Lightroom and CS3

[Freckles]

Is lightroom necessary if you have CS3 (with Bridge)?

I've heard conflicting answers.

Thanks for your responses.

[JohnT]

Necessary as in "have to have?" No. You can still do satisfactory image editing with Bridge/PSCS3. However, I will say that I'm glad I migrated over to LR2. It's a great program and fits my workflow wonderfully.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Lightroom is a standalone application and has no dependencies whatsoever on Bridge or Photoshop. LR has the ability to create and view PSD files that are then passed directly over to Photoshop for editing. LR also has the ability to alter/adjust PSD files. I hope that clears up your question... which is really cut and dried.

- Wil

[Duffy Pratt]

If Bridge works for you in handling/sorting/finding your pictures, then you can pretty much do without LR. I don't think there is anything in LR's editing process that you can't do as well in Bridge (that may have changed with the new localized raw editing). LR may also have the edge in managing different outputs (web, email, print, etc...), but that edge should be fairly small if you are at all comfortable with PS actions.

Duffy

[JohnT]

The one huge advantage LR has over PS is the ability to modify an image without an increase in file size because you aren't dealing with layers. Personally, that and image cataloging are what appeal to me most about LR.

[photojournalist]

Not to get off topic, but have you try Photomechanic? It's cheaper than LR. Also, it's quicker and easier to work with if you ever do deadline assignments.


www.khamphaphotography.com

[Dokk]

what I use LR2 for is download from my mem cards, sort, then global edits like color balance, adjusting contrast, saturation, light sharpening, exposure and some special effects on a global level. If there's something that can only be done in CS3, I then export the photo with the lightroom changes directly to CS3, make my adjustments and retouches, then drop it back into LR2. From there, I can export my finished files to whatever format I want them in and save them or burn them to a disk. I can also make a quick slideshow for someone to view, save the slideshow to a disk. I can also export the files to a flash or html web page or print a contact sheet. It saves me a ton of time. I can take 300 frames, sort, adjust, retouch and have finished files on a disk in 3-4 hours using LR2 and CS3 together. I love it.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Originally Posted by Dokk

what I use LR2 for is download from my mem cards, sort, then global edits like color balance, adjusting contrast, saturation, light sharpening, exposure and some special effects on a global level. If there's something that can only be done in CS3, I then export the photo with the lightroom changes directly to CS3, make my adjustments and retouches, then drop it back into LR2. From there, I can export my finished files to whatever format I want them in and save them or burn them to a disk. I can also make a quick slideshow for someone to view, save the slideshow to a disk. I can also export the files to a flash or html web page or print a contact sheet. It saves me a ton of time. I can take 300 frames, sort, adjust, retouch and have finished files on a disk in 3-4 hours using LR2 and CS3 together. I love it.

Ditto.

- Wil