Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 software, the photographer’s essential toolbox for managing, adjusting and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. With new enhancements such as dual-monitor support, radical advances in non-destructive localized image correction, and streamlined search capabilities, Lightroom 2 is a compelling upgrade that simplifies photography from shoot to finish. As Adobe’s first application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Macintosh computers with Intel® processors and Microsoft® Windows® Vista® 64- bit operating systems, Lightroom 2 also provides improved memory performance for dealing with large scale images.

Smarter, Faster and More Accurate

The enhanced Library module in Lightroom 2 helps streamline and accelerate photographers’ workflows. With the ability to visually organize images across multiple hard drives, Lightroom 2 and its powerful Library Filter Bar makes it easy for users to quickly find the images they need. The Suggested Keywords feature helps photographers keyword their images by making intelligent suggestions based on their own previous efforts. New dual-monitor support allows users to expand their workspace, giving them flexibility to edit and organize images in a way that maximizes an additional display.

In the Develop module, the new Local Adjustment Brush lets photographers fine-tune specific areas of an image to precisely adjust color, exposure and tonal range without affecting other areas of the image. The new Graduated Filter expands the toolbox in Lightroom, allowing for edits to larger areas by applying gradually diminishing or increasing adjustment effects such as exposure, clarity, and saturation, alone, or in any combination. Lightroom 2 also helps photographers print more efficiently by quickly arranging photos of multiple sizes on one or many pages with flexible and customizable templates to maximize paper and ink. Intelligent algorithms automatically determine optimal sharpening for screen or print, producing crisper images faster.

Developers can further extend the Lightroom workflow with Web, Export and Metadata Software Development Kits available at the Adobe Developer Connection, http://www.adobe.com/devnet/.

Ground-Breaking Innovation in Raw Technology

New raw technology gives photographers access to flexible camera profiles. Camera profiles are the visual starting point for the raw processing workflow, but image preferences vary for every photographer. To minimize surprises, Adobe is supplying default camera profiles that closely emulate the visual looks that photographers are used to seeing from their favorite camera, while also providing the ability to create highly customized profiles to suit different tastes.

Camera profiles are available for immediate download on Adobe Labs (http://labs.adobe.com) for use with Lightroom 2 and Camera Raw 4.5, along with the DNG Profile Editor for the community to test and create their own profiles. The Adobe Camera Raw 4.5 plug-in and DNG Converter 4.5 are also now available on Adobe.com and support over 190 camera models including the Olympus E 420 and E 520 models.

One of the big reasons why Lightroom has become such a phenomenon among serious photographers is that Adobe built it with the input of a very vocal user community,” said Scott Kelby, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). “Adobe really listens to the issues and challenges today’s photographers face and they’ve built a complete solution that not only meets the needs of photographers; it really feels like it was made just for us. The enhancements to Lightroom 2, combined with the power of Photoshop, give photographers the ultimate freedom to produce professional images quickly.

Lightroom 2 on Adobe.com
http://www.adobe.com/lightroom

Camera Raw 4.5
Camera Raw was updated to 4.5 at the same time that Lightroom 2 was released.  It provides exactly the same rendering obtained in Lightroom 2.

Camera Raw/DNG Macintosh
Camera Raw/DNG Windows

Camera Profiles and DNG Profile Editor
Profile Editor
Profiles

Community Help and Resources
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Lightroom/2.0/
http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/photoshoplightroom/

Lightroom 2 SDK
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/photoshoplightroom/

Lightroom Journal blog post
http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/

Related posts:

1. Lightroom 2: Hello World!
2. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
3. Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS3: Stitching a Panorama

Along with managing one of the most popular software products of all time, John Nack, Adobe Photoshop’s Principal Product Manager, is also a blogging pioneer at Adobe Systems, Inc.

Having paved the way for folks like, well, me to blog and otherwise participate in public forums he has helped lift the curtain on the sometimes “mysterious” Adobe to reveal that the company is actually NOT staffed by droids — but rather human beings. At some “other” companies, blogging is expressly forbidden, so the fact that blogging is encouraged at Adobe is very refreshing.

In this video, John talks about what’s next for Adobe Photoshop, the future of digital imaging, and of course his sometimes controversial (but always informative) blog.

What if instead of giving you yet another way to do the same thing, what if we gave you the right way?

John is one of the most committed bloggers I’ve ever met, sometimes publishing multiple times a day. Remember, he also has a day job (and a family). It’s almost like he serves as a human RSS filter for legions of creatives. To get your “Nack-filtered” look at the creative world, just point your browser to:

http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/

Adobe Photoshop clearly has a bright future (and I’m not just saying that). Creative people everywhere can rest easy knowing that John Nack is on watch.

