Lightroom Import and Export Process

Launching Lightroom

  • To start Lightroom:
    • Ensure the hard drive is connected.
    • Go to your laptop and locate Lightroom.
    • Open the file named Lightroom LRCAT (indicated by a red dot next to it).

Importing Photos into Lightroom

  • Importing involves three key steps:
    1. Initiate Import Process
    • Locate and click on the Import button situated in the bottom left corner of the interface.
    1. Select Photo Location
    • From the left-hand side, identify your hard drive name (not the memory card).
    • Click on the small triangle next to your hard drive name to expand the directory.
    • Navigate to Photos Go Here and select the folder named Exposure Exercise you created.
    1. Final Import
    • Click on the Import button located at the bottom right to finalize the import.
    • After completion, images should appear in Lightroom.

Troubleshooting and Help

  • If anyone encounters trouble:
    • Ensure the hard drive is plugged in properly.
    • If you see a loading issue, it could be due to a large number of photos being imported, making the process slow.
    • For unresolved confusion, seek assistance.

Overview of Lightroom Modules

  • Lightroom consists of various modules:
    • Library Module: Used for viewing images and organizing them.
    • Develop Module: Used for processing and retouching images.
    • Other modules include Print, Slideshow, and Book, but focus is on Library and Develop.

Understanding Lightroom Catalogs

  • Catalogs in Lightroom store information about images, not the images themselves.
  • The actual photos reside in folders on your hard drive.
  • Deleting an image from folders means permanent deletion from Lightroom and your hard drive.

Workflow in Lightroom

  1. Capture images with your camera.
  2. Return and connect your hard drive.
  3. Create a new folder:Photos Go Here.
  4. Transfer images from SD card to the new folder on the hard drive.
  5. Import images into Lightroom from this folder.
  6. Organize images by creating collections of favorites.

Creating Collections in Lightroom

  • Collections help further organize images:
    • Click the plus sign (+) in the collections panel.
    • Select Create Collection.
    • Give it a title (e.g., Exposure Homework).
    • Drag and drop images from folders into the new collection.
    • Use command key to select multiple images or command + A to select all.

Exporting Images from Lightroom

  1. Select images for export (use command + A for all).
  2. Click on the Export button.
  3. Fill in the Export options:
    • Export Location: Desktop.
    • Put in a subfolder: Use this option to avoid clutter.
    • File Naming: Rename with custom sequence (e.g., include your name).
    • File Settings:
      • Format: JPEG.
      • Quality: 75.
      • Color Space: sRGB.
    • Image Sizing: Resize to fit long edge at 2,500 pixels at 72 pixels per inch.
  4. Hit export; images will now be saved in the designated folder on your desktop.

Sharing Work via WeTransfer

  • To submit your work:
    • Go to Google and type in WeTransfer.
    • Input the instructor's email: mary.e.howells@hofstra.edu and your email.
    • Title the transfer Exposure Homework.
    • Drag the folder from your desktop into the WeTransfer window and hit Create Link.
    • Copy the generated link and paste it into an email to send to the instructor.

Understanding Pixels and Image Basics

  • A pixel is the smallest unit of an image.
    • It is an indivisible element that holds a specific color.
  • Image resolution is based on human visual acuity: 200 pixels per inch is needed for clarity.
    • A typical 24-megapixel camera yields an image size of 4,000 x 6,000 pixels:
    • This totals to 24 million pixels.
  • Each pixel has three RGB values:
    • Representing red, green, and blue.
    • Determines pixel color and value (lightness/darkness).

Color Theory in Digital Photography

  • Colors are based on RGB (red, green, blue) system; their combinations create all visible colors.
  • Understanding Hue, Saturation, and Value (Brightness):
    • Hue: The color itself (e.g., red, green).
    • Saturation: Intensity or purity of the hