Graf Photography - Order or Chaos?

Well, there you have it... how we manage to keep track of all of our images and scans. It is really a pretty basic system, but it works. As mentioned, the largest amount of work is the initial setup, as well as a learning curve with Microsoft Access depending on how fancy you want to get. Access 2000 has a lot of wizards to automate the setup of the queries and such, but the MS help is pretty much useless. It seems to be written assuming that everyone is an expert in relational databases, a lot of jargon and hard to understand terms. You are better off picking up a book written in plain English.

Now, we have received some inquiries about giving out the basic Access and Word files to reduce some of that pain of the initial setup. It is much easier to learn by tweaking an existing setup rather than creating one from scratch. Or perhaps you don't want to tweak it at all, and just want to use our files "as is."

Given the amount of work, sweat, and tears that have gone into creating these files, we can offer this. We will send by US Priority Mail, a CD-R (Windows operating system only, recommend Win98 or later) or a ZIP file via email containing the following;

(1) Microsoft Access 2000 database .mdb file for the "Graf System"

Essentially the file you have seen described here, with the data and our specific information removed. It is capable of receiving data entry immediately if you use the setup "as is."

The label query is already setup with the data we use (modifyable of course) and some basic pull down menus created for examples. You must have the Microsoft Access 2000 program to read this ".mdb" file (Access 97 will also work, but you need to specify you need it in that format).

(2) Microsoft Word 2000 file - for label printing

This file is already setup for use with SlideScribe PROLaser labels, 84 per page (this label only as they are a specific size). Data fields are already created waiting for input from the Access Label Query. This is only for example, chances are you will want different data on your label, or customize the label sizes to whatever you want. It is fairly easy to do.

(3) An HTML instructional file

This file will offer more detailed help than described in this article. It will take you through customization of your database to set it up for your needs, your equipment, etc. Just keep in mind we aren't software writers or tech support gurus, a certain amount of trial and error is expected of any users. This is expected to be a learning tool for helping you on your way to creating your own customized database.

We think this is an economical alternative to many commercial image management programs out there, as long as you already have MS Access and Word. Of course, if you want to take the information presented here and go it on your own, that's fine too. We were glad to help.

Some of the many testimonials received...

Hello Mark,

Using your database, I have set up a complete system for organizing my slides and printing labels in just two days. I had to do some modifications of the database to suit my needs but your file was a great place to start. I especially like the auto-numbering, I don't think I would ever have found out this on my own!

Some of the best 14$ I've ever spent.

J. S.
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Thanks, Mark. Your efforts will give our group of landscape architects a good start toward organizing our images. Well worth the twenty dollars.

-Ron
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Mark,

I just wanted you to know that I was able to get my Image database up and running! Thank you for your help, I couldn't ask for better customer service.
-M. S.