The Lightroom Playground - Week 3

[Elemobe]

The purpose of this weekly challenge is to encourage creative experimentation with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. All Lightroom users are welcome to join in and for those who don't have Lightroom but wish to play, here (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/) is the link to the 30-day trial version.

Please make any adjustments you choose to the following image and post your results in this thread. Share how you processed the image and provide information on any develop presets used. All modifications on the image must be made in Lightroom with the exception of sharpening, noise reduction, and resizing. Matt Kloskowski's Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips (http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/) is a great source for Lightroom Develop presets.

Here is the link to this weeks photo. It is a large Jpg image not RAW, but as you know, Lightroom still works as well with it.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ilj8l4

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1oxAYVbgv3Ift2K9LfC71wAiRrUpKN_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1oxAYVbgv3Ift2K9LfC71wAiRrUpKN)

[JulieM]

Linda,

I love your image! Hope to have some time tomorrow to play...

[JulieM]

I loved this photo, Linda. Thank you for an interesting selection! To me it was perfect for Matt's Surreal Edgy Effect (http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/2007/video-surreal-edgy-effect/). Here is my go at it:

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1q3eJEoGBjlCXj2pp8KlKP969QUqr1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1q3eJEoGBjlCXj2pp8KlKP969QUqr1)

I made a User Preset out of the settings and tried it on a bunch of photos in my library. Very interesting effects on all sorts of images.

[Elemobe]

Julie, glad you liked the photo. The edgy effect is perfect for this one and has worked really well. I love the sky, who would have thought that boring overcast sky could look that good.

I have done one but will wait to post until others have had a chance.

[bayhli]

This is a great image Linda. I wanted to focus on the wonderful vine on the truck and bring out the fall foliage, but I also wanted the stone fence in the background plus that great sky - what a cropping dilemma! So I left it all in. I did my usual basic developing steps on it, including sharpening in LR and was surprised as well at how nice the sky was afterwards.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1X7ziCZ5bn9V1bbewsUGefn9Mycf0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1X7ziCZ5bn9V1bbewsUGefn9Mycf0)

Julie - Once again that Surreal Edgy Effect looks super on this image - well done! I MUST go and download that preset - sure a nice one.

Great photo Linda, thanks!

[Elemobe]

Oh, that has worked well also. Love the blue. Interesting how different effects can alter the image so much and work equally well.

I took this photo when I was out looking for panning shots for the "Understanding Exposure" exercise!!!

[Chuck S.]

I used the surreal edgy effect as well, along with some selective changes in hues and saturations and a WOW vignette at the end:

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1rVrNBejjaFa07C9GO6tm2DTxZcrf_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1rVrNBejjaFa07C9GO6tm2DTxZcrf)

[bayhli]

Chuck, what I love about what you did with this effect was that you emphasized the leaves and vines - like they start from the ground, move toward and then swirl up over the truck. Love it! It seems to work better without a crop like I did.

I finally got to watch that video tonight, had to get iTunes back on my computer first. I'll definitely use this one.

[Elemobe]

Chuck, love it. You have pushed that edgy feel to....well the edge:) The edgy effect definitely suits this image. Great lesson to learn (and hopefully remember) that battered aging items are going to suit Matt's technique.

What I also like is the way the Lightroom adjustments have really bought out the sky. Actually, the adjusted photos are closer to the reality that day. It was dry but the sky was dramatic most of the day and then in the evening there was a beautiful sunset. The photo in my gallery was taken on the same day about 1 1/2 later.

Here is my take:

Indian Summer preset (like this preset for dramatic effects) - then adjusted more.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1j6aqwQC3r6GWV8aRs2RqYHhlmIy3_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1j6aqwQC3r6GWV8aRs2RqYHhlmIy3)

[bayhli]

Gold Star, Linda! Really like this one, even the leaves in the background pop out and that sky is beautiful with this preset.

Would you remember the link for this preset? Thanks.

[Elemobe]

Thanks Pat.

Yes, found the site, quite a good one. I also found a few other presets I haven't downloaded yet.

Just click the "Download all colour presets" link, that's the one that contains Indian Summer.

http://inside-lightroom.com/colour.php

[GaryK]

I just got the 30 day trial going. I will be joining in next run.

Only played a bit but really liked it.

I might be getting a late Christmas pressie from myself.:D

[JulieM]

Has your Playground Application been approved by the Admissions Committee? :D:D:D

[GaryK]

Um.... errrr... ummmmm.... please can I? can I? huh? pretty please? pretty please with sugar on top?

You guys never let me have any fun.:twisted::D:D

I'm working tomorrow anyway, so I won't be able to do anything until the committee has convened.

[JulieM]

Well, I think a spot just may have opened up for you. Providing you agree to be added into the rotation for submitting the weekly playground image. (or hand over your lunch money...:twisted:)

We'll be glad to have you join us, Gary! :)

[GaryK]

Great.:D

It looks really cool .. I am still figuring out the interface but what I have done so far is fun.

