Cataloguing programme ???

[kerbside]

Is anyone using a cataloguing programme to manage their files? Free programme would be even better, any help appreciated.
Looking for something like foot station would be good, any advice please.

[joolselliott]

I see you haven't had a response yet.

Adobe Lightroom is very good for this type of thing.

When you import your images into the software, the best thing to do is enter in a description or some keywords. You can then set up custom filters to easily find your images.

For my own work, I have a specific setting that allows me to add it to a group. I can then manage my photos very quickly before sending them off to various libraries.

[wavemachine]

+1 for lightroom as it is a superb RAW editor as well.

I guess for free there is picassa.

[GeoffWessex]

Or the 'Organizer' part of PS Elements.

[donoreo]

I have heard people do not like any Adobe programs for organizing for various reasons. I use Lightroom, but I am horrible at keywording to make it helpful. Picassa is good at it, as someone else mentioned.

On the Mac side, iPhoto is good at it as well, but not free and you need a Mac.

[binliner]

As you're asking in the pro lounge, I'd recommend lightroom as cataloguing is part of the overall workflow making the whole thing smoother and less time consuming, it's not free though I'm afraid!

[donoreo]

But Lightroom 4 is cheaper! Just released and new low price.

[Muckyboy]

Just getting into Lightroom but love it so far. I tended to shoot in RAW + JPG and just tweak the JPG because I couldn't face the slow process of using photoshop and now I feel like i've got the best of both worlds - even switched the camera to RAW only this weekend!

It took me at least 1/2 an hour to learn how to use it. (I had some tips from a friend before I started mind you!)