Common Workflows

This guide outlines the typical workflows in Filmbase to help you efficiently manage your film photography process from purchase to final scans.

Complete Film Roll Workflow

Follow this end-to-end process for optimal film management:

1. Purchasing and Inventory

1. Record Purchase:

   • Go to Purchases
   • Click Add Purchase
   • Enter purchase details (name, film stock, quantity, price, date)
   • Click "Add Purchase"

2. Verify Inventory:

   • Go to Inventory
   • Confirm the film appears with the correct quantity
   • Check the expiration date is properly set

2. Shooting Process

1. Start a New Roll:

   • Go to Film Log
   • Click Add Entry
   • Enter basic information (name, camera, film stock)
   • Set the start date
   • Click "Add Entry"

2. During Shooting (PRO feature):

   • Open Field Recorder
   • Select your active roll
   • For each frame:
     • Update the frame number
     • Record lens, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
     • Add notes about the subject or conditions
     • Save before moving to the next frame

3. Finishing a Roll:

   • Return to Film Log
   • Find your active roll
   • Click the edit (pencil) icon
   • Update the end date
   • Save changes

3. Development and Scanning

1. Track Development Status:

   • Go to Film Log
   • Find the roll
   • Click the edit icon
   • Check the "Developed" box when processed
   • Update with any additional notes
   • Save changes

2. Track Scanning Status:

   • Return to Film Log
   • Find the roll
   • Click the edit icon
   • Check the "Scanned" box when digitized
   • Save changes

4. Managing Digital scans

When you have finished processing your film, whether it be at home or from a lab, you can manage your digital scans in the following ways:

1. Using EXIF Editor:

   • Go to EXIF Editor
   • Upload your scans
   • Select the corresponding Film Log entry (PRO feature)
   • Choose manual or automatic (PRO feature) metadata mapping
   • Review the mapping preview
   • Submit and download your updated files

2. Sharing to Glass (if integrated):

   • After processing in EXIF Editor
   • Use the Glass sharing option
   • Select images to share
   • Add a caption and select your Glass categories
   • Post to your Glass profile

Inventory Management Workflow

Regular Inventory Check

1. Review Dashboard:

   • Check "Available Rolls" count
   • Note the "Next Expiration" alert
   • Review "Expiration Management" section
   • Identify stocks running low

2. Detailed Inventory Assessment:

   • Go to Inventory
   • Sort by quantity to identify low stocks
   • Sort by expiration date to find soon-to-expire film
   • Plan future shooting and purchases accordingly

Purchasing Based on Needs

1. Determine Requirements:

   • Identify stocks that need replenishing
   • Consider upcoming projects or shoots
   • Check for soon-to-expire film that should be used first

2. Record New Purchases:

   • Go to Purchases
   • Click Add Purchase
   • Enter purchase details
   • Verify inventory updates automatically

Inventory Cleanup

1. Update Stock Information:
   • Correct any inaccuracies in quantity
   • Update expiration dates as needed
   • Ensure film names and formats are consistent

Camera and Lens Management Workflow

Setting Up Your Gear

1. Add Cameras:

   • Go to Settings > Gear
   • Enter camera make and model
   • Click the plus icon to add
   • Repeat for all cameras

2. Add Lenses:

   • In the same Gear settings
   • Enter lens make and specifications
   • Click the plus icon to add
   • Repeat for all lenses

Updating Gear Collection

1. When Acquiring New Equipment:

   • Go to Settings > Gear
   • Add new cameras or lenses immediately
   • Use consistent naming conventions

2. When Selling Equipment:

   • Go to Settings > Gear
   • Find the item in your list
   • Delete using the trash icon

Data Analysis Workflow

Performance Analysis

1. Check Shooting Patterns:

   • Review Dashboard statistics
   • Note your average monthly consumption
   • Identify your busiest shooting months
   • Analyze which film stocks you use most

2. Financial Review:

   • Check total spending on the Dashboard
   • Go to Purchases to review price trends
   • Calculate your average cost per frame
   • Identify opportunities for bulk savings

Technical Improvement

1. Review Field Recorder Data:

   • Compare your exposure settings with final results
   • Identify patterns in successful exposures
   • Note which combinations work best for specific conditions
   • Track your technical growth over time

2. Film Stock Analysis:

   • Determine which stocks you prefer for different subjects
   • Compare results between similar stocks
   • Track your evolving preferences

Best Practices for All Workflows

• Regular Updates: Keep your logs, inventory, and purchases current
• Consistent Naming: Use the same naming conventions throughout
• Complete Documentation: Fill out all fields, not just the required ones
• Immediate Logging: Record information as soon as possible
• Periodic Reviews: Regularly check your Dashboard for insights
• Backup Important Data: Download and save your EXIF-embedded scans
• Leverage Community: Join the Filmbase Discord Community for tips and support