What's a Histogram Worth, Anyway?

Yesterday, I covered Aperture's image editing features, and highlighted the ones I found practical for my life. Today, I'm going to discuss Lightroom, and my findings.

I think I already mentioned how much I love the histogram tool. It's seriously the most useful tool in the entire application. If Aperture had it, I'd have everything I needed.

Another useful feature is the watermark tool. Unlike the one in Aperture, this is very simple. You simply type the text, and off you go. Here's an example:




I didn't edit the photo at all in Lightroom, but notice the watermark - it's perfect. Very professional. In Aperture, you're required to create one in Elements or an existing tool.

I also loved Lightroom's powerful presets. They're far better than what Aperture has. Here's an example:




I manipulated this photo in two ways:

1) I played with the tone curve tool. See, I can sort of learn! I brightened some of the shadows.

2) I realized that this photo would look much better in black and white. I chose the General: Grayscale option, and I think it's terrific. Very clean and simple.

How do I know what I did? The History tab in Lightroom tells me. It's great - another keeper.

Unfortunately, everything else in Lightroom seems to be better suited for my MSE and PhD customers, rather than for me. Examples:

Uploading to Flicrk took so many steps that I didn't bother. This is far easier in Aperture.

The interface is really difficult to navigate. Aperture is more file/directory-based.

Ideally, I would purchase both tools. If I did, I would use Aperture as my primary tool, and save Lightroom for the really "messy" pictures that need the most work. However, I want to upgrade in the next month, and I will definitely start with Aperture.

My next step is to understand and benefit from the Curves and Levels features. Till tomorrow!

The Pursuit of (Image Editing) Happyness

On Friday, I confessed that after much internally self-imposed resistance, even I would need to learn about image editing. This prior weekend, I set out to do just that.

I use Aperture - Version 2. I've always liked it, because it's very user-friendly. I did some research, and realized that there was an Aperture 3, as well as the latest version of Lightroom. Decisions, decisions.

Fortunately, both offer trials. I'm not a fan of evaluating software just for the sake of it, but I really needed to see if the two tools would provide me with everything I needed.

I started with Lightroom. The histogram tool is REALLY cool. That's the first thing I noticed. I pulled in this picture:



and decided to play with it in the histogram tool. This is what I got:





I actually really like it! The sky is a bit blue, but it has this stylized look that I love. Anyway, consider me a satisfied customer. Plus, check out the cool watermark.

So, why would I even go back and look at Aperture? Well, although it doesn't have the histogram tool, it has a few other things going for it:

1) It's much easier to use (for me)

2) The cataloging of projects and pictures is much easier (again, for me)

3) Easy-to-access presets and adjustments (especially dodge/burn, and polarizing)

4) Easy way to upload to Facebook and Flickr (something I do often)

5) The price: $99 (upgrade) versus $299 for Lightroom

I'm going to continue with the trial, but for now, Aperture is in the lead. I may sound lazy, but I will always want to spend more time composing and taking pictures, and less time editing them.

Tomorrow, I'll go into some specific features that I will begin including in my skillset. I will never become an image editing professional, but I am working towards competence.

Till tomorrow!