Do you keep your original files?

[Mike.P®]

Just wondering how many people keep their original raw/jpeg files from the camera and how many keep just the final processed photo.
Or even both.

[springtide]

I delete all of the files I don't want to keep...


... but any I keep: the RAW and Jpegs. If they've been 'photoshoped' all of the information to make up for final image.

[ryart]

I keep all RAW and original digital files on a different drive and back up to a portable drive which I usually carry with me in a pocket. I then make a copy of the original on my working image drive. Rather belt and braces but the RAWs are valuable - to me if no one else .

The problem with all the options for post processing is that the way I process a file today may seem pretty naff in a years time. I find it essential to be able to access the original file to have another go if needed.

[pixelpixel]

I keep everything......yep no delete for me. Not even on camera.

I archive based on event and then based on month. I also backup to dvd and they are stored in a fire safe.

[springtide]

Originally Posted by pixelpixel

I keep everything......yep no delete for me. Not even on camera.

I archive based on event and then based on month. I also backup to dvd and they are stored in a fire safe.

Archive to DVD? Meaning you delete the originals on your HDD?

[pixelpixel]

Originally Posted by springtide

Archive to DVD? Meaning you delete the originals on you HDD?

No they still stay on the HD.

[springtide]

Originally Posted by pixelpixel

No they still stay on the HD.

Just checking...

I've been looking at the various DVD media over the years and noticed a few years ago Verbatim removed their '100 year life claim' from their archival media.. I think a few studies have concluded that DVD's don't last more than about 5 years, but I guess it does depend.

I noticed that they now seem to quote, well not a lot actually - the wording doesn't really state very much ..

"The dual gold/silver reflection layer with the valuable gold coating provides for the longest possible archival lifetime."

Full details:
http://www.verbatim-europe.co.uk/en_...-grade_41.html

Anyway, maybe in the future someone will invent some decent media for archiving our data.

[Malone]

Definitely back up, fortunately Bridge on Elements 6 for Mac (I assume previous v's had it too) has a facility when I download from SD card reader it auto backs up to external wireless drive so I deffo keep all RAW originals even of poor pictures you never know when a crop or a sky etc etc is needed.

Matt

[mjpartyboy]

I've just kept all the raw files because I haven't taken the time and can't seem to bring myself to reduce the image sizes. Part of me wants to because I don't need them in their full resolution and large file size that goes with it, but something is stopping me.