Topic: Photo file numbering system...

[original_ann]

I used to tape paper to the back of my cameras.  Then I stopped doing anything for a long time.  But for the last 4 yrs, I've faithfully carried a mini tape recorder to document each exposure and then have taken the time to transfer it all regularly to my excel-based film log with worksheet tabs separated for types of camera and year. 

I don't record a unique identifier for each roll of film, nor for the exposures within that roll (when using roll  or pack film).  But when I name the file, I typically reference the type of film + some sort of subject identifier, sometimes a date etc.    This is how I'd always done it, but now I'm starting to think that I might need to rethink this flow.  I'm finding that sometimes I can't seem to definitively identify which exposure record goes to which image file.  (Particularly when I've shot something multiple times). 

Does anyone use a photo file numbering system?
I'd like to hear what works for others, what doesn't work and why.

I'm thinking about considering a sequential numbering system as opposed to a subject-matter-based numbering system - - or a combination thereof. 
 

[Francois]

I do number things in order to simply be able to find them again. But I must say I don't record precise exposure information.

For my numbering, I simply put the same number on the contact sheet and the negative sleeve. I use a simple ISO date based system. Like today would me 2009-05-06 (yyyy-mm-dd). For Identifying the roll number, I add 2 digits. sot today's date could turn into something like 2009-05-06-01. And if you want to go all crazy with frame numbers, you can just add it to the sequence.

The system is simple in the sense it sorts easily by chronological order. The only down side is the system creates holes in the sequence so missing contact sheets could prove to be a problem (you have to be tidy).

I used to be sequentially numbering things (1,2,3...) but came a point when I always had to open the file to know where I was... it was a drag. I also did a resetting system to identify which storage box the images were in... big mistake. Now, I simply put a label on each box with the start and end dates (still in ISO format).

I don't tag my image sequences anymore... though maybe I should start to do it again... But since I keep all my contact prints in the same folder separate from the negs, it's just a matter of thumbing through the sheets to find what I need.

[original_ann]

I am thinking about this sequential numbering and I like the idea that you mark the contact sheets. 

My workflow is partially digital so I hadn't been doing that, though I suppose I could make digital contacts and mark those.  (I develop the film,  scan EVERYTHING into a digital library, sleeve and date the negatives and only print as needed).   

Using multiple film backs simultaneously gives me pause how to sequence my images. (for ex., Do I number everything sequentially in one film back before I start numbering another... regardless of the dates that images were taken, or do I mix the sequence across film backs based on date taken, or...).

I suppose there are advantages and disadvantages whatever choice is made but I think that incorporating marked contact sheets would be very helpful.

[Francois]

I know (at least for now) I keep both digital and film based stuff separate. I know I should properly label the film I scan in the same way as I do for Digital (I let Lightroom handle it)...

Since I don't use sheet film, I don't have this issue... But I would tend to put everything in sequence regardless of anything while keeping my ISO date format as the start of the sequence (it makes sorting so much easier, you don't have to look for different thing whether you're looking for a date or a number since they're the same)