This Process Protocol describes how to create a Botanical Photo Journal (BPJ) to help to record the activities, culture and growth processes that occur within a botanical organization. The BPJ process involves the spontaneous use of a digital camera to capture events that may be useful at a later date. It encourages some preparation and design to efficiently manage thousands of images in a scalable manner.
There are numerous ways to create a photo journal. The recommendations described herein focus on the authors experience with one process. You may need to adapt these instructions to fit your specific needs and resources.
Cameras: Use high quality digital cameras with quality optics and macro capabilities for close up photos. Use portable cell phones with higher quality cameras for spontaneous, spur of the moment photos captured throughout the entire season.
Camera Software: Use photo editing and viewing software that works for your needs. Some choices include: Gimp graphics editor and gThumb image viewer.
Operating System: You can likely use any operating system available. However the author used Linux Mint operating system.
Photo Folder Organization: Take the time to organize your photo folders on your local computer for easier more scalable work. You can easily transfer photos from your camera via the default Linux Mint file manager, Nautilus with the "extra pane" view (View -> Extra Pane).
Use Google Drive: Consider using Google Drive that comes free with a Gmail account. Photos can be stored in the same layout as on your local computer. Here is a sample folder layout for a Poplar tree project: McGovern Poplar Photos.
Synch Photos to Your Google Drive: Use the open source Grive application to sync your photos your photos from your local drive to Google Drive. Once your local photos are in order just enter "grive" at the command line and it will sync your Local folders to Google drive (and vice versa).
Share Your Photos: Visit your Google Drive and share your photos as needed.
Photo Comments: TBD
TBD
Does not apply.
A listing of links to photos or galleries to help describe the process.
TBD - use screen shots..
TBD - link to the Photo Gallery
A listing of references used in the protocol or provides other related information.
TBD - include handy Picasa links (eg. synching)