I’m sure after reading my headline, you are wondering what IrishFest, Kilts, and photography approval have in common.  This week Widen took part in the first annual Creative Transitions Conference in Milwaukee, WI.  Widen was both a sponsor and exhibitor at this event – and Jake and I talked to many participants and organizers about Backdrop™ (our photography approval system) and digital asset management. 
 
What conversation stuck in my mind?  The first day of the conference I spoke with a woman who was part of the photography workflow management team at one of the nation’s largest retailers.  This specialty department store does much of its photography (for catalogs, mailers, and web) in-house.  At first glance, you might think if so much of the workflow is in-house – what type of problems could they really have with workflow?  Plenty!  Even with photographers and creatives working in close proximity, there were still problems with lengthy turnaround time, unnecessary work and duplication of efforts.
 
When multiple photographers are shooting on multiple camera types, handling raw images and converting those raw images can be a major ordeal.  Once converted, images are tweaked slightly or processed before going to art directors for selection and approval.  Then the approved images are being sent for additional processing.  Images are going from here to there – not routed automatically – but by someone physically touching, moving, sending that file in each step of the process.  How much longer do you think that workflow is than it needs to be?
 
This is where the workflow savior enters the picture – Backdrop™ by Widen.  Nothing makes a great trade show or conference then hearing someone’s workflow problems and knowing your company’s application(s) can solve most (if not all) of their current issues.  Backdrop accepts raw files (or other file types) and any photographers using Adobe® Lightroom® can automatically upload images to the application.  Because it accomodates multiple workflows, photographers simply select the workflow (we call them ‘profiles’) for that particular photo shoot and the rest is automated.  Immediately upon upload, workflow triggers start with email notifications going to those people who need to view and approve images.  With one click of the ‘Approve’ button – that image can be automatically routed - in the format needed (eps, tiff, etc.) to the retoucher.  With another click, that finished image can automatically route to a digital asset management application, someone laying out a catalog or website, or anywhere else it needs to go!
 
So there you have it.  A great solution to a current problem.  And did I mention, IrishFest and kilts?  C2 – the company that organized this event – arranged for all participants of the conference to attend IrishFest and a special meet-and-greet party at the festival.  What can I say about hearing fantastic Irish music, socializing with creative professionals, and seeing men in kilts?