Two computers one library?

I must have been putting the wrong words in the search, because I am certain I am not the only photographer with this question!



I use lightroom on my desktop in the office and my notebook in the field. Is it possible to transfer the revised/updated/new library folders and collections back an forth between each computer?



For example, I sort my images on my notebook in the field, and then transfer the files from my fire-lite drive to my main server in the office. Once I am back in the office all the transferred files are accessed via the network server by staff.



I hate thinking I would have to transfer field files and re sort everything!



I have been using bridge in the field to sort, rank, etc. With bridge, the file information and ratings was not a problem when transferring and accessing the files from the server. I like many of lightrooms features and would prefer to start using it in the field



Also, is it possible to transfer star rankings from Lightroom to Bridge?



I am using Mac G-5, OS 10.4.9



Suggestions and or links to others solutions would be appreciated!



Thanks!



Scott
Two computers one library?
Scott-
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%26lt;br /%26gt;Yes, a few dozen have wondered about aspects of this. If you didn't throw in the Staff access, I might suggest putting everything on the pocket drive.
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%26lt;br /%26gt;However, your rankings (stars) will certainly transfer to Bridge. Your field edits, metadata and keywords will transfer to your desktop intact, but you must be sure to run and Export of xmp data prior to transferring the folder. What doesn't carry over are virtual copies, snapshots, history and collections- which isn't at all a problem for me under the operations you describe and which I use a fair amount.
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%26lt;br /%26gt;MacBookPro 2 Ghz Intel Core Duo, G-5 Dual 1.8; Canon DSLRs
Two computers one library?
Thanks John.



I can''t keep everything on the pocket drive due to the volume of images. The transfer to Bridge will certainly be helpful!



Do I transfer the xmp data to the folder I intend to download all the images to on my server. I am assuming this i what should be done.



Thanks.



Scott

You transfer - ie, Export Metadata to file - to those folders currently in LR which you intend to copy to wherever.
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%26lt;br /%26gt;MacBookPro 2 Ghz Intel Core Duo, G-5 Dual 1.8; Canon DSLRs

You can do this



One way to do this is to always keep the photos in a separate folder on the HD and when that HD is not available then the folder tab will show that folder as RED and as such the folder is 'off line' the database is what you are working on and when you are connected to the HD with the photos that folder will not be red. One thing to remember is that you will not be able to extort the images that are off line.

Or develop them, only do metadata entry, slideshow and draft print and the like.



Don



Don Ricklin, MacBook 1.83Ghz Duo 2 Core running 10.4.9 %26amp; Win XP, Pentax *ist D

http://donricklin.blogspot.com/