Need help learning Lightroom 5: I just obtained Lightroom 5 and installed it on my computer. I know nothing about it and would like some suggestions on how to educate myself on this...

Callisto Loc: Charlottesville VA

I just obtained Lightroom 5 and installed it on my computer. I know nothing about it and would like some suggestions on how to educate myself on this software. I know there are many videos available on the Internet but I learn by studying things slowly and these videos, although great for some people, do not help me much.

I would prefer to get a book with many examples (Kelby, Evening?). A key point is that the book must be very clearly written. I would like to be up and running quickly but at the same time be able to go back to the book for details. I have seen a number of books on Amazon but dont know which to pick.

I use Amazon Kindle and want all sample images available for download.

I have PhotoShop CS6 and know much of the basic stuff (selections, layers, masking, etc) and some of the more advanced things (e.g., focus stacking, making panoramas, etc).

I want to jump into Lightroom and get the basics quickly and see how this works with PhotoShop.

Thanks for any suggestions on how this can be done

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Read books on your Kindle all you want. But if you would like to speed up the learning process, spend $25 for a month's access at Lynda.com. Then take this four hour course: http://www.lynda.com/Lightroom-tutorials/Up-Running-Lightroom-5/124068-2.html

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Lightroom Video Tutorials

http://blogs.adobe.com/jkost/lightroom-training-videos

utube full of them.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

The are Lightroom tutorials galore in the Post Processing Section on this forum:

Click here to come in and look around
Click here for the Tutorials and Tips index page
Click here for the Free software index
Click here to subscribe to the Post-Processing Digital Images section, click on "All Sections" and scroll to the second-to-last item:
Post-Processing Digital Images and click to subscribe in the appropriate box.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I agree with using Lynda.com. Jan Kabili, Julianne Kost, Chris Orwig and Terry White. Tutorials on youtube are okay but a full course from beginning to end is much better and ties everything together. If you insist on a book, I would suggest "Classroom in a Book".

bsprague wrote:

Read books on your Kindle all you want. But if you would like to speed up the learning process, spend $25 for a month's access at Lynda.com. Then take this four hour course: http://www.lynda.com/Lightroom-tutorials/Up-Running-Lightroom-5/124068-2.html

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I know you stated that you didn't like youtube, but Terry White has some great videos from the beginning to advanced on Lightroom 5. I just installed Lightroom 5 4 days ago and have gotten more out of his video's than anyone's. It costs nothing and if you don't like it, nothing lost!

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Tim Grey is good too, he's at B&H and youtube. Also free.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Callisto wrote:

I just obtained Lightroom 5 and installed it on my... (show quote)

It surprises me that so many Americans are either unaware of or unable to recommend Phil Steele Training.

For $39 you get LIFETIME access to this course which takes you from soup to nuts. Yes it's video, but heck, you can start and stop, go back, jump forward at will and at your own pace ! Here's the link to this course which will do everything you ask for in a clear and concise and readily understandable manner .......

http://steeletraining.com/lightroom-course.htm?utm_expid=25961468-33.MEtFw4i1Sn6N8PesoaiGkw.0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fsteeletraining.com%2Fcourses.htm

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

I can't imagine learning any more from a paid video, than I do from free ones. Most of the time I watch the short ones (5-10 minutes) so I don't get overwhelmed. Learn a few steps, go practice, then learn a few more and so on....

Learning resources are endless.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Adobe has lots of free instruction.

http://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom.html

http://tv.adobe.com/product/lightroom/

Lynda is excellent. Take advantage of the free week and see what they have and how it works. If you like it, pay for a month.

Also look at creativelive.com. They have free instruction that last from one to three days. You can watch for free, and you can also buy it.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

bsprague wrote:

Read books on your Kindle all you want. But if you would like to speed up the learning process, spend $25 for a month's access at Lynda.com. Then take this four hour course: http://www.lynda.com/Lightroom-tutorials/Up-Running-Lightroom-5/124068-2.html

There is oodles of free videos on youtube.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Fairly inexpensive DVD and rated good is "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5: The Fundamentals & Beyond" by Laura Shoe. http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom-Fundamentals-Workshop/dp/0985301430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411734802&sr=8-1&keywords=adobe+photoshop+lightroom+5+the+fundamentals+%26+beyond

Callisto wrote:

I just obtained Lightroom 5 and installed it on my... (show quote)

WAR10CK Loc: Blacklick, OH

I'm a big fan of the "for dummies" books and literally just bought the Lightroom for dummies last night. They are always informative and have many references to other material. They are not expensive. $17 on my Nook.

djb663 Loc: Massachusetts

When I first started using Lightroom, I got Scott Kelby's Lightroom Book. Although somewhat long and daunting at first, if you go slow and take your time, it proves to be an invaluable tool that really leaves no stone unturned. He used to put it out in a spiral bound version, what a difference maker for this type of follow along book! Good luck.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

djb663 wrote:

When I first started using Lightroom, I got Scott Kelby's Lightroom Book. Although somewhat long and daunting at first, if you go slow and take your time, it proves to be an invaluable tool that really leaves no stone unturned. He used to put it out in a spiral bound version, what a difference maker for this type of follow along book! Good luck.

I've seen the book but I find watching a video and seeing things in action is many times better than words and many times faster to get start. I can read a math book and learn or have a professor at the board, step by step. :thumbup: