The base directory naming pattern set in my dt preferences is $(PICTURES_FOLDER)/Darktable but images imported from a connected camera are being placed in ~/Darktable. What am I doing wrong ?
AS a bonus really dumb question, what is the value set in the variable “$(PICTURES_FOLDER)” ? What happens if I don’t have a directory named “PICTURES” in my Home directory ?
It looks like the $(PICTURES_FOLDER) uses a gtk function to attempt to find the ‘Pictures’ directory defined by your OS (see the following link). If this directory is not found it falls back to the Pictures subdirectory of your home directory.
I would expect it to attempt to create the directory if it doesn’t exist but I don’t import from connected cameras so I’m not certain.
You could try adding the variable to the darktable image information line or one of the lighttable overlays to see what it contains.