Waterback Loc: Alberta, Canada

Although I purchased PS Elements 10 several months ago and realizing PSE 11 is now out, I have not spent much time learning how to use it. From what I've read on UHH as well as conversations with a couple photo instructors, it seems that Lightroom is THE way to go, especially in terms of file management. Although I use computers a lot at work and recreationally, I don't think I can learn something like Lightroom or any photo software without instruction. Can anyone suggest an online course or instructional DVD or other means for learning LR4? Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Waterback... Adobe has a complete set of online video training sessions for Lightroom. Here is a link to the list of training topics for Lightroom 4:

http://tv.adobe.com/show/learn-lightroom-4/

Each training video covers a specific topic. Time for each varies, but most are in the 5 to 7 minute range.

And, Scott Kelby of kelbytraining.com has even more... his series takes about 3 hrs total:

http://kelbytraining.com/course/mkloskowski_lr4indepth01/?gclid=comrmlyuslmcfqu5naod7bqajw

Good luck! You will really enjoy Lightroom... I've had it since v.2 and can't see how I could do without it now.

Waterback Loc: Alberta, Canada

Gitchigumi

This is exactly what I was looking for. Many thanks for your advice!

Birdguide Loc: Ormond Beach, FL

The users of UH are great, so much to share and so willing to do so. I too am thinking of getting lightroom and this will help me find my way through the woods.

Kirk Lanier Loc: Arkansas

Scott Kelby also has very good books for using Lightroom. Depends on your learning style. I like the books because I can read the book and practice on the computer at the same time.

photophool Loc: Grosse Pointe Park, MI

Try Phil Steele's training courses, http://www.steeletraining.com/. I bought the Lightroom course ($47) and have viewed it multiple times. It has been instrumental in tapping the power of Lightroom. He doesn't cover every last option, but in conjunction with Adobe's on-line videos, I've gotten a firm grip on the software. The Adobe videos are good, but sometimes assume a level of knowledge that I don't always have, and sometimes go too fast (OK, just replay them). I have found the organizer in Lightroom invaluable and am in the process of moving all my photos there.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I bought Elements 10 about a year ago. I was frustrated with it for three months. Then I got Kelby and Kloskowski's book. They made me a happy camper in three days. But that was after really working at it for three months and I too am quite computer adept.

I bought Lightroom a month or so ago. It was a breeze compared to Elements. Possibly partly because of my experience with Elements: I had learned photography terms and editing functions and Adobe quirks.

Also Lightroom works seamlessly with Elements. It will recognize it is there on your computer and if you had used the Elements Organizer it will take in all your work on keywords.

PS: I don't find videos useful for learning this software because everything takes a bunch of steps and you can't follow it. Books are better. I have Kelby's book on Lightroom and it is good...not as good as his Elements one, though.

rcurrie Loc: Kingsport, TN

Laura Shoe has a great, comprehensive 10.5 hour tutorial. Go to laurashoe.com.

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

Tim Grey also has some great Lightroom Instructional videos. Very easy to understand

lnhaynie Loc: Southwest Colorado

I have been using Lightroom for a few years and do most of my PP with it. I would suggest that, before you even begin, watch Adobe's videos about organizing your photos, folders, and workflow. I didn't do that and really made a mess of things. You might want to check out Martin Evening's Lightroom book.

Waterback Loc: Alberta, Canada

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm picking up LR4 today and will also watch the the Adobe videos and perhaps look into some of the other instructional videos. I have some of Scott Kelby's books and like his writing style. Looks like I'll have lots of reference material - as well as all you great people on UHH. THANKS AGAIN - LOVE THIS SITE!