via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi. I've used LR for about 10 years now. I've taught it at a local college as well as on a one-to-one basis and I have an LR website, viathelens.net. I recommend that you first go to the Adobe website and read portions of the online Help manual, in particular any part having to do with the Library Module. Do this prior to using the software. The Library Module is the heart of the software and learning it will help you to avoid problems and to use the software effectively. Know that LR does not store your images, you determine where they are stored and how they are organized. Second, once you link a folder to LR, you do this through the Import dialog, you must not change anything in that folder outside of the software as this will break the link. A third important thing is to read all of the boxes and settings in the software when you are importing, this is an area where people have problems. Do read up on the Library Module at Adobe. I like the Martin Evening book on LR, he knew the people who were involved in designing the software. The book is available as a download, too. To learn open a Catalog and use it as a practice catalog, using perhaps 10 or so images to work with. When you are done with it, delete the Catalog, this will not affect your images, and when ready open a new Catalog for your long-term use.

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

It appears after spending time with Lightroom and playing with the features, this is just what I wanted. Can assign keywords also. The develop module seems to be just as good as Adobe Bridge I have been using. Took some time to import 13000+ images but once they are imported Lightroom does not seem to have any trouble.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The keywords can be hierarchical, develop module is functionally identical to Adobe Camera Raw (it is the same engine, different interface), and you have other organizational tools like collections and the ability to create virtual copies (no extra disk space required) for when you want to experiment with image treatments.