Flags
Flags in Lightroom are a binary marking system that divides photos into two states: flagged and unflagged. This straightforward two-option approach makes flags an efficient first-pass tool when reviewing large batches of images. Rather than applying complex rating systems or color labels, photographers use flags to quickly separate images worth keeping from those that can be discarded, making them particularly useful during the initial culling stage of an editing workflow.
Purpose and Application
Flags serve best as a preliminary sorting mechanism before more detailed evaluation methods are applied. When working through a large shoot, a photographer can rapidly mark images as flagged (typically indicating keeper status) or unflagged (candidates for deletion) without the decision overhead of choosing between multiple rating levels or color categories. This binary choice streamlines the culling process and helps establish a manageable subset of images for further editing work.
Workflow Integration
In a typical editing workflow, flags represent the first organizational layer. Once initial flagging is complete, photographers often move to more granular systems like star ratings or color labels to further refine their selections among flagged images. This layered approach allows photographers to make quick, decisive cuts early on while preserving the option for more nuanced categorization in subsequent passes.
Source Notes
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