Ten Things Beginners Should Know About Lightroom

[pixleyyy]

Just got Lightroom and am following your tutorials to help me get a handle on the new software. Thanks so much for your help!

[SuperMangn]

What is the best format to save the edited RAW files before you take the files to your local photo developing shop ?

[sImnRts]

I have an unrelated Lightroom question: do you know why my folder hierarchies always reopen (certain folders) when I import new files, even though I've closed them before the import? also, is there still a limit on how many files can be organized via LR? I have something like 160,000 and it sometimes seems balky.

Thanks!

[ajwood2001]

@sImnRts - I have not heard of that specific issue. My initial thought is that your imported photos appear under those collapsed folders. I will be posting a video on optimizing Lightroom that should help you with some of your slowness issues. Watch for it VERY soon.

[jazeyboy]

Hey, AJ, just found you - this is great!

I'm a complete beginner, and think I have Lightroom (2) to import files as DNG's. Is there any advantage to converting them *after* import?

[ajwood2001]

@jazeyboy - the only difference will be at which point do you want to wait? Importing is longer if you convert to DNG then. If you choose to do it after, you'll wait a bit depending on how many images you choose. In terms of function, there's no benefit in when you convert.

[jazeyboy]

@ajwood2001 Thanks, AJ. For me, it's like paying utilities bills - automating things means I won't forget and screw up.

[pitopo2002]

Hi A.J. in this video you show a tip to convert raw to dng (digital negative) Could you please let me know why I should do that.

thanks

[ajwood2001]

@pitopo2002 - I have two primary reasons for converting. 1. I don't have to track XMP files with my RAW images. 2. In most cases I have found DNG to be a smaller file format. The idea behind DNG is that Adobe will support the format long after camera manufacturers drop certain camera body support. I've been using the format for a while, and more importantly it hasn't cost me money so I continue to use it.

[sterlingsteves]

Why do you go to the trouble to convert to DNG. I assume you prefer that format. I'm curious?

[ajwood2001]

@sterlingsteves - I have two primary reasons for converting. 1. I don't have to track XMP files with my RAW images. 2. In most cases I have found DNG to be a smaller file format. The idea behind DNG is that Adobe will support the format long after camera manufacturers drop certain camera body support. I've been using the format for a while, and more importantly it hasn't cost me money so I continue to use it.

[sterlingsteves]

@ajwood2001 Thanks AJ!

[SpartX7]

Lightroom just got easier for me, thanks AJ.

[wecontinue]

The shortcut for crop in PS is 'C' but in LR its 'R' I can only assume this is for people who like the candidate feature but personally I prefer shortcuts across the suite to match so I don't have to do the mental cue card thing.

[pinponpin1]

Thanks for the tips! Very useful ;-) I need a "backup" class!!!!! ;-) A deep and good one! :-$

[florinmldvn82ro]

I don't know why Adobe doesn't harmonize it's shortcuts across platforms. I've learned Ps before Lr like everyone else since Ps came out first. For ex. in Ps crop is "C" , in Lr cropping is R, on top of that in Ps you have to frame the image with the selection when cropping whereas in Lr you have to move the image in the selection. It's f***ing annoying. "J" in library is thumbnail info whereas in develop module "J" is highlight clipping. There are other examples as well, plenty of them.

[FateDelamorte]

Thanks Aj

[erasmusmarius25]

awesome... thank you, been waiting for a video like this for a while! Cheers :)

[pineze2]

My ctrl+/ key doesnt work... i've tryed with the two CTRLs and the three ( / / \ ) but no shortcuts appear. Do you have an idea?

Great work AJ!

[ajwood2001]

@pineze2 - I know it's silly to ask, but I assume you're on a PC? If Mac, it would be the CMD key and / . If you're on a PC, I would click on a thumbnail in the Grid view, then try the keyboard shortcut.

[weyrauch]

Thanks for the J-shortcut - don't know how many times I'd accidentally hit the J-key and went nuts because all the labels were gone...:-)

[coyote20030]

Just wanted to say thanks for the great tutorials!

[waggygee]

thanks, really useful stuff

[rickydude2001]

Thanks for the Tutorials AJ..You're the Best

[starfedrogue]

Hi AJ, was just wondering what the lav microphone is you're using. I'm having problems finding a reasonably-priced one that isn't terrible.

[ajwood2001]

@starfedrogue - I'm using a wired Audio Technica ATR35 from Radio Shack. I believe you can get a similar mic online from Sound Professionals.

[starfedrogue]

@ajwood2001 Awesome, thanks. I have ordered one so we'll see how it behaves with my Canon Legria. It can't be any worse than the others I tried!