I can't wait to get this second car crap out of the way .. it is really eating into my fun time.:mad:

[bayhli]

Hey Gary,

If you decide to buy LR (and you will!) check out Ebay. Got mine for $100.00 no problem.

Julie, you're such a softee - I say take his lunch money! :twisted:

Welcome to the club Gary...

[GaryK]

Pat

Thanks for the idea.. I have never bought anything off of Ebay. I was kinda shooting for the educational discount.;)

Julie

I'll send you a Tims Gift Certificate in lieu of lunch money.:D

[JulieM]

Julie

I'll send you a Tims Gift Certificate in lieu of lunch money.:D

Gee, I never knew schoolyard bullying was so easy! :D

[bayhli]

I was kinda shooting for the educational discount.

Gary... well in that case you likely don't need Ebay. You might do even better.

[Elemobe]

I have a confession to make!!! I am using the trial version which actually expired a couple of weeks ago.

I am trying to buy it with the Education Discount, which I qualify for. I am a tutor with a recognised institution. Now Adobe are saying that as it is also a registered charity I have to go through an authorised dealer (hmmm, strange, I thought that would have been Adobe). I looked at the dealers and they really want me to jump through hoops. Of course I have proof which I have already submitted but they also won't accept a personal e-mail, must be the institution's e-mail and the order submitted on their letter head. We use our own e-mails unless office based, which I'm not - a 600 mile return journey is probably pushing it daily!!!! As for ordering on the Institute's paperwork:eek: This is for me to use, I haven't made any secret of that.

I haven't given up yet, because we are part of a University, which they probably did not know. Hopefully then I can buy direct from Adobe. Otherwise I will be on e-bay - thanks for the tip on that one Pat.

Anyway, in the meantime, I have discovered that If I don't shut Lightroom down, it will continue beyond the 30 days - so I am still using it:D

[GaryK]

Linda

Have you had a look at the www.academicsuperstore.com (http://www.academicsuperstore.com).

They may have less stringent rules for what is required or at least how it can be submitted.

[Elemobe]

Gary, Oh you tease - it looks great, and much cheaper than i can get it - but I'm in the UK so not available to me:(

[GaryK]

Linda

I am so sorry.. I keep forgetting about the international people when I post links like that.:o
Funny thing is, I should remember, even though we have close ties with the U.S. we don't often qualify for the same pricing deals.
I can't us that link either. I have to go to the .ca store.

So sorry again.

[gsansoucie]

Anyway, in the meantime, I have discovered that If I don't shut Lightroom down, it will continue beyond the 30 days - so I am still using it:D

I was doing the same with my PSE 6.0 Trial (though I honestly forgot). All was well before it crashed yesterday!!!

Thus my attempts at moving up my desire to purchse Lightroom. . .

I think Lightroom *might* make my 5000 Film Negative scanning project a little easier. . .

[Elemobe]

Glen, have you done the 30-day Lightroom trial yet? Sounds like a big project and you need all the help you can get;)

[Elemobe]

Good news, Adobe were really helpful and have approved my verification. Lightroom is whizzing its way to me.

Phew!! Thought my "playground" days were over.

Gary, no apologies necessary. Must be even more frustrating for you, so close and yet so far!

[JulieM]

Good news, Adobe were really helpful and have approved my verification. Lightroom is whizzing its way to me.

Phew!! Thought my "playground" days were over.

Gary, no apologies necessary. Must be even more frustrating for you, so close and yet so far!

Hooray! Glad they accommodated you...

[GaryK]

Oh man, I feel like such a newbie.

How do I save a photo that I have adjusted.

I see the "export" section but can't quite figure out what the heck I am doing.
I'm likely missing a dropdown box or checkmark or something.

Just getting ready for the next playground entry.:)

[Edmund]

Well I couldn't resist. I am now a official Lightroom holder. Here is my reworked image. Nothing great just played with all the sliders till I saw what I liked.
Eddie

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1tvrk95IIvIHGmxxVkk4I3ON1d80_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1tvrk95IIvIHGmxxVkk4I3ON1d80)

[jigamaree]

Gary,

If I remember right, when an image is worked on from within Lightroom, the changes are always there, there is no need to save. (Although it is always a good idea to backup the catalog!) You can move on to another photo, and then go back to the first one and your changes will still be there. In the develop module there is the reset button which would put it back to original. I use the export function to send a picture to a folder that I use for my emailing pictures to people.

Greg

[Edmund]

Gary , It took me a while to figure it out but I think this is basically what I did. When I finished editing in the develope module, I went back to the Library module and clicked on the export button on the bottom of the screen and saved it to a folder on my desk top then right clicked to open in elements to resize and frame and save for the web. I probably could have done some of those steps in Lightroom but am not that familiar with the program yet.:D
Eddie

[JulieM]

Glad to have you with us, Eddie. I like your interpretation of Linda's truck. Fun program, isn't it?

