On my travels I am repeatedly asked how I download and organize all my photos. In a word, LIGHTROOM! I use Adobe Lightroom for both organizing and cataloging, as well as any tweaking that a photo might need to look like what I saw when I took the picture. It is a powerful program, and now there is a great update.
Lightroom 4 is out, and the price is only $149!. If you have Lightroom 3 you can upgrade for around $79. I highly recommend this upgrade, as new things were introduced and other areas strengthened. There are free training videos on line, like the one from Adobe (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html?PID=3919855). A quote from the Adobe site;
” What is Lightroom?
Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 software provides a comprehensive set of digital photography tools, from powerfully simple one-click adjustments to cutting-edge advanced controls. Create images that inspire, inform, and delight.”
For more in-depth training I would highly recommend joining NAPP, (photoshopuser.com) and Kelby Training. Here is an excerpt from the Lightroom 4 Launch video on the NAPP site;
“Your hosts Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski have created 10 very helpful video tutorials on the new beta features that include improved video support, soft proofing, ability to email photos directly, new photobooks (Scott’s favorite), and some great new adjustments for making your photos look their absolute best.”