Until recently, the two main computer programs I used to process digital photos were Photomatix Pro and Adobe Photoshop. I was also aware of another program, Adobe Lightroom, used by many photographers, but really did not want to spend $300 for ANOTHER program. Well, those folks at Adobe are good marketers. They offered a free trial of their Lightroom 3 until the new version 4 appeared. I decided to try it and immediately could see the benefit of this program. It allows me to quickly do many of the operations I used to do in Photoshop plus helps me keep track of the thousands of images I have. But there was still the matter of the $300. However, when Adobe released the new and improved version 4, they had a pleasant surprise; they reduced the price to $149! I think they are trying to increase the number of people using their program. So now I am a happy camper, using a GREAT new program at not too painful a price. If there is one program you are looking for to improve your photos, I recommend Adobe Lightroom 4 without reservation.
I guess it is a little deceptive to say I only use those three programs. I also use what are called plug-ins for Lightroom and Photoshop. The ones I use are the Topaz Photoshop bundle and OnOne Software’s Perfect Photo Suite for Lightroom and Photoshop. The framing of the picture you see here came from Perfect Photo Suite.
Speaking of this picture, here’s the story. Mary records at Raven Recording in Denver, run by Jim Ratts — a great studio run by a great guy. Most of her vocals are done as a solo. However, she invited the girls to sing along with her on a song, and I grabbed this photo, taken on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Nice picture – sounds like it was taken last September – what song did the girls record with Mary?
Yes it was taken 9/11/2011. They were recording a new song Mary wrote for our 2011 year in review, kind of like the one we did for 2010.
Thanks for sharing the spiritually moving photo and the information about Adobe Lightroom. Photo shop is still my favourite program.
Photoshop is awesome, and I definitely still use it, John. I can see from your work that you are a master at it. But the learning curve is just too steep for the average person. For those not interested in investing a lot of time in Photoshop, I think Lightroom is a good alternative, especially considering the price differential. For my own work, I am finding the programs to be complementary. My only complaint with Adobe has been the price of their software. I’m hoping they will reduce the price on the new Photoshop 6 like they did Lightroom.
My favorite time with my family is when we’re making sweet music together. I guess you might say that we live a harmonious life! Thanks for posting the pic, Craig. Too bad you weren’t in the picture, too.