Another Lightroom
Yesterday I also discovered the power of the search function in the Lightroom Library module. Can I just say – WOW. I now have my 85,000+ images in my Lightroom catalog (I know, it’s insane, tell me about it). While I don’t have them keyworded, I can search on filenames in Lightroom which makes finding a photo from my Inspiration File in the catalog a complete and total snap. Prior to this, the only search function was me looking around, since Windows search didn’t work very well on my computer. I organize my photos by date and have a good chronological memory so me sorting through the directories has, amazingly, worked up to now, but the more photos I take the harder it has become to find them. And when I did finally find them, then I had to load them into the software for editing. A future project is to keyword at least location for all of my files, but now being able to look by filename and move directly into editing is already two steps easier.
I still have so much to learn about Lightroom, but I can tell you thus far – this software is made for photographers. Especially photographers like me who take a LOT of images and need to be able to organize, sort and edit them. I’m figuring out how to adjust my workflow to take advantage of all of the Lightroom features, but overall it is very intuitive. While it’s sold as being for professional photographers who need to manage client shoots, I believe any photographer can get a lot out of this software.
Do I sound like an ad? Sorry. I’m just really excited about Lightroom! The more I use it, the better it gets for me. I’m off to edit more photos…
I LOVE lightroom – and have loved the presets that I’ve downloaded to make the workflow even easier! Now I have to challenge myself into the realm of learning Photoshop too – eeek!
I’d love to hear about your favorite presets Jenny! As for Photoshop… there are definitely a few things you can do in Photoshop you can’t do in Lightroom. They work together as a great pair, even Photoshop Elements. I’m really happy with the combo of the two!
Kat,
I love hearing about your enthusiastic response to Lightroom. Technology can be such a beautiful thing! Love your BW conversion.
I just downloaded the trial version of SnapArt 3 from AlienSkin – it is a very simple product that turns your images into fine art – oil paint, charcoal, watercolor, etc. I am having a ball playing with it and find the results to be pretty realistic.
Thanks for sharing with us Brenda! That’s something I’ll have to try.
it was fun to read this post, as i just got lightroom myself about a week ago. and holy cow. HOLY COW! i ADORE it! why ever did i wait so long to buy it? i got it half off on amazon over thanksgiving, but it is worth the price even at full price. oh, and i am also learning via kelby’s book. love that as well.
Yay! Welcome to the Lightroom tribe! I wonder why I didn’t get it sooner either. 🙂
LOVE your black and white. And, although not on lightroom, learning from your learning. Thanks!
Kat, … love the old barn wood in black and white. It always adds a special feel to the character. I LOVE Lightroom 3 and even more so now that I have an upgraded and faster pc!! LOL I need to learn more about presets and coloring. Thanks for sharing your examples. I enjoy your blog!!
Thanks so much Beverly! I agree upgraded hardware + the right software = digital photography bliss. Glad to have you joining in the conversation here!
Hi Kat…overdue visitor (again-yikes) So glad for this post. I’m giving serious thought to buying Lightroom for myself. Nothing like a “to me from me” under the Christmas tree. A sure way to receive something you like. : ) I take gobs of pics too, and I think this would be a good addition. Glad to get your two thumbs up with a snap on this.
As for the black and white. Yum-meee. Nice subtle row of lights on the perimeter. I’ve been finding myself processing a lot in black and white lately which is a departure from my norm. Not sure what that’s about-glad to see it’s not just me. If I’m with you, I know I’m in good company.
Have a great day Kat.
I was also able to purchase Lightroom 3 half price recently. Though I am still just having fun with the presets, I know that there is so much more to learn about it. I thought of getting the book you mentioned, and I appreciate your endorsement.
I do like your photo in black and white. And those lights were a ‘surprise’ for me… I did not see them right away. The different shades of gray are cool. It will be fun to see what else you do with this software!
I’m also int the camp of “I ♥ Lightroom”, I use presets a lot, brush and also I create collages there, so it’s an Awesome software!
I go to Photoshop to add a copyright and sometimes to sharpen,
I would love to hear how you create collages in Lightroom Galina! Also, did you know you can add your copyright, both in the EXIF data and as a watermark, directly in Lightroom? It’s easier than Photoshop, and would save you one more step.
I did try to use watermarks in Lightrom, I’m just so used to PS 🙂 I think I should make a PNG file with my brush from Photoshop, and use it as a custom watermart in Lightroom.
I’ve made a bundle of collages in Lightoom and put them for free download here – http://halinav.com/lightroom/2011/07/20-collage-templates-free/ – They work in a Prind mode, and there is a tutorial on how to install them here – http://halinav.com/lightroom/2010/10/install-lightroom3-template/
Thanks for the links! It is easy to create a preset with a custom watermark in Lightroom, and once you get it set up you will be happy you did.