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IMO Lightroom Sucks!
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May 30, 2016 09:40:35   #
par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.
 
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think the world of it! But, I have never seen so many problems and so much confusion with a "state of the art" program! If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you it is probably a must and well worth using. For the rest of us I really don't think it is worth the possible trouble and the learning curve. I have heard Lightroom can do everything Photoshop can but that is not the case. It does have the advantage of cataloging but if you don't need that then....

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May 30, 2016 09:52:27   #
GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA
 
par4fore wrote:
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think the world of it! But, I have never seen so many problems and so much confusion with a "state of the art" program! If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you it is probably a must and well worth using. For the rest of us I really don't think it is worth the possible trouble and the learning curve. I have heard Lightroom can do everything Photoshop can but that is not the case. It does have the advantage of cataloging but if you don't need that then....
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think... (show quote)


Anyone that makes images and wants to keep track of them to find at a later date can benefit from Lightroom.

Anyone that says Lightroom can do everything that Photoshop can do doesn't know what they are talking about!

It really isn't that difficult to learn, I've taught my 11 you niece to use it. She gets by just fine, too bad you've never been taught how to use the tool.

I am interested in learning about all the problems that you've seen though.
It may be that I have just never tried doing what you've done to run into these problems.

GT

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May 30, 2016 09:52:39   #
tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada
 
Can't agree with you more. I downloaded it with the CC subscription ,and went to import an image into it out of bridge and it started to import everything. Got through that and got it rectified. Played around with it for about 2 weeks and it was all frustration. Got rid of it and went back to PP. My biggest complaint is that for 2 programs that are from the same company ,on the same subscription should be easier to navigate to and from each other easier than what I found.

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May 30, 2016 09:52:55   #
rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX
 
Anyone who thinks LR can do what Photoshop does doesn't understand either program.
I'm one of the 95-99% LR, 1-5% PS users, using PS when I need some of the capabilities that LR doesn't have, layers, etc.
The mistake most people make with LR is to start using it before they understand how it works, especially the file handling.
They then become frustrated and blame LR for their mistake. The cataloging, key wording and collections are a lot of what makes LR a great program but most new users don't bother to learn about those functions before they start using it. If all you want is RAW processing, there are plenty of other programs out there, even some of the free ones do a good job with editing. To each his (or her) own.

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May 30, 2016 10:09:49   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
par4fore wrote:
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think the world of it! But, I have never seen so many problems and so much confusion with a "state of the art" program! If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you it is probably a must and well worth using. For the rest of us I really don't think it is worth the possible trouble and the learning curve. I have heard Lightroom can do everything Photoshop can but that is not the case. It does have the advantage of cataloging but if you don't need that then....
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think... (show quote)


If you have a Mac check out Affinity Photo and/or Macphun Creative Kit. Much, much, much less expensive and very powerful.
If you use a Windows machine, a Windows version of Affinity is being developed at this time.

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May 30, 2016 10:26:06   #
Basil Loc: New Mexico
 
I found that going to the Adobe Lightroom tutorials (many of them video) and walking thought them methodically, starting with the "Getting Started" Category, was extremely helpful and made things relatively easy to learn. The Adobe LR tutorials are in 4 categories "Getting Started," "Learn Essentials," "Key Techniques," and "New Features." Each of these categories has several topics and each topic has several tutorials. For example, the "Getting Started" category has the following 5 topics: "Overview,' "Essentials for Beginners," "Ready to Use It," "More Step-by-Step Projects," and "Jump Start Your Photography." Each of these "topics" then has a number of tutorials. I know there are many good after market resources on Lightroom, but I recommend that anyone new to LR start by walking thought Adobe's own tutorial series to get you up and running - then explore all the many other LR resources to refuse your LR knowledge and skills.

