BigDJim Loc: Dallas TX

I'm hopelessly mired down in downloading/organizing LR5 and after following suggestions, reviewing demos, B&H instructions and so forth and so on, I'm even deeper into LR5 chaos. I've downloaded photos, but now can't find them, much less pull them up....have tried 5 or so tutorial tapes on Lightroom which have only added to the confusion....my screen never matches the screen on the B&H tutorial, or the procedure they're showing doesn't work for me..... Nothing makes sense and I'm to the point where I need some one-on-one or limited class size instruction from Step One on in LR5.

That being said, does anyone know of a Dallas-Ft. Worth source for basic tutoring in LR5....preferably one-on-one where I an sit down with my computer, the LR5 program and a knowledgable individual to guide me through. I feel once I get through importing and cataloging, I'll be OK in applying the bells and whistles of LR5, but right now, once I get photos into LR5, they're lost. And I'm sure this is ALL user error. HELP!

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

Sign up with Meetup then search Photography in your area.I found several great tutors in the Austin area this way. Also, many meet up groups have special sessions in LR and CS6. Good luck.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

You might also check with a local junior college.

Buckstop39 Loc: Collin County Texas

LR 5.3 is a mess to learn and I sympathize with your difficulties. It scared the mess out of me when I first installed it and started it up. I thought it was changing all my pictures in my main My Pictures Folder. Anyway, to make a long story short, I did some of the Adobe TV tutorials and got more familiar with it. It is so powerful in the Library Module it is hard to believe it is controllable. It is however very usable in time. You did not indicate what PC type your using and that might help get more responses.

I use Win 8.1 for and OS and have several compatible editors to use for edit once LR work is completed in the Development Module. I also use an iPad for the tutorials while working in LR or CS4 etc. Helps as those tutorials are eye openers. Those tutorials work well for either Mac or Windows too.

If you use a Win PC and wish for some phone help, leave me a private message with your phone number and I will call you. I live in Collin County so it should be a local call.

Don't give up on LR as it is really a powerful tool. I wanted it since the Photoshop Version I use is CS 4 and the ACR raw developer stopped at a level that did not support newer cameras raw files. Good luck in your learning excursion.

Mike T. :-P

BigDJim Loc: Dallas TX

Thanks for your prompt reply and I will, indeed, follow-up on your suggestion. I'm confidant if I ever get LR working properly before I commit harry-carry, I'll love it. Thanks again for the input.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

If you find a seminar/class, I'm sure it will cost you more than this book (which is $40). I can't say enough good about the book and it will lead you through every single nuance of LR, easily and intuitively.

http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom-Classroom-Book/dp/0321928482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394316147&sr=8-1&keywords=lightroom+classroom+in+a+book

BigDJim Loc: Dallas TX

Bruce, thanks for the comeback and the great tip. I've got a former computer whiz who thinks he might be able to walk me through, but it's good to have a alternate plan. And your book suggestion will be my "go to" if all else fails. Really appreciate you getting back to me....Thanks again! Jim

hfb46 Loc: UK

Key thing for Lightroom is that it needs to know where your files are. Don't be tempted to move files/folders with "finder/file manager". Always do it from within Lightroom. Good luck getting it sorted. From one who learned the hard way.

tommyf Loc: Vero Beach, FL

This guy is amazing and very inexpensive. LR is not a difficult program and using Phil Steel's course is so wonderful.

http://www.steeletraining.com/index.htm

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

I also bought this programme and agree he is great. Makes it all very clear and is great to get you started. His videos are easy to understand and follow, not like Adobes who lost me completely. Once you buy (it cost me about $50 Aus) you can log in to all the videos at any time.

The most important thing you need to remember is don't change your file names. Your photos will be on your computer (under Pictures in Apple, I don't know PC). If you change your file names Lightroom can't find them.

Before you try doing anything in Lightroom I suggest you make sure you learn how to import, file, and catalogue correctly and double check everything before you hit the "Import" button. Makes things a lot easier in the long run.

Good luck with it. It does a good job when you get the hang of it.

Deb58 Loc: Upstate, New York

Serge Ramelli on youtube has taught me a lot about using lightroom. He has a lot of free tutorials and some for sale that go even further into working with lightroom.