Recommendations for getting the most from Lightroom 5?

[probedb]

I've had LR5 as part of the CC photographers package but I've still yet to use it properly.

I wonder if anyone can recommend any good guides? I prefer more technical stuff that authors essentially telling you that their way is best. I'd like to know how to use everything, manage albums etc. I've seen some Adobe Classroom books that are available for the Kindle.

I just thought I'd ask people before taking the plunge

[Colin RedGriff]

Have a look at http://www.lightroomqueen.com

She also posts tips on her Facebook page

[probedb]

I'd already seen that site. I was just after a basic, good introduction, I'll have a proper look through her site.

[Ed_P]

Back in the days of Lightroom 2, I realised (after using the "I don't need a manual" approach) that I probably wasn't getting the best out of the product. I invested in the "Classroom in a Book" workbook; read it and worked through the CD exercises. Quite an investment in time and effort, but I've never regretted it. It changed my whole post-processing workflow and I can't imagine working without Lightroom now.

There's loads of similar publications. I'd probably go for one of Scott Kelby's if I was doing it today.

[MikeGTi]

Adam Lerner over at Brooklyn Photo Works does some good guides.

I don't think he's made many LR5 videos yet though.

[probedb]

Thanks folks. I think I'll give the classroom in a book a try anyway and look through some of the links

[Gad-Westy]

Just got the Scott Kelby Lightroom book myself. It's a big old lump (400 ish pages). Not read enough to comment on it's usefulness but it certainly came highly recommended and looks damn comprehensive.

[sgrimshaw]

Big fan of Scott Kelby's books.

Also I find the training videos at kelbyone.com to be excellent.

[GravelBen]

Ed_P said:

Back in the days of Lightroom 2

I'm still using Lightroom 2! Is it worth upgrading to the current version?

[The_Jackal]

Yes.
The algorithms they use for clarity, contrast, highlights and shadows have been drastically improved.

[Ed_P]

GravelBen said:

Ed_P said:

Back in the days of Lightroom 2

I'm still using Lightroom 2! Is it worth upgrading to the current version?

I would definitely say so. Have a quick peruse of the "What's new in Lightroom 3, 4 and 5" collection of internet posts, for some overviews. Generally, some of the code has been optimised (runs faster), plus some useful enhanced features.

[GravelBen]

Cheers, good to know.

[Craikeybaby]

I used the Martin Evening books, I preferred his writing style to some of the others available.

[Chazcat]

I use Lightroomkillertips.com......no if you Google a bit you'll find various presets you can download and install...this is one of the things I like most about LR5