Found the coolest feature in LightRoom yesterday: virtual images.
Ever wondered what they are and how they can be used, follow the link to fine out more…
Virtual Images and just great. They allow you to branch your edits to create a separate image based on the work done on the original at te time the virtual copy is taken. Edits may then be applied to either image without affecting the other.
So, how does this benefit me??? Simple, a reduction in disk space requirements.
Rather than create a separate copy, LightRoom simply records the edits in a separate file that get applied when the final is rendered. This avoids keeping two large binaries of the images on disk.
For example, I have images from my 5DmkII that easily consume 400+MB of disk space as a layered PSD file. Two copies of the image will consume a whapping 800MB until they are flattened but then you lose the ability to make discrete changes without a lot of rework. Compare this to LightRoom where all you have is the original RAW and a list of deltas. Variations of an image are now much easier to keep and maintain.
And the best bit – you can even create virtual files of virtual files.
So, how do I use this feature???
I’d suggest you do the global edits first, the branch the image before adding the variant specific bits. Cuts down on the work later on.
Best regards,
Gavin