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May 30, 2016 10:40:11   #
via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP
 
I'm not sure what the point of your "rant" regarding LR is, where you just wanting to vent your frustration? Learning any new program can be frustrating and difficult. It does pay to read up a bit about LR PRIOR to using it. The program is truly incredible and can save a photographer hours of work if one learns how to use it PRIOR to actually importing a folder. The importing process seems to really confuse people at first. I teach LR, both in a college setting and in private, and I've heard the frustration of many people as they learn and then heard afterwards how happy they are to know the program. There are many programs a photographer can use and it's probably good to read up on them all prior to choosing one. LR and PS are very different programs that do share some similarities but also many, many differences. LR may not work for you, but it has worked for thousands of others. Using a program with an interface such as that offered by LR allows me to easily find folders and photos when needed. The development module allows me to quickly and effectively edit photos, en mass if needed, or individually and I can do HDR or panos right in the program. The print module allows me to print out the most beautiful printed pieces in any size or way I want. Perhaps the program is not for you, but that does not mean it might not work well for others. I encourage everyone to do research prior to picking a program, there are many choices out there and, as all our brains are different, one may work better for you than another. I love working in LR and I do believe it is an excellent program once learned.

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May 30, 2016 13:12:11   #
par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.
 
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Photoshop user but gave Lightroom a try (a few times). I used Adobe videos, bought CD'S and went to seminars by Tim Gray, I just could not deal with it. It was just not for me, the whole import, keywords, star ratings and the actual size and layout of the interface. But more than that, just how often do you see others post with issues, especially related to the library module.

Like I said also; "If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you, it is probably a must and well worth using."
I'll add to that, if you haven't had problems and your are already establish with it, I'm sure you are happy and it is a great program.

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May 30, 2016 13:27:24   #
LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked
 
par4fore wrote:
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Photoshop user but gave Lightroom a try. I used Adobe videos, bought CD'S and went to seminars by Tim Gray. But more than that, just how often you see others post with issues, especially related to the library module.


There have been a number of posts from people who are frustrated with Lightroom. The issues are predominately because people don't understand the concept behind the catalog and file handling. There are many places that one can find appropriate information that is well stated, there are probably just as many places that describe it poorly and even some are even inaccurate.

Once you understand how the catalog works and what you should do and shouldn't do in the Library Module, it becomes easy, logical, and beneficial.

Having said that, you are certainly welcome to you opinion. The value of Lightroom is in the eyes of the beholder. It is well appreciated by most people who use it. I'm afraid we are now in the same position as many other topics like: Canon vs. Nikon; PC vs. Mac; Chevy vs. Ford, and many other topics.

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May 30, 2016 14:38:31   #
rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX
 
par4fore wrote:
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Photoshop user but gave Lightroom a try (a few times). I used Adobe videos, bought CD'S and went to seminars by Tim Gray, I just could not deal with it. It was just not for me, the whole import, keywords, star ratings and the actual size and layout of the interface. But more than that, just how often do you see others post with issues, especially related to the library module.

Like I said also; "If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you, it is probably a must and well worth using."
I'll add to that, if you haven't had problems and your are already establish with it, I'm sure you are happy and it is a great program.
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Ph... (show quote)


I find it interesting that you can use Photoshop but find Lightroom too difficult. IMO Photoshop is a much more difficult program to learn.
If you read between the lines, most of the complaints in other post relate back to what I said earlier. People start using the software before they understand how it works.
Even watching one good video on the Library Module would help them avoid most of the problems they get themselves into.

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May 30, 2016 14:41:22   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
par4fore wrote:
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Photoshop user but gave Lightroom a try (a few times). I used Adobe videos, bought CD'S and went to seminars by Tim Gray, I just could not deal with it. It was just not for me, the whole import, keywords, star ratings and the actual size and layout of the interface. But more than that, just how often do you see others post with issues, especially related to the library module.