[Chuck S.]

Gary , It took me a while to figure it out but I think this is basically what I did. When I finished editing in the develope module, I went back to the Library module and clicked on the export button on the bottom of the screen and saved it to a folder on my desk top then right clicked to open in elements to resize and frame and save for the web. I probably could have done some of those steps in Lightroom but am not that familiar with the program yet.:D
Eddie

Eddie, the Export dialog box will allow you to set the maximum width and height in pixels and has a percentage slider for quality. The settings are 'sticky', so you can save as many images as you want with the same settings if desired. There may be a way to add a frame, but I haven't found that yet.

[Edmund]

Julie, Its a great program but I have so many programs that I'm starting to get confused on which one to use.
Eddie

[GaryK]

Greg, Eddie .. Thanks.

I was trying to save one to open in Elements or at least to put in a folder so I could open it.
It took me 15 minutes just to figure out how to open a picture I just wanted to try something on.:rolleyes:

I also tried printing with horrendous results but had missed the button for colour management.:)

[jigamaree]

Gary,
When I want to open a photo in PSE, all I do is go to Photo in the menu bar (in the library module) and select edit in Elements. It will create a copy of the file that you were working on.

One of the things that I learned in the process is it isn't easy to get rid of a picture! For instance, I edited a picture in PSE and returned to Lightroom.When I went to delete it (I wasn't happy with it), it went away from the filmstrip but not from the folder. I had to go into folder view (right click the image and select go to folder in library) From there, I could permanently delete the image.

I, too, haven't had much luck printing from Lightroom. It could be my old HP photoprinter. What I do, is open the picture in Elements and print from there. At least this is how I will until I figure out a better way.

Greg

[jigamaree]

Gary,

I looked inside the folder on pictures that I have edited with Lightroom and it adds a file- imagename.xmp to the folder. My guess is this file contains the changes to the original file that I edited and the original stays untouched.

Greg

[GaryK]

Greg

The .xmp part I kind of knew from the ACR in elements.. plus I had watched a couple of podcasts by Bert Monroy and his guest explained that.
I will have to have a look at the menu choices. I just d/l it the other day and still have over 20 days to play. Hopefully by then I will have the paid version.:)

[bayhli]

Hi Gary,

It took me awhile to get used to actually not saving. I'm still not clear on all the options around the xmp files but the changes are stored and updated according to what you select as preferences. I import a copy of my original image and have it converted to .dng. - this is mainly because I "think" I don't have to worry about understanding anymore than I do amount the xmp files as this xmp metadata is safely stored with the image with no worries about updating the xmp files. I just don't get all that that so I'm playing it safe (I hope).

Under the "photo" menu you will find the "export for editing" choice, which you set up for whatever editing program you are using. Works well. During that process choose "edit a copy with LR adjustments". LR will make another copy in .psd format with "edit" added to the file name -when you are finished editing, say in Elements, use "save as" and that LR .psd file will pop up which you need to save over, to have your edits in Elements save back to LR. It also then puts that edited file in the same catalogue file as your LR original so that they stay together, if that's what you want.

I'm not sure this is making any sense at all to anyone else. I'm finding it hard to explain LR in bits and pieces - probably because I've only scratched the surface myself.

It's common to make a "virtual copy" of your LR image to work on in LR - Photo Menu > create virtual copy.

The book that I am working from is excellent altho a little expensive and there is an update online to download subsequent chapters for the upgrades to LR. It's "The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book (The Complete Guide for Photographers) by Martin Evening.

Greg: When you delete an image - you should get a pop-up which lets you choose to delete it only from the library (LR) OR from the disc (which takes it out of the LR folder completely). Be sure you have a master image somewhere tho if you still want that picture because it will be gone, gone, gone.

A lot depends on how you set up everything to begin with, so I think its wise to spend some time understanding and deciding how you want to set up your catalogues, folders and original images.

I'm a little late in replying and you're probably miles ahead of this by now! :rolleyes:

[Elemobe]

Gary, I found it very strange/uncomfortable not saving - for a long time. Now I just know I don't have to - ever!!

I used the Beta and imported quite a few photos. Loved the programme but could not justify the expense. I later downloaded the trial - and all of my previous photos appeared, complete with all of the edit history - even the ones that I had actually deleted from iPhoto (only had the thumbnails of course).

I didn't buy it then and did another trial - photos still there.

I have now bought it (arrived this week:D) so I make changes and that's it.

Deleting photos, I just hit the delete key and a message comes up whether I want to delete from Lightroom or from disk.

I printed my first photo from Lightroom yesterday. I had the "printer manages colour" ticked and it was straight forward. This module is definitely worth getting used to due to its flexibility in how the photo is printed.

I bought the book that Pat recommended, really good book and gives a lot of in depth information.