Adobe Lightroom 4 for a beginner? Yes or No?

Question

I've always used a free software to edit pictures. I downloaded a trial version Photoshop CS5 and was utterly confused by it. I managed to do the bare essentials as far as photo editing goes and then my trial ended.

Lately I've been looking at Lightroom 4 as my official photo editing software but have never used it. From people with experience with it, is it user friendly? Would it suffice to editing portraits?

I like to keep my work as natural looking as possible so I'm not sure I would need the wide array of artist capabilities that Photoshop offers (plus it's insanely expensive).

I'm just looking for some feedback that is relatable to a novice user willing to learn.

Answer 1

If Photoshop is too advanced, then there is no reason to get into Lightroom. Look at something like Googles Picasa, which is free, has basic editing capabilities, is simple, and has a good interface for organizing photos.

Answer 2

No questions asked, the best site for Photoshop tutorials is: http://www.photoeditinglessons.com



All tutorials are in video format, which makes them easier for you to follow along with the instructor. The videos are interactive and very easy to follow, this will help you learn piano three times faster. Good Luck!

Answer 3

You should probably be serious about your photography to use Lightroom. But everybody's a beginner using Lightroom once - so if you want to learn, it's not hard - just follow the tutorials and training, it's free and in-depth

Answer 4

I use all three but Lightroom is the one I use first to store and find my digital photos and perform minor adjustments and edits.



http://aviewfinderdarkly.com.au/2011/11/23/which-photoshop-is-the-best-software-for-photographers/

Answer 5

Get Photoshop Elements 10 instead - it's designed with beginners in mind - it's only $100.



Lightroom is not a replacement for Photoshop CS5. It has limited pixel level editing.

Answer 6

Lightroom is by no means a replacement for photoshop - they're meant to work together. Lightroom allows you to arrange/categorize photos, color balance, sharpen, correct for distortion, etc etc. The 30 day trial of Lightroom 4 might still available - if so, download it.