Automatic programs for sorting don’t allow for selective assignment of numbers in sequence for computer work … least I’ve not found one yet that does. When digital images are gathered/garnered from diverse sources they have all kinds of numbering rationales using weird prefixes to ID them. When individuals name photo files, not thinking about them appearing later in some project in a specific order, they give them names that make sense … to them. “John fishing 2010” “Larry fishing 2010” “Abe fishing 2010” for example, then when the computer sorts, along with other weird numbering conventions, Abe will probably be first, followed by whatever.
I said all that to say this: I do the numbering as I scan, applying an appropriate identifier … “JOHN” followed by the numbering convention I mentioned previously. Thus the sequencing of the scanner will keep the numbers moving forward one digit at a time.
However, when using older digital files from my own or client files/CDs, the sequential digits are out the window and the order is scrambled. I, or my clients, HAVE to manually go through the selected photos and make a project file of the desired images, in the desired order, using the numbering convention I referred to earlier. I know of NO existing system or program that will automatically do this due to the wide range of numbering/identification systems used by cameras or people, or computers for that matter.
F.Y.I. when putting together my montages, after the images have been sorted as noted, I use Photo-to-Movie … a great program for montage creation that focuses on THE PHOTO without a lot of other creative distraction and moving elements involved. My clients LOVE that their photos are the featured content in my montage creations.
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