Related posts:

1. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
2. Photoshop Tutorial: Removing Crowds
3. Lightroom 2: Hello World!

Phil Clevenger is the man behind the Lightroom user interface. Phil and I sat down to chat about what brought him to Adobe – and what he learned from his time at MetaCreations designing rule-bending interfaces for software like Bryce and Kai’s PhotoSoap. He also gives some hints at some possible directions of the Lightroom UI, and his philosophy around the evolution of user interfaces in general.

Read more on the Lightroom Development Story

Note: Phil also designed the user interfaces for Poser 3 and 4, as well as KPT Vector Effects

Related posts:

1. Lightroom 2: Hello World!
2. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
3. Project: Photoshop Lightroom

I’ve pretty much grown up with Adobe products, as both a graphic designer and a photographer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen splash screens appear, and never really gave much thought to the names on the graphic.

Now having worked very closely with the people on the Photoshop Lightroom team, it’s clear how much blood, sweat, and tears go into each release of the software. And now that some my own skin is in the game, I am extreemly honored to have been included (and immortalized) in the splash screen of the next generation of digital image management software … Photoshop Lightroom 2 beta.

For a “pixel-geek” like me, this is almost the equivalent to getting your hand-prints in the cement outside of Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollyweird.

Related posts:

1. Lightroom 2: Hello World!
2. Phil Clevenger – Lightroom Interface Designer
3. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2

I’m very happy to be apart of this evolution of Lightroom and digital photography. Version 2 represents the latest in digital image mangement, non-destructive editing, and superior (and unmatched) integration with the Adobe Photoshop, the gold standard in image editing.

You can snag your free copy of the Lightroom 2 beta from Adobe Labs. Everyone is free to download and try the applicaiton for 30 days (even our competitors), and if you have a Lightroom 1.0 serial number you’ll be able to use the app for the duration of the beta period.

And of course, in the spirit of the first Lightroom beta we’ll be listening to, and incorporating user feedback into the final finished product. And you can bet, it’ll be stellar.

There are already a TON of videos, tutorials, and resources created to help you get up to speed quickly on this release, some of my favorite videos are over on the Photoshop User magazine Lightroom 2 Resource Center.  One of the best overviews I’ve read so far is from Ian Lyons. For some inside perspective and technical details, check out my co-worker Tom Hogarty’s blog.

Here are just a few of the new features you’ll find in the beta. (appropriated from John Nacks post)

• Library Module:
  
  • Streamlined Library layout
  • Smart Collections (based on search criteria)
  • Powerful Filter Bar to search and refine images
  • Suggested Keywords for simplified keywording
  • 10,000 pixel size limit raised to 30,000 pixels
  • Output-based collections
• Multiple monitor support:
  • Four flexible modes for an alternate window: Grid, Loupe, Compare, Survey
  • Live Loupe mode
• Export functionality:
  • Auto-add exported images to the Lightroom catalog
  • Auto Output Sharpening for images on export
• Develop Module:
  • Non-Destructive Localized Correction for dodging and burning specific areas of an image
  • Post-Crop Vignette
  • Basic Panel Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Improved Auto Adjustment
  • Improved memory handling through 64-bit support on OS X 10.5 and Vista 64-bit.(Not limited to develop module)
• Print Module:
  • Picture Package for multi-page layouts
  • Print Module output directly to JPEG
  • Enhanced Print Sharpening based on PhotoKit Sharpener algorithms
  • 16-bit Printing for Mac OS X 10.5

Again, I’m extreemly excited to see what photograpehrs are able to do with this software. Please download your copy of the Lightroom 2 beta, play with it, and post your comments in the Lightroom 2 Beta Forums.

Enjoy!

Related posts:

1. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
2. Phil Clevenger – Lightroom Interface Designer
3. Retouching Models in Lightroom 3

Go forth and download!

