Hi,
I do not use IPTC because I shoot raw. For some time I made sure I used meaningful folder names (date & description) and used a desktop search program to find things folders and images.

I'm now using QU database and have made a start on adding tags to folders and images - all 17 of 2013 raw image folders are done - about 2600 images. It was not necessary to tag every single image within a folder, especially if a folder contained the same or similar subject matter. I'll work on other years over the Winter.
The QU system is very easy to use and the search results easy to see, whether searching on folder tags or image tags.
The database is stored in the QU Application data Folder on C-drive, like all of the other saved data related to QU processed images and prints. This is no different for other image software with a database - the data is stored on your PC somewhere, not usually with the image. The QU version is easily found too.
The other neat feature of FCCM is when folders are updated, on anther drive say, the tag data is updated too so when a search is done, folders and images on both drives will be in the results.

A far as basic tagging work flow is concerned, I tag the folder in FCCM when copying from the flash card. I may add or modify that when I process the images. I'll also add tags to individual images as I process.
I wont normally update files on the back-up drive at the same time, but do that every couple of months or so for a whole set of folders.
Another comment: the QU database makes use of Albums to show results of an image tag search. I also use Albums to keep a special set of images together, say for a competition or exhibition.
See screen shots attached, search results for an image description - where you can see I have missed a folder description - and the Album window.
Terry

Wow, I can see the difference in the retention of dynamic range by using RAW processing.  Quite impressive especially with the low light capabilities of the Nikon D7100.

As I get my workflow going, I see not that IPTC only apply to jpeg and that I have to use a database or file names with RAW.  It seems though that the tagging with QI Ult is only one long string.  I think I am used to the flexibility of Gmail labels.  I would want multiple labels for each picture.

At least a .NEF file can belong to multiple albums.  However I wish that I could pick one or more .NEFs and then add it to multiple albums at one time.  Then the albums almost acts like a way to search/organize.

Any comments on tagging & searching is appreciated beyond file names of course....

Thank you.

I missed that comment first time.
To do that, select a set of thumbs, right click and add to an Album, do it again for another Album, .. etc.
Terry

I think you would need to re-name it because the search results album gets overwritten at each search.
Terry

I may not be too helpful, but do you shoot Raw or JPG?

Irfanview so far, cannot show Raw files.   They show the embedded jpgs.
That having been said, that full EXIF register is not shown in either Qimage.
You do get the F stop and Shutter, and ISO... from the Qimage INFO panel, plus more. See snap attached
Not much help.
Best I can offer.

Fred

Qimage takes a little longer to show when you use the spacebar method because that is a HIGH Resolution image.
You have quite a few choices to show your images more rapidly.

You can choose from a number of ways.

I like to put them all in the queue CTRL A   and then right click on the preview panel and select SLIDE SHOW.
Then as the images pop on and off, I jot the numbers down that I like.

If you want fast, then again, all images in teh queue, and I go to the PAGE EDITOR (with 2- 5 x 7s per 8.5 x11 page), I can see 2 shots, click NEXT, and see two more, NEXT, and so on and so forth.
These are lower resolution images and will pop immediately.
(Quality in that screen should be at default which is Thumbs/small images)  See snap


We, Terry and I shoot in RAW mode which has no color space until you define it in Qimage.
Most of us have camera profiles as our color space. If not, we use Adobe RGB.

What is your camera model and brand?
We can see if there's a profile for your camera.

Fred

Hi Terry,

I will check again.  I press space and have a profile on my monitor.  No QU edits on most photos but some.

Say..I am partly colorblind and am finally getting to doing what I should have done it getting my WB right in camera to reduce post processing.

Do any of you have experience with Colorchecker passport, expodisc, photovision targets, or dtk/vello white/grey/black targets?

I am getting an expodisc used and I think I want to order the photovision 14 inch target as well as the $10 vello card set (BH).  Honestly I don't think I need the colorchecker and software ($89) as QU comes with a D7000/D7100 profile and if I wanted to profile it I could use profile prism which I have seen in other posts some of you have done.

Any comments on the above are invited.  I need to diminish my workflow so that I am not dealing with color corrections after the fact.  It drives my wife crazy....

Thank you, Mike