Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

[Stephen]

[cowcrzy06]

Re: Adobe Lightroom... thoughts from a convert

Steven,
Would you say this program would hard or easy for someone new to photography like me ?I have been thinking about purchasing this program but have been hesitant. Once I get my business started I plan on doing most of my work outdoors. I want to make sure I purchase the right programs for my business. What do you think?

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom... thoughts from a convert

Steven,
Would you say this program would hard or easy for someone new to photography like me ?I have been thinking about purchasing this program but have been hesitant. Once I get my business started I plan on doing most of my work outdoors. I want to make sure I purchase the right programs for my business. What do you think?

Its hard for me to say if Lightroom is suitable for your needs Jennifer. Its a program that essentially is aimed at Pros I suppose, and especially Raw users. However its certainly one that you could grow into and get immediate results from. I've worked for years without anything like this, so it couldn't be considered essential and there are lots of cheaper and smaller progs around that do some of the things LR does. LR just brings it all together in a new way in order to improve the workflow of a busy photographer.

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

I've been playing around with LR this afternoon, and especially the Slideshow and Web modules. I created a Quick Collection of 11 images taken from a folder of Raw files taken in 2003 when I visited the SW USA. We were at Page Arizona and went on a float trip down Glen Canyon on the Colorado. One of those must do things, that stays with you for life.

I have created a web gallery HERE which incorporates a slideshow and a PDF slideshow HERE which will run in Acrobat, if not straight in your browser, in mine the mouse wheel moves the slideshow on.
Feel free to have a look they will give you some idea of what can be done literally in a few minutes, straight from the raw files

[DTD]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

As I've mentioned before, being a Mac user I went the route of Aperture, which does the same kind of thing.

I'd agree that this kind of workflow software makes life a lot easier. If you use RAW, shoot more than a few photos per session and need to do things with the images you really should look into this.

Aperture's books are very impressive. Here's a quick web gallery:

http://homepage.mac.com/manpf/New%20Album/

[ddigit]

Re: Adobe Lightroom... thoughts from a convert

I have downloaded the 30 day evaluation. Prior to this I have been using CS3 beta for a tryout. I have now reached a decision that I would be better to stick to CS2 and get Lightroom for day to day tasks ( I use raw) instead of upgrading to CS3 (the new functions in this seem to be in Lightroom). Of course, like everything this is another learning curve and I must admit the concept seems a bit daunting). Was impressed with your test gallery etc Stephen. I have just used Powerpoint to assemble a collection of peoples photos - will try out the images in Lightbox.

Trevor

[cowcrzy06]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

Steven ,
Thank you so much for your reply. I understand that I need some time to become more "seasoned". But I work daily on my photography putting every spare minute I have to this. I am ambitious and dedicated And have the will to succeed. I hope someday to become as fine of a photographer as you and many of the other fine people on this website. I value your opinions and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Stephen]

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

I've come across some pretty cool video tutorials by Michael Tapes tonight http://www.whibalhost.com/_Tutorials.../06/index.html
This program is amazing

[Jim]

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

Thanks for the info on the tutorial sites Jim, I'll definately check those out.

Its my feeling that LR isn't a program aimed at beginners, and frankly they might have struggled at the seminar last week. I think its aimed at Professionals, who needed something to improve their workflow. In that respect the current price is well worth it. I think the offer ends at the end of April, though it may be worth checking out the Dabs offer too.

[Jim]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

That was *ME* struggling last week!
You're absolutely right, LR is ideal for the more advanced/pro photog., but I have to say that I find it so intuitive, that after a little help I have been able to whiz around, whereas PSP and Elements (in its latest incarnation) leave me a little bemused. Perhaps I haven't given them a chance, but for me, Photoshop allows one to wonder around much more easily.

ddigit's post also reminds me that I'm glad I didn't upgrade to CS2. It was so similar to CS, whereas CS3 is a *real* jump forward. Don't you love those non-destructive filters?

I do feel that with the current crop of DAM software, there really is something for everyone and even the complete tyro shouldn't be afraid of giving it a go.

Talking about software, I've had to run Firefox as my browser. So is it Firefox or the forum software that gives me the spelchucker?

Jim

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

Talking about software, I've had to run Firefox as my browser. So is it Firefox or the forum software that gives me the spelchucker?

Jim

Agree with your other points Jim
As for Firefox, I much prefer it to IE, though I'm using a FF derivative called 'Flock' and there are some worthwhile additions in this version. If you refer to the spell checker in the context menu, this is a FF plugin iirc. and not the forum software.

[Josh Bear]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

Thanks for the interesting post Stephen. I too have lightroom which I got for free as part of the deal done by Adobe when they bought raw shooter premium.

I have been thrilled with the programme and when I compare it with RSE it far exceeds my expectations. I do have one small gripe and that is in RSE when you converted a RAW file it automatically flagged that RAW file as "Converted". In lightroom this doesn't happen and I have taken to manually flagging converted files with a green filter. Like I said minor.

best regards

Josh

[Stephen]

Re: Adobe Lightroom...thoughts from a convert

Thanks for the interesting post Stephen. I too have lightroom which I got for free as part of the deal done by Adobe when they bought raw shooter premium.

I have been thrilled with the programme and when I compare it with RSE it far exceeds my expectations. I do have one small gripe and that is in RSE when you converted a RAW file it automatically flagged that RAW file as "Converted". In lightroom this doesn't happen and I have taken to manually flagging converted files with a green filter. Like I said minor.

best regards

Josh

Hi Josh, though this is an issue I've never seen as a problem, I like the way you have solved it for yourself.