by A.J. Wood

Lightroom 3 & Photoshop CS5 FREE Online Videos

Good afternoon all! It’s me, you’re humble Adobe Instructor back from the blogging break.

If you’re not already using my iPhone app then you may not be aware I’ve been posting videos for the latest Lightroom 3 & Photoshop CS5. Click over to the new Media Cats Learning Center or catch me unfiltered on YouTube for the latest video offerings. In the upcoming weeks I’ll be launching a new webinar series that will run twice a month. Watch for announcements on Facebook & Twitter.

That’s it for now. Enjoy the rest of your week.

in Adobe / News 1 comments
 by A.J. Wood

Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3 (beta 2) – Feature Comparison Review

This is feature comparison review of Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3 (public beta 2). While it is not my intention to be overly favorable of Lightroom, my opinions reflect those of an Adobe Community Professional & Lightroom enthusiast. There are definitely things I like in Aperture. That being said, what follows are my thoughts & observations about both products. Keep in mind, Lightroom 3 has not been officially released, and the findings here will be updated when LR3 ships.

PROGRAM INTERFACE

While suited to the same task, Aperture & Lightroom utilize different approaches to managing & adjusting images. This is apparent when viewing the layout of each program’s interface.

Aperture’s interface is divided into two primary areas–The Inspector & Viewer. The Inspector features three primary tabs for working with images–Library, Metadata & Adjustments. Images display in the Viewer in either a Grid, Filmstrip or Single Image view. The Viewer window remains constant when moving between Inspector tabs. The Inspector can be toggled on & off, and Aperture can be put into a full screen mode.

Lightroom’s interface is divided into modules coinciding with a digital workflow–Library, Develop, Slideshow, Print & Web. Within each module reside a left-side navigation panel, right-side adjustments panel, center image view area, and bottom film strip control. Images display in the center image area regardless of module, all panels can be toggled on & off individually, and Lightroom can be put into a full screen mode.

Comment – In terms of UI (user interface) I prefer Lightroom’s module approach. Having the UI align with the tasks at hand, leaves a lot of guesswork out for new users. I also prefer LR’s implementation of keyboard shortcuts. “C” for compare view makes more sense to me than OPT+O. Many of Lightroom’s keys have a root in the actual command.

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 by A.J. Wood

Adobe Software Updates – Camera RAW 5.7 & Lightroom 2.7

Adobe has released updates for both Camera RAW 5.7 & Lightroom 2.7. Lightroom users, you did install the Camera RAW update right? The following link to the camera raw support page provides the appropriate download links for both Mac & PC computers. Here are some additional tips when updating your software:

Camera RAW 5.7 – This update applies if you run Photoshop CS4, or Photoshop Elements 7 or 8. You’ll want to install this update if you also use Lightroom to ensure file compatibility. Download Mac or Download PC

Lightroom 2.7 – This update simply installs on top of your current version of Lightroom. There is no need to use your installation CDs UNLESS you’re upgrading from version 1 (but then where have you been?) Download Mac or Download PC

The latest camera support has been added to these updates, and a full list is available on the camera raw support page.

Known Issues According to the Read Me file:

  • Burning exported images to disc is not available for the Lightroom 64-bit Windows application.
  • Upgrading a Lightroom 1 catalog during a catalog import can create multiple temporary copies of the catalog while upgrading.
  • Lightroom performance can be impacted when the Window’s Recycle Bin contains thousands of files.
  • Lightroom may not automatically launch an import dialog when a memory card is attached to a Windows Vista computer. Please select the Import button in the Library and select the attached card reader to begin the import.
  • Lightroom 2.7 will not automatically migrate plug-ins located in the following directory: C:Program
  • FilesAdobeAdobe Photoshop Lightroom 2Modules. Any plug-ins in this folder should be moved to: XP: C:/Documents and Settings/{your_username}/Application Data/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules/ | Vista: C:/Users/{your_username}/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Lightroom/Modules/

Lightroom 2 Bugs – Fixed

  • Slideshow playback on Windows could cause Lightroom and/or the computer to crash.
  • The camera raw cache limit was increased to 200GB
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 by A.J. Wood

NAPP Nation – Photoshop World Orlando 2010

I’m still coming down from the high that is Photoshop World. Truly, as an adult it has become my favorite holiday. This was my 6th visit to PSW, but the first time I’ve attended in the spring. It was fun to catch all the great performances BEFORE everyone has a chance to talk about it on Facebook & Twitter. The party’s a lot more exciting when you don’t know what’s coming.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent in Orlando, and it was great to meet so many Twitter & Facebook folks in person for the first time. Chatted with Adobe folks at the Tweetup, and celebrated my 40+ birthday during the NAPP forum party. I met the genius that is @ErikBernskiold, chatted with fab designer @Firgs, hung out with the likes of @Elorg, @EGower, @AprilAndrews & the infamous @Vanelli. Caught up with friends Dawn, Terry & Heather, had a chance to chat some with David Ziser and his lovely wife LaDawn. I have been through most of the classes at PSW, so I was really looking forward to seeing new presentations. Zack Arias DID NOT disappoint. Walked away humbled, and excited at the possibilities. Of course, you can’t go wrong watching Joe McNally, and I enjoyed catching RC talk about websites for photographers & Rod Harlan share his knowledge of social media. Missed Alan Hess Precon, but had a chance to catch his session, and chat with him after the After Party. Some amazing talent at PSW, met Michael Green at the NAPP forum party (he’s featured in the Westcott catalog don’t ya know), Joey Wright at BB Kings (designers who photograph have an edge), chance encounter with Sandy Foster (from Dallas) at the NAPP forum party the day before she won the Vinny–CONGRATS AGAIN!!!