Like I said also; "If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you, it is probably a must and well worth using."
I'll add to that, if you haven't had problems and your are already establish with it, I'm sure you are happy and it is a great program.
Rant, a little, based on past experience. I'm a Ph... (show quote)


Send me a PM if you would like to learn what you need to know to get out of your state of confusion and frustration. I am certain that I can clarify EVERYTHING so it makes perfect sense. People who post issues with LR, or any other software for that matter, are those who expected a miracle and just ended up getting some really good software that they fail to understand, mostly because they have not sought the guidance they needed to learn what they need to know.

LR 3 lived on my system for a year. I tried it a number of times, but, like yourself, became frustrated when it did not behave like every other software I had ever used. A fellow photographer gave me a tip, and I got up early one Saturday, tried what he suggested, and the light went on in my brain - it worked and it has not failed me since. I was a former Capture One user, and though I actually like that software's raw converter better, I like everything else about LR more - particularly it's tight integration with so many plugins and third party programs, as well as Photoshop.

BTW, I have been a Photoshop user since v4, 1998. And Corel Photo, Paint Shop Pro, Photoline, Picture Window Pro, and god knows how many other photo editors out there - and none are like Lightroom. Lightroom's raw converter is essentially the same as ACR in Photoshop CC, only with a faster interface. That is about the only thing that is shared between PS and LR. If you don't use keywords, star and color ratings, and some of the other creature comforts, you really don't need to - it is not a requirement to use LR - it only makes things incredibly easier. That is entirely your choice. But if you haven't learned a software product it's pretty hard to rail against it as you have, without any real understanding about what you are railing against. Besides, if you look on Lightroom's Facebook page you will see that as of 5 mins ago, 1,246,987 people have liked the Adobe Lightroom group. Maybe you would do well to relax, put your ego aside, and have someone walk you through the steps of getting it to work for you.

Here is an analogy. If all you've ever driven is an automatic shift car with power brakes, power steering - you will never appreciate the experience of driving a Porsche 356 convertible - because it has no power steering assist, no power brakes, no hydraulic clutch (I think, if memory serves me right) - doesn't mean the car is a piece of crap. It just means you have a bit of a learning curve. But once you learn it, it's pretty amazing. And most everyone would agree - it was a pretty special car. And so was the Shelby 427 Cobra - also manual everything.

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May 30, 2016 15:54:13   #
bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.
 
I didnt like light room from day one. I dont need the file handling , so to me its pretty much useless. I use PS6 cause Im poor and cant afford a monthly bill .

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May 30, 2016 16:41:16   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
Different strokes and all.

Cataloging is nice in LR, but that is something like 5% of what the program can do, IF you shoot in RAW. White balance adjustment, exposure, contrast, clarity, highlights, shadows, whites blacks, temp, tint, control, lens corrections, leveling on 2 axis, building photo books, superior printing. I could go on and on. The bottom line is, Ligthroom is purpose built for Photographers and works hand in glove with Photoshop.

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May 31, 2016 05:35:47   #
WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio
 
bdk wrote:
I didnt like light room from day one. I dont need the file handling , so to me its pretty much useless. I use PS6 cause Im poor and cant afford a monthly bill .



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May 31, 2016 05:58:41   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
par4fore wrote:
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think the world of it! But, I have never seen so many problems and so much confusion with a "state of the art" program! If you shoot for a living, do weddings, have clients, then for you it is probably a must and well worth using. For the rest of us I really don't think it is worth the possible trouble and the learning curve. I have heard Lightroom can do everything Photoshop can but that is not the case. It does have the advantage of cataloging but if you don't need that then....
I know there are many that use Lightroom and think... (show quote)


I understand you feelings. I first learned Ps CS6 (still learning it slowly), but I tried Lightroom, Lr and could not stand the database basis of it. I never got past the Library functions. I am too used to bouncing files from folder to folder and drive to drive, and even computer to computer, so the database is a nightmare to me. It would seem like some editing and cropping functions are easier then Photoshop, but I never got there. I rarely do batch processing. I'm content with my pixel editor with layer functions. But for many other users Lr certainly does not suck.

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