For anyone who has a blog, or is semi-serious about photography, there comes a point in time where one outgrows the features of iPhoto or other (free) editing software.
That’s where Adobe Lightroom 3 came into my world.
Not that anyone cares, but I spent all free moments of my weekend (at least 6+ hours) and all spare moments on Monday and Tuesday when I wasn’t working (another 6+ hours) just trying to figure it out.
I know Jessica and Ashley use Lightroom version 2. Kath uses Lightroom 3 and just posted an amazing post about how she blogs and uses LR 3. I had this post somewhat pre-written but didn’t want to post about Lightroom until I sort of had the hang of it.
This software is no joke! The program is complex enough that I wish I had a graphic design minor to figure it out. Just getting 25,000 photos from my iPhoto library into the LR 3 library took me enough google searches and time spent in uber-geeky online forums to really question what I was doing.
There are entire blogs and websites devoted to learning the program such as:
Digital Photography School’s Post Production Tips
and Adobe’s own AdobeTV with Video tutorials
I think one could make learning this software it’s own college degree. I have heard Lightroom 2 is a bit easier and more user-friendly as it pertains to uploading pictures into a Mac, but even so, a major learning curve for me since I have no experience with graphic design, Photoshop, or photo editing.
After all is said and done, here are a few screenshots of a couple of photos I edited of the No Bake Toffee & Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
Before on the left and After on the right
Before on the left and After on the right
And apparently Lightroom worked because I just re-submitted this newly edited photo to Foodgawker and it made it!
Also potatoes, Before on the left and After on the right
The screen shots are nice because they show the before and after simultaneously. Unfortunately, you don’t get quite the full effect because the pictures are smaller and not full screen, but I think you can see there is a difference in the before and afters. Brighter, crisper, cleaner, more “pop”. Enough of a difference that it’s worth it to keep learning.
I feel like I’m in college again, seriously. I have been “studying” so hard! All that studying made me hungry.
I made a salad with Vegan Slaw Dressing
And 4 Ingredient Hummus (garlic-free, vegan)
Dessert: Vegan Chocolate Chip Coffee Softserve Sundaes
You can omit the coffee if you don’t like it, but I think coffee + chocolate go so well together. Most things go well with chocolate, though, for me.From my last post and my meetup with Marla, thanks for telling me who your last meetup was with and if you’ve met anyone from the blogosphere or been recognized or recognized anyone. Some of you have been recognized, too! Cool and surreal, all at the same time, right?
Questions:
1. Have you ever used any photo editing software? If so, which one and do you like it? How was the learning curve?
I realize that not everyone has a camera, has a decent camera, cares about photography, or cares about how the photos they do take look. <— That was my progression the past two years.
Fast forward to now, I traded in the Point and Shoot for a DSLR, photography is becoming a passion of mine, and I do care how my new photos look. I could never go back in time and re-make and re-photograph 500 recipes but going forward, I am trying harder and using editing software will only help.
Once I wrap my mind around it and learn it.
2. What new things have you learned lately?
I have learned or attempted to learn:
My DSLR camera
New ways to workout in less time and I have streamlined 75+ minute workouts into 40 minute ones
I’ve learned that the grass is not always greener and to be content with where I am at today. Right now. Life is a journey, not just an end game.
I’ve learned my body can tolerate small amounts of dairy
That mindless TV like the Kardashians and The Real Housewives gives me joy
I learned that my mother’s intuition is right on the money
What things have you learned? What would you like to learn?
Hi Averie! This is really great tutorial. Could U make a detailed post on using Lightroom? What things to be considered and what to leave out? Thanks in advance.