jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You're back! :thumbup:

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

That sounds like it will be fun!

Drigby1 Loc: American Fork, UT

There are other programs for PP. OnOne software has their Perfect Photo Suite and Alien Skin has their Exposure app. Both are full PP helps that many long time professionals use. I have both of them as well as PSE 12. Good luck all varied but good advice in posts. For you follow your gut feelings after studying them all.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I'm happy to see you back!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

:thumbup:

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

That sounds like a great way to learn. Enjoy.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

My suggestion: Work on your photography technique this summer and fall. If you shoot in both RAW and JPG, that'll enable you to enjoy your shots now and then use them in PP later. Then, when winter comes to NJ, that would be a great time to spend learning LR.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Learning how to use the camera is primary, then likely composition. I learned when there was no PP, with film.

Though, if photography is new to you (sounds like it) starting with Lightroom for its cataloging features before having a huge number of photos might not be a bad idea. For PP, Lightroom is basic, PSE 13 is more for editing and PP at a pixel level, and Ps CS6 or Ps CC is the industry standard pixel editor. Lr6 is much easier to learn than Ps though, and is database based. No one can ever completely master Photoshop.

But learn how to take good images first!

Lovin' retirement Loc: Middletown, New Jersey

Thanks so much for the information and advice. Appreciate it!

Gendarme Loc: Katy, TX

I am a newbie as well, but my reading and researching led me to start shooting RAW. If you are at that point then PP software is a must. If you prefer JPEGs out of the camera and do not want to switch, then your PP options are more limited as there is not as much you can do.

I also feel it comes down to what your goal is. If you are just taking family snapshots for your own consumption, then I wouldn't bother unless you actually are interested in PP as part of your hobby. If you are instead at least a hobbyist and want the best images you can possibly get, then go for it and get LR or something of the sort.

On our recent vacation, most of the shots will never be seen by anyone outside my family and friends, but I shot them in RAW and JPEG. The JPEGs were so my wife could post them for her friends right away. The RAW files were for me to edit, both as a hobby and to learn. I was happy I did it though, because I was able to save several shots that my rookie self had botched (exposure-wise). They were shots I really wanted, and couldn't just reshoot, so PP saved the day.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

PP is part of the process, not necessarily LightRoom itself. Most computer operating systems offer a photo editing program. It might be best for a beginner to start with the program that came with the computer before moving to a more advanced program.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Shoot in raw and jpg. This will give you a chance to learn to play with lightroom on the raw file yet have a jpg for your comfort. Once you have mastered the basics of LR shoot in just raw. To learn LR check out Anthony Morganti youtube videos

Silvermeteor Loc: South Carolina, USA

As others have said, learning the basics of how to operate your camera, composition, lighting, etc. should be high on your list.

Just the same, doing some PP in Lightroom, PSE or even PS is a valuable part of the process.

Of course you need a good image to get the most benefit out of any PP program. However, using one of the PP programs will be something for you to do when you are unable to be out shooting. In addition, as you try to fix things in your early images you will also be teaching yourself the limits of PP and you will be motivated to create better images in the camera.

In my opinion I would suggest starting with one of the most popular and less intense programs such as Lightroom or PSE. PS can be very overwhelming. Layers such as those used in PSE and PS have been a stumbling block for me for years.

The important thing is to have fun and enjoy a stimulating hobby. Good luck.

Lovin' retirement Loc: Middletown, New Jersey

Thanks so much for the info and advice....much appreciated!

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

The OP specifically asked about Lightroom.