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?
Oh my goshhh I want to get lightware! Is it expensive? It def. looks worth it though! And I love the marshalls plate :)
About $200 but their are student discounts if you have an I.D.
I currently use iphoto. I think it’s working for me right now, but someday I might be ready to move on to one of the big boys out there (LR or PS).
Recently I have learned that cinnamon can be toxic in large doses. Apparently a “large dose” is 1/2 teaspoon a day. Ummmm…I’m not sure how I’m still alive?!!
I think I’ve caught a teeny tiny baby photography bug. I have a feeling it will bloom into something big at some point!
This past year I tried to purposefully learn a lot of things and put myself into new situations – took a painting class, learned to letterpress, learned to swim the crawl, learned to meditate, committed to practicing yoga 3-4 times a week. I feel like my brain & spirit really woke up!
I would love to learn more about photography. I have Photoshop and I am pretty good with editing, I would like to learn how to take better pictures and graduate to a DSLR camera :)
Ahh I am so jealous I want a new camera so bad and now I want lightroom ahaha ooh I cannot wait to graduate and have money! Your photos look beautiful and LOVE your plate!
oof! look at you becoming a photo-guru! i love it ;) it’s so fun for you to look back and see how your pictures have changed over time plus i bet your creating GORGEOUS memories of photos of skylar as she grows up!
What a difference the software makes! And that sundae sounds AMAZING :)
I have SO MUCH to learn about photography! But right now I also have a lot to learn about statistics and physiology so I’m focusing on those. lol!
I ALSO need to learn more about vegetarian cooking. I just made the decision & commitment to go veggie and let’s just say I’ve spent like 4 hours in the kitchen today and I have ONE good meal to show for it. ONE. Oy.
girl vegetarian cooking doesnt have to be hard. 99% of the recipes on my site are vegan. Don’t over think it. Just do everything you used to do and skip the meat and add tofu, beans, lentils, whatever. Focus on plants, not meat, and fresh, easy, not complicated. 4 hours is not good!! Think: basics. :)
I use Photoshop.. and it has been quite the learning experience! I am self taught with everything and sometimes I think it takes me longer to grasp certain concepts than it does others!
Nothing like being self-taught :) It truly IS the best way in the long run!
The cookie dough bites look beautiful, Averie!! Congrats on the FG submission getting approved. I’ll have to check out the Lightroom links you posted. Thanks for those.
Thanks, Allie, and glad the links help. My god…I was in link, online forum, and computer chat room hell all weekend. And am back…daily. Because every time I want to do something, I end up searching for it. Nothing like being self-taught :)
Photography is just SO fascinating–loveeeee it!!
Have fun playing with Lightroom!! I haven’t used it at all, but I was contemplating getting it when I got my new Mac. I lost Photoshop with my old computer and thought there would be NO way I’d be able to afford it again, but luckily Adobe offers wicked good student discounts, so I’ve currently got the CS5 suite. It’s sort of scary how much power it has and really makes you think about what the future of photography will be, as people start relying more on digitally manipulating their images. I think it’s great that you put off purchasing it for a little while, so you didn’t build a reliance on it to make your photos better and instead realize that shooting the photos correctly is important, too!
And congrats on the Foodgawker admission!! You’re rockin’ this photo thing!!
Lately, I’ve learned that it’s okay to have doubts, because it makes you really think about why you’re doing something. (that probably sounds odd, but it makes sense with a current situation of mine!)
This is random, but lately I’ve wanted to re-learn how to ice-skate. And run. And I can’t get enough yoga!
Thanks for the FG congrats :)
And you are so right about “I think it’s great that you put off purchasing it for a little while, so you didn’t build a reliance on it to make your photos better and instead realize that shooting the photos correctly”– YES that is so true!
And tomorrow’s post is going to touch on this “It’s sort of scary how much power it has and really makes you think about what the future of photography will be, as people start relying more on digitally manipulating their images.”
You can get LR 3 for under a hundred bucks with a student discount. For you, and your skills, you would totally love it. Get it!
I have been loving your pictures! They always look amazing and always make me hungry. Also, just thought you should know that I have been addicted to your microwave blueberry oatcakes lately. I have been using raspberries instead though and I can’t get enough! They are the perfect breakfast for a student to take to class and eat :)
And in regards to learning something new-I just started a blog so I’m definitely learning a lot there :)
thanks for the pic compliments and raspberries…oh they even trump blueberries for me! They are just usually pricey but i guess frozen ones arent as bad. Yum!!! :)
There is so much more in life that I want to discover and want to do. Nice post and really looks that you’ve given your time and effort with it, Congratulations for having a good start!
I’m loving all the new pictures/photography posts, you seem to have grasped so much, so quickly! You’re definitely a talented photographer and the blog looks amazing for it!
thanks kate!
wow i really can tell the difference! my hubs is a wizard with editing software though i have never used his resources on the blog. i might buy an olympus pen to get some better photos! it makes a world of difference!