Keywording and Controlled Vocabulary

This morning I was reading an article in Better Photoshop Techniques (one of my preferred photography magazines), and came across an interesting article by photographer Nick Rains about image keywording.

I have been thinking quite a bit about this subject of late, and how I can improve my workflow.

Nicks article discussed the technique of “Controlled Vocabulary”, which uses directory structured lists of words grouped by category, sub category, etc.

I had seen this technique in use on iStockPhoto and thought it made keywording very easy.

David Rieick’s website (www.controlledvocabulary.com). Has some interesting information on how the strategy of Controlled Vocabulary can be used to improve image workflow, and offers software for several imaging products, including Lightroom, Aperture, Photo Mechanic, etc.

It is well worth a look.