Aperture Review - as at Jan 07 2006 ver 1.0.1

Preparing a software review isn't among my everyday tasks, but when I was asked to do so with this program, I decided it would be with the thought of looking to the programs strengths and innovation, and how it could accomodate various photographers needs.

I was less interested in analyzing RAW conversions and other tech references, as others have done so already. What I wanted to look at was how this program could be used and what new options it might bring to the typical workflow. With that in mind, I put it to the task, but with an open mind as to what I felt I needed it to do for me.

The first thing that I noticed is that this is a very deep and extensively developed program. While it may be a 1.0 version, there are layers and depths to this program that are very carefully created. This is definitely a program that takes time to learn to use to full advantage. Shortcuts, screen options, setup prefs etc... - all these are areas to carefully explore in order to effectively tailor the operations to an individuals needs. The tutorial CD is a must, not so much to learn how to use the program, but rather to develop an overall understanding of it.

I wasn't able to use the program as I was initially inclined to, as it wouldn't allow me to handle my files the way I have them set up, so I decided to work within the structure of Aperture and create a new workflow from the ground up. This was done with an eye to being able to identify individual sessions, maintain a structured overview of my production, have a simple backup procedure, and finally - be able to offload sessions in an organized manner for Archiving separately.

Operational Workflow

Initial Setup

- Designate Aperture Library to separate, permanent storage drive.
- Vault is designated to physically separate drive.
- Folders are created within Library for months January through December.

- Import of each Session always becomes a newly created project.

First steps

- Image disk mounted via reader for transfer.

- IPTC info entered, along with appropriate File renaming

- Import Images then Back Up Library to Vault

Image Handling

- Rate, Keyword, Tag and delete images as appropriate for Primary Edit.

- Back up to Vault

- Stack Images

- Perform Necessary Image Adjustments
          - Global WB, and Local Color Casts
          - Tweak individual images / stacks as applicable.  

- Back up to Vault

Output Proofs

Sized as needed, Color Corrected, WaterMarked with PSD Logo ( beautiful feature! )

- Web Gallery
- Contacts
- Proof Review Images

Selected images can be separated into a new album within that project

- Fine tuning of image adjustments for Color, Sharpness, Noise, Hilight / Shadow Recovery.

- Open Version to PhotoShop, complete production & save.

- Backup to Vault

Outputs

Images can be printed from within Aperture, along with Book & Online Print Options

- Backup to Vault

**   Delect Project from Aperture Library **

Thoughts...

The above workflow facilities a very simple continuous backup scheme, something critical yet often overlooked. It also integrates a simple yet effective method of image organization - something that is also often missing from the majority of photographers production workflows.

Aperture is being used for its abilities, while image archiving, storage and retrieval needs are able to be maintained independently of Aperture.

I would tend to finish my production externally, as subsequent "Save As" are not recognized as mentioned below.

This structure has been built around RAW and JPG simultaneous handling - a necessity and a welcome feature to have that is missing from most other programs except Bibble.

Limitations:

Necessary to operate solely within Apertures internalized storage

Long Term storage within Aperture Library is not a realistic option for me, but can be quite useful for others.

General Comments

Histogram quarter-tone controls are quite useful.

Watermarking is Fabulous!

Initial Raw Conversions seem fine, good skin tone, shadow detail, and fine detail control.

Aperture is highly complex, and as mentioned, you need to throw some time at this program to become aware of its intricacies, shortcuts, and in order to most efficiently handle your exact requirements.

IPTC captioning seemed clumsy, info was not retained on next use.

As I like to retain the actual frame number within the file name, Images needed to be renamed externally prior to import

Is the "Library" really necessary? Eliminating it could be less confusing - see workflow setup comment below.


Concerns...

These are observations made along the way, and are of course based on my personal preferences. I'll also add that they may not necessarily be accurate, as it is quite possible that the issue is simply my error in not being familiar with the full operation of the program.

Critical Suggestions

- Capability for QuickTime export of slideshow ( possibly omitted for copyright concerns, but this really is a must to put the slideshow feature into practical use.

- PSD 8Bit Version Export

- Enhance Renaming & Naming conventions for files amd versions

- Show Format Extension

- Reset Option on Image Adjustment Controls

- Optional Control for Version Naming  - spaces and wording too long

- Initial Setup Wizard for placement / storage options of Library

- Ability to recognize, retain, and make use actual frame info in naming files

Things to Fix

- Identify format of RAW+JPG

- Delete Version also deletes Master

- Metadata info occasionally stripped from exports (?)

- Layered PSD Export flattened unless as exported as Master ( layers not retained in Version)

Additional Suggestions

- Metadata Templates for retaining info - save and load functionality

- RGB Info display - ideally within loupe with WB and point source

- Easier / more obvious resizing of window areas

- Rating buttons functional in all workflow windows

- Curves Adjustment

- Individual Tutorials for each segment of this program

- Setup Wizard to aid in configuring the program for Template setups, Presets for Outputs, Metadata, Logos, Galleries etc...

- Add the ability to "send" selected images to Droplets ( Huge benefits! )

- Ability to work with (recognize) progressive "Saves" in PS

- Vault option for individual Projects or separate Library

- Separate Image folders to be more easily accessible and readable by Aperture and Finder

 - ** Create Operational Workflow Options - This could be very effective!

        - Select internalizing workflow or separate storage

        - Identify separate workflow setup options

        - Supply Templates with customizable industry considerations


- Auto creation option for folders to contain Masters separate from versions

- Image Size Option on Contacts - use same export options as Gallery ( including watermarks)

- Luminosity & Threshold Option on Sharpness   / Noise Adjustments

- Size Output range limitations & options displayed

- Ability to Drag & Drop folders to workspace for importing

- Background operations functional during export and import

- Simpler Keyboard shortcut for Ratings - mistypes yield unexpected results ( Command - 1 hides images as it acts as a filtering command! )


Wish List

- Portfolio section within Aperture with the ability to retain images on demand from projects

- Drag and Drop functionalty to "Even Smarter" Album which adjusts input image to preset specs: size, format etc..

- Enhanced controls in Slideshow - This is still wide open for improvement on Macs!

- Create Archive Section for Image management

         - Retains thumbnails

         - Manages Burning CD's

         - Able to be completely customized for folder structure

         - "Ghost Directory" enabled. - a structured directory of folders but without actual files     


Conclusion

This program is definitely something to check out. Even at a 1.0 version it has serious functionality, and wonderful promise for a very cool and effective way of image handling that addresses many areas missing in other programs. image quality issues reported by others are actively being addressed, and I would expect them to become negligible very quickly, so I don't see that as a great area of concern.

It does need some investigation by the programmers to decide who they are targeting this program at though, so as to ensure that it is a comfortable match of features to operator. Providing built-in customisable workflow options ( as described above) could go a long way to ensuring that there is more than one perfect match.

The operations are very slick and practical. I wish that I had this program last fall while working on a large project that called for dozens of watermarked proof galleries to be created from thousands of mixed JPG and NEF color corrected images!

It is not an inexpensive program, and too costly to buy and neglect... If you can work within or around its current limitations I would suggest giving it a go. Getting ahead of the learning curve is a good idea, and would see you well placed for upcoming improvemenst in new versions. Being open to possible modifications to your existing workflow is also a good idea as Aperture provides some innovative new ways of image handling.

It will get quite interesting soon though, as details emerge about Adobe's upcoming program entitled " LightRoom" . This will be a direct competitor, and as such will obviously affect what happens with Apple's Aperture. Either way, it's looking to be a good time to be a photographer!

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Copyright 2006 - Craig Minielly MPA