Being fairly proficient at Photoshop CS2, I'm wondering how long it will take me to get up to speed on Lightroom?

How long did it take you until you were very comfortable with it?

i became comfortable with lightroom fairly quickly - probably a month or so. it is a completely different program than photoshop, so remember that and don't get too stuck on the "i know photoshop so lightroom will be the same" idea.

you'll be fine... and most importantly: you're gonna freakin love lightroom!

I just started Lightroom 'bout a week ago and I LOVE it. It's sweet, but I'm still trying to figure out the way the Library works.

Maybe someone can explain it to me...

What's the difference between folders, catalogs, and collections? I'm so used to organizing he structure of how I save files on my computer through the Finder and then just accessing those structures through Bridge, and Lightroom seems to be forcing me to adapt to the Library, but I'm not really quite sure how it works and how it's set up.

It's a REALLY REALLY cool program though. I love it.

I am working from memory...but I think I understand at least two things...

1. Folders - these are folders exactly as you have on your computer. I typically import an entire folder of pictures in. The main issue is that if you don't import the "top folder", the "sub-folder" will be listed as whatever name you give it. For example, with my personal pictures, I have a folder called March which is contained in my 2007 folder. If I only bring in March, that is how it will be listed. However, if I bring in 2007, the "tree" is shown just like in windows explorer. It isn't as big of an issue if you name your wedding "Sam-Terri-6.28.06".

2. Collections - this is a really cool feature I think. You can create various collections and put whichever pictures you desire in the collection. They do not move from the original directory, but if you click on a collection, all of your pictures (as long as they are still in LR) will show up. Think of it like keywords. For example, I have a collection of pictures I use in my opening slideshow on my site called "Home Page Show". I change the collection contents without having to resave and mess around a lot...then export the pictures out, and upload the files.

I am not sure about Catalogs...can't remember that one.

I probably did a bad job explaining it...sorry if I create any confusion.

Just get in there and play with it. The super cool thing about LR is there arn't really any "hidden" tricks like PS. If you can do it - it's on a slider someplace. Just load up a set of test images in your library and spend a day or two just playing with it. Experement away. You'll be comfortable in no time.

Also run a search here on the forum for Lightroom and you'll probably find some gems of info.

To me, Lightroom is a bucher knife and Photoshop is a soupel. Used together they are very powerful and efficient. You're going to love it.

About 2 hours? No seriously - it's very easy to learn the basics. There are so many "tips" we could spend YEARS on but realistically you don't need all of them and there are 10 ways to do anything in LR. You can adjust the overall tone through the tone curve, histogram, or using the specific exposure/blacks/fill sliders, etc. It's really intuitive and you should be flying in no time.

Also if you want specific tutorial help, check my site to make sure the question hasn't been answered. I have done about 10 or so tutorial on LR (need to get doing more - need sleep.... choices choices lol)

No time at all, specially if you are using Adobe Camera Raw for raw conversion. If you watch Matt's tutorial you will be flying in no time.

As someone said here, the Library can be the most confusing aspect of LR. I think it is becasue the way is structure is fragmented, not the most fluid way of doing things. I had my hope in v 1.1 but was somewhat dissapointed by it... Oh, well. But that said, it is workable and for those who want simple folder structure and nothing else it is fine.

You may want to check Scott Kelby LR book.

Thats s a good descrpition Kevin. I use them both, but I am usuing Lightroom alot more for some of my final edits. It took me about 2 weeks to really get my workflow down, presets made, and then I was flying. You will love it. matt's tutorial's are awsome to get familar with LR. Check them out. Also there are some free presets out there as well, along with Kubota's for $20.