People ask me why I attend over & over–how could you not want to be around the best in the world as often as possible? I can’t emphasize this enough Photoshop World is THE learning conference to attend if you are a creative. I’ve been to Imaging USA, MacWorld & other events. Other conferences serve as infomercials for their presenters & vendors. PSW is not only a fun place to network with other creatives, THIS conference provides classes that educate, inspire & motivate the artist in all of us.

In summary:

Scott Kelby tells you what you missed at Photoshop World.

Terry Reinert has some ideas on what to do now that Photoshop World is over.

Here’s a quick Flickr gallery of snaps from PSW.

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 by A.J. Wood

Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3(beta)

UPDATE 04/26/2010 – I have written an updated feature comparison of Aperture 3 vs Lightroom 3 Beta 2.

You couldn’t have gotten too far into your day without hearing the announcement that Apple released Aperture 3 for photographers. I received a number of messages today, some asking if I heard the news, and many others asking “Should I get Aperture 3 now, or Lightroom 3 later?” My immediate reply to the Aperture vs Lightroom debate has been, “I don’t use Aperture, therefore no comment.” However, since people seem eager for my opinion (you know who you are) let me give you my initial thoughts on how the latest Apple release stands up:

Aperture 3 touts over 200 new features. I can say that photographers who already enjoy this product will find it a worthwhile upgrade. Looking through the list I saw many UI enhancements, but I also noticed many features already available in Lightroom 2, or set for release in Lightroom 3. But what about those new features?

== Aperture 3 New Features ==

Aperture Brushes vs Lightroom Adjustment Brush
Aperture 3 finally adds some targeted adjustments via the Brushes tool. Lightroom users have been enjoying this capability for over a year, and at first glance the differences appear only in the execution of how to apply adjustments. Both products offer an overlay mode to see where adjustments are painted. Both products offer a form of edge detection/masking to allow for clean lines when you paint. Aperture’s Brushes have a setting to either “brush in” or “brush away” an adjustment. Based on my initial assessment there may be additional tweaks you can apply using Aperture Brushes vs Lightroom’s Adjustment Brush.

Sharpening
The Aperture demo includes a quick video on Edge Sharpening using the Brushes tool. As a comment, sharpening in Lightroom via the Details panel or the Adjustment Brush appears to allow more control. Both programs allow you to brush in sharpness, but Lightroom’s Detail panel can quickly setup an edge mask without brushing.

Presets
Both products come ready with adjustment presets. Lightroom may have a slight edge for being out longer with more presets in the wild. Of course, Chase Jarvis thinks highly of the presets in Aperture 3.

Faces & Places
I have to admit Faces has a hip factor given you can find/sort photos visually using face recognition technology. Everyone I talked to is amazed by the possibilities, but I don’t know any pros taking advantage of it for tracking images. However, a big plus to this feature is the ability to tag friends on Facebook AND have new Facebook tags sync back to your Aperture library.

Places is pretty cool as well. Geotagging images has become more common, and Aperture has a variety of enhancements that utilize GPS image data for tagging, sorting & organizing. Lightroom can access GPS data, but my initial thought is Aperture makes it easier to use.

Full Screen Mode
Aperture 3 has a new UI mode that allows for full screen images with image controls available via HUD (Heads Up Display). Anyone stuck with one monitor that loves using LOTS of screen real estate will enjoy this feature. Lightroom has the ability to hide panels, but they do not float as in other Adobe products.

Slideshow
OK. I have to say this is the single feature that definitely beats Lightroom 2 & 3. Simply put, more options for slideshow creation including the ability to add video within the slideshow. Lightroom users have to wait until version 3 is released to get music back into their slideshows, Aperture does music and much more.

== Overall Evaluation ==

As I mentioned above, if you’re already an Aperture user this is a must upgrade. The question for photographer’s on the fence is “Which product do I buy?” Lightroom 2 was a leap ahead of Aperture 2 by adding targeted adjustments among other improvements. Aperture 3 closes that gap. My initial thought is the products are evenly matched at this point. I still prefer how Lightroom handles image/database management (a subjective opinion yes), and Aperture’s new Faces & Places technology or even its Slideshows might sway public opinion. However, I have more faith in Adobe to update Lightroom on a regular basis. Aperture 2 was a long time coming.

Bottom line is you should try out both products and see which one best fits your needs. For every argument I give you that Lightroom is the best choice, an Aperture enthusiast will counter with some cool feature they like.

In the end, remember it’s not the tool you choose, but how you choose to use those tools.

Look for a more detailed breakdown of feature comparisons as I get Aperture 3 loaded on my studio workstation in the upcoming week.

UPDATE 02/17/2010 – As noted over at Ars Technica some users are experiencing hard disk issues with Aperture 3.

UPDATE 02/21/2010 – Gene McCullagh grabbed Aperture 3 before me and provides his expert insight to the product. Also, Sean McCormack & Matt Kloskowski weigh-in on the debate.

UPDATE 03/22/2010 – Lightroom 3 Beta 2 has support for importing DSLR video files.

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