I'm a recent convert to Lightroom and while I enjoy its power and sensible logical steps in editing my photos I am confused about the appriorate workflow steps.
Previously I worked in Camera Raw and Photoshop. I imported my RAW files from my camera, saved these to a "RAW Photos" directory on my computer [which I then backed up to an external hard drive plus saved a second copy to a DVD]. I then previewed the RAWS in Camera Raw, deleted the junk, and identifed the 'keepers' and the better ones for processing. These I then saved to another directory ["Editing Stage Photos"]. In this directory I did all the processing possible in Camera Raw, and then exported the photos to Photoshop for additional work requiring steps like adjustment layers , etc. Finally when processing was complete in PS, I saved the photos as a PSD in a "Processed Photos" directory. In that directory I had separate sub-directories for photos processed specifically for i. web/internet; ii, view printing; iii. fine art, and iv. slideshows.
Net result - I have three directories - one of basic unprocessed RAW files, one for those in the process or editing stage; and the thrid one for my final photos.
However - do I do this same workflow approach in Lightroom? Since it does 'nondestrcutive' processing I seem to end up with my 'edited' photos in the same directory as my original basic RAW photos. After the final processing in PS I end up with only two sets of photos - my final PS worked photos in a saved Finals directory on my computer, and everything else - the LR processed files are all in together with the original unprocessed RAWs which actually no longer exist [except as 'non-destrcutive' photos] in my RAW directory.
How do I have in LR a directory for the origianl RAWS, another separate directory where LR has the editing photos prior to export to the PS processing stage, and a third directory of my finals?
Appreciate any and all advice.
Glenn