I Like Lightroom 3.0

Two years ago, my good friend Dick McCreight, convinced me to download the trial version of Lightroom 2.0. I was hesitant because I had just starting using another software to manage my photos and I was not eager to shell out more money for another program. But after installing and trying the trail version of Lightroom I was absolutely sold. It also didn’t hurt that Dick is a guru with this software! Just watching him move around the computer screen and edit his photos was breathtaking for me. I still remember that day sitting in his office and watching in total disbelief at what this powerful software can do.

Now, two years later, I upgraded to version 3.0 and I couldn’t be happier. This software still rocks and has improved in some amazing ways over the previous version. The photo you see below was completely edited in Lightroom 3.0. I love the photo management that this software provides and I am slowly learning more and more about all the powerful editing features as well. Did I say Lightroom rocks? Well, it does!

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6 Responses to I Like Lightroom 3.0

  1. Brad says:

    I have never used lightroom, but I know many that do and they all have pushed me towards it. I think it would be good for me but I do not want to learn a new program when I can’t use what I have. I am also still on CS3 and have not upgraded because I can not use everything on it. But I may upgrade to CS5 soon since you can only upgrade two leaving me out in the dark once they get to 6.

    I can’t wait to get to Elk country the end of next month and I hope we run into each other.

  2. bobshank says:

    Brad I know what you mean. I am embarrassed to admit that I am still using Photoshop 6.0. I don’t do any panoramas yet and I remember the first time I started using Photoshop–it was overwhelming to say the least. I still use the old version once in a while, but Lightroom now allows localized adjustments so I find myself needing Photoshop less and less. It is an amazing program for me at least it was easier to learn than Photoshop. I think the thing I like most about it is I can manage, edit, and export my photos to the web, as prints, or as attachments to email messages. It is very versatile. Some day I know I need to purchase a newer version of Photoshop but for now I will keep using Lightroom and learn more about its powerful features. Like you, I prefer less time behind the computer and more time out shooting with my camera!

  3. Willard says:

    I have not really given lightroom a serious try, perhaps I should.

    I am like Brad too, in that I don’t keep up with photoshop upgrades. What usually happens is since I shoot raw, when I purchase a new model of camera I find I have to upgrade to be able to use bridge, unless I first convert the files using the free dng processor, but that is an extra step so I had to get CS3 when the 40D came out and then CS4 when I got the 7D, but I haven’t gotten CS5 yet since so far there is not a new model camera that I want. It is strange but I really don’t enjoy getting new equipment or software because of the often steep learning curve, but the enjoyment begins once the new methods become clear and one can use the program or equipment fluently.

  4. Brad says:

    I have to agree about not enjoying new software. Like you Willard the only reson I went from CS2 to CS3 was because I needed it for my raw files for the D90. After learning that you can only go up two at a time I will get CS5 in the near future just so I do not fall to far behind and need to purchase multiples to keep up.

    Check out the academic superstore for the software prices are much better and Bob and I can use it because of having kids in school.

  5. bobshank says:

    You guys both sum up the great difficulty with software upgrades and learning new software. I remember a little over a year ago when a photography friend introduced me to Lightroom. I had just recently purchased new photo management software and was not interested in learning or purchasing new software. But watching my friend fly around in Lightroom really got me excited and it seemed to do everything from managing photos to editing them, complete with localized adjustments! I was impressed, bit the bullet, and a year later am very happy I took the plunge. I just posted another blog entry today that describes yet another way this software is working so well for me. I love it, but I know what you mean about the pain of learning new software. Thankfully, Lightroom makes this process easier than most. You guys should try the 30-day trial just to give it a good look. Better yet, maybe sometime we are up in the mountains of Elk County we can get together after dark and explore Lightroom together! The rut is coming!!!

  6. bobshank says:

    Brad, I cannot thank you enough for telling me about the academic superstroe. I will have to purchase Photoshop in the near future. I also did a little research and discovered that our church can also get these discounts because of our non-profit status. I might finally retire my old Photoshop version 6.0 and get up to speed with the big boys! Thanks!

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