Preparing Images for Delivery
by Jeff Schewe

Rendering the Print: the Art of Photography
by Karl Lang

The Role of Working Spaces in Adobe Applications
by Andrew Rodney

A Raw Workflow in the Real World: The March of the Yellow Penguins
by Jeff Schewe

Digital Image Integrity
by George Reis

Calibrating the Digital Darkroom Environment
by Karl Lang

Black and White Conversion Tutorial
by John Paul Caponigro

Black and White Conversion ActionAbout Metadata
by Jeff Schewe

A Color Managed Raw Workflow
by Jeff Schewe and Bruce Fraser

Making the Transition from Film to Digital
by Michael Reichmann

Highlight Recovery in Adobe Camera Raw
by Jeff Schewe

State of the Art
by R. Mac Holbert

Related posts:

1. Turning on the Lightroom!
2. Digital Photography Workflow, not Workslow…
3. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2

Related posts:

1. Professional Photography at Adobe
2. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
3. The New Terminator Army

Related posts:

1. My New Photo Gallery!
2. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
3. Lightroom 2: Hello World!

Related posts:

1. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
2. Professional Photography at Adobe
3. Shooting with Robert Evans!

While hanging with my Dad over the Thanksgiving holiday, we took a quick field trip up to Red Rock Canyon – a perfect opportunity to snap a series of photos of the awe inspiring Red Rock Canyon. This photo was stitched together in Photoshop from 11 individual photos, using the Photomerge feature.Click the image to see it larger.

Related posts:

1. Turning on the Lightroom!
2. Portrait Photojournalism

I’ve been using the SmugMug plug in for a week or so, and wow… uh WOW.

Follow this link to plug-in goodness….

Related posts:

1. Lightroom 2: Hello World!
2. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
3. Project: Photoshop Lightroom

Related posts:

1. Robert Evans – Celebrity Wedding Photographer
2. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
3. Awesome Digital Photography White Papers

I’ve been trying to find the perfect gallery for my site/blog for several months now. And it looks like I’ve finally found my perfect solution in SlideShowPro. It was a bit of a pain to get installed, wired up, and working properly inside of my Wordpress blog, but it’s all good now, and it’s exactly what I need!

The software ships as an extension to Adobe Flash, or as an slideshow module for Lightroom. Also, the company  provides a content management system (CMS) back end called Slideshow Pro Director (pictured) that needs to be installed on a server running mySQL and configured properly. So, as you might imagine, it was a little bit of a geek-leap to get to where I am now.

Cr just click on “Galleries” in the nav above. Let me know what you think!

Related posts:

1. SlideShowPro for Lightroom Released!

Related posts:

1. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
2. Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS3: Stitching a Panorama
3. Phil Clevenger – Lightroom Interface Designer

Seth and Jamie are a great presenter pair (think Regis and Kelly). They play extremely well off of each other, yet somehow manage to cram their mountain of knowledge into an easily digestible weekend.

If you have the opportunity to attend this powerful workshop, jump on it.

Related posts:

1. Awesome Digital Photography White Papers
2. Shooting with Robert Evans!
3. Professional Photography at Adobe

So, in addition to frequenting San Jose Airport, I’ve been patiently waiting for the Adobe powers-that-be to grant permission for me to kick-off blogging about photography from an Adobe perspective, as well as Lightroom.

So, long post short… I now have written permission to write about Adobe stuff, my stuff, and what ever other stuff I want. I will do my best to keep you up to speed on professional photography at Adobe, and the latest developments in the Lightroom-verse. Watch this space.

Related posts:

1. Introducing Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2
2. Smashmouth Jams with Adobe!
3. New Lightroom Plug-ins!

Related posts:

1. Photoshop Tutorial: Removing Crowds
2. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
3. John Nack – Photoshop Principal Product Manager

Having recently accepted a position with Adobe Systems as Sr. Product Marketing Manager for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, I have been spending many hours getting to know the software – and the workflows of the photographers who live by it. Robert is one of those photographers, and this opportunity was almost too perfect. How often does a guy get to tag along with one of Los Angeles’ premiere A-list celebrity photographers – and see his workflow from beginning to end? It was a fascinating experience.

Robert is an amazing photographer, he’s been shooting for over 18 years and has become “best friends” with light. By this I mean he can anticipate its every move. He’s a human light meter. You can spot a professional when they can glimpse at a scene and spout out an f/stop and shutter speed combination… this is what he did for the entire event, his camera was on manual the entire time. Who needs Canon’s 9-bazillion point metering system when you’ve got 18 years of experience behind you. Be sure to check out his blog to follow him around the globe.

Thanks for the opportunity Robert, you sir, rock.

note: all of the images in this post were shot by Robert Evans.

Related posts:

1. Robert Evans – Celebrity Wedding Photographer
2. Shooting with Thomas Hawk
3. Professional Photography at Adobe

Related posts:

1. Awesome Digital Photography White Papers
2. Project: Photoshop Lightroom
3. Lightroom 2: Hello World!