it …
What is your methodology of this work?
Best regards, Alex