Is transferring folder structure from Windows realistic?

I've just bought my first Mac (a 15" MBP) after having used PCs for over 20 years. Its all a bit different to what I'm used to!! But I'm working my way through the various switcher's guides. I can't believe how easy it was to set up initially and get my peripherals working.

To save time, I'd like to plug my PC's external drive into the MBP and simply copy my files over, but I'm worried about how Leapard, etc. will handle my PC's file structure. For example, I have a large number of photos (jpg files) sorted by date into a series of folders called, for example:
Date1_Place1
Date2_Place2
Etc.
I like this structure and would obviously like to keep it. How will iPhoto handle this? Having copied the folder structure onto the MBP, what is the next step? If I import the images into an iPhoto Library, will it make a copy of the images, or use them directly from the location I copy them to? (I don't really want copies.)

Any advice appreciated, and please be gentle. I'm still learning!

Thanks.
Doc_Croc

 

This is doable, I believe, by unchecking the 'copy to iPhoto library' for importing option. I think that will keep it at bay, but I am not sure. In fact, I have moved away from iPhoto partly for this reason. I am going towards a Photoshop/Photoshop Elements path. Both now come with Adobe's Bridge program that allows you to organize and browse your photos more in the fashion you like.

 

I found iPhoto to be a big pain

 

Thanks to both for the advice. I used to use Elements on the PC and it looks as though I shall be continuing with the Mac version.

Doc_Croc

 

I did something similar to that, but I used terminal after I got my PC networked with my Mac:

# cp -Rp /Volumes/192.168.1.200/My\ Documents/My\ Pictures/Photos /Users/blahblah/Photos

cp = copy
-R = recursively
-p = preserve attributes (dates, times, etc.)

 

I'm pretty sure iphoto does not make copies of your pictures when you import them.

 

By default it does copy every import to the iPhoto Library package. You have to uncheck the option in preferences.