Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Looking at switching to Lightroom 2015 for its file handling. I have been satisfied with GIMP, PhotoNinja, Nix, Fusion etc for all of my PP. I would not consider Lightroom except Nikon View NX2 no longer functions in supporting my file handling methods. My big concern is that currently I have total control of my files and their PP in File Explorer. If I go to Lightroom, it seems access to all of the PP I do is dependent on Adobe supporting their current Catalogue system. Am I wrong in my concerns?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Yes.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Not sure why you'd "upgrade" to Lightroom 2015. I would highly recommend Lr CC for $10 per months. You get the latest and best of Lightroom and Photoshop. I don't expect Adobe to go away any time soon, at least not while I'm still in the game. Best of luck.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Thanks for a direct answer. However, a little more info to allay or confirm my concerns would help. Is it yes that I should not be concerned or yes I am depending on a company that is changing its mode of operation to the detriment of some of its current users? Please forgive my persistence but I potentially have a lot of work at stake.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Thanks for commenting. My bad, I would be purchasing the cloud version (I am guessing that is what the "CC" moniker means), the terms still confuse me as far as the Lightroom versions available.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Lightroom is purported to still have the cataloging functionality after you stop the subscription - if that is a concern. But since you already use the OS for management of your files, with some forethought on how you are going to use Lightroom you can set up your folders so that it makes sense even when viewing using the OS file viewer (Mac or Windows). And you get many nice filtering options with Lightroom - this allows searching based on Key Words and other attributes you can set on individual or groups of photos. Many books (and free videos tutorials) for Lightroom are available and Photoshop comes with it @ $10 per month.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Ok, you have to understand that once you go Lighroom for cataloging you have to abandon File Explorer for moving images. Nothing happens to your existing folders and orginization, Lightroom will hoover all them in and present your current organization when you open the program. If you have folders full of RAW files, let Lighroom import and copy as DNG which is Adobe's open source RAW format. There will be zero changes to your existing RAW images. For folders full of JPGs, just have Lightroom do an Import/Copy.

But, and its a big one, the one misconception about Lightroom is your images do not "move" into the catalog. The Lightroom catalog just records your changes to each cataloged image. The concept is non destructive editing, you can hit reset and go back to original. You can still move them around and create folders as you do now.

What you cannot do is move cataloged images with File Explorer, etc as Lightroom's catalog will loose track and will display an error. The only exception I make is a folder where I drop images to be exported to web pages, photo sites, UHH, etc.

It is the capabilities that Lightroom will bring to your workflow and creativity that is the real opportunity.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

I agree with your points on the inadvisability of moving your images using the OS. Once they are in Lightroom's catalog you should use Lightroom to move and/or copy them. But a well thought out folder structure managed in Lightroom makes some of the tasks you might do with the OS (like backing up your files) easier.

Your last sentence is the clincher for me - workflow and (hopefully) creativity.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

I agree that Lightroom is a very capable program and the cataloguing and non destructive nature of it is appealing.The reason I am looking at Lightroom is that Nikon has botched their ViewNX2 update rendering it practically unusable for me. Perhaps I can be forgiven for being somewhat paranoid about software people, even Adobe. Their handling of their internet video utility left many folks open to security breaches and Adobe's response was not stellar in its concern for them. When it became unprofitable they were reluctant to fix their mess.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Thanks, really clear input as to how Lightroom and Catalogues works. I have been playing around with a trial version for about a day now and find the Catalogue system and PP capabilities to be very good. I am not so concerned about those aspects, just Adobe's commitment to me not to change directions and leave me hanging with no way to recover.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I do not think you have to worry about Adobe's commitment All I will expect is CC getting better as time progresses

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Good input and recommendations.

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Thank you mborn for commenting about your confidence in Adobe's commitment to us photo shooters. I really am trying to make a case for getting LR, just have a lot to lose if my trust in Adobe's is misplaced.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

My suggestion is that you download Lr - I believe it has a 30-day trial - and try it for yourself.
Most people here will tell you that there is no better program than Lr, that it is a must-have, etc.
I did download it some time ago and gave it a fair try: I used it, if I remember right, at least 1/2 - 1 hour every day for the trial period. Reading up on it, checking YouTube and forums for instructions and hint, and decided that Lr and I were not made for each other.
I was told I didn't try it long enough, didn't make myself familiar with the features, etc., but in the end, as good a program as it may be, it is not for me!

Shootist Loc: Wyoming

Thank you for relating your experience. No matter how much folks say something is intuitive, actual experience may prove otherwise. I find learning photo managing programs a real challenge and some do not give a good return for my investment in time. Good to know when to pull the plug.
PS. The trial period for LR is now seven days.