The Digital Photography Companion

PHOTO MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS

APPLE APERTURE

163

Microsoft Expression Media

Microsoft’s Expression Media (Mac and Windows) is the only true digital asset manager

of this collection. It can organize more than 100 different formats, including raw files

and movies. But where it really shines is retrieving that data quickly. If you are given the

task to set up a library of digital media, one of your first stops should be at Expression

Media’s doorstep.

In addition to powerful search capability, Expression has batch processing and some

slick automation tools such as Watch Folders that are automatically updated with im-

ages that fit their established criteria.

If you purchase the companion application, Expression Encoder, you can author profes-

sional slide shows, web galleries, and video, taking advantage of its attractive bundled

templates.

Expression Media and Encoder can be the cornerstones of a digital asset management

workflow. Just add your favorite image editor, and you can organize something as large

as the local library or as personal as years of your own work.

Key benefits include powerful tagging and search features. Also, the batch processing

is excellent, you have an array of output options, and the software provides excellent

cross-platform offerings.

Apple Aperture

High-volume shooters who cover sporting events or weddings or who are often on loca-

tion will appreciate Aperture’s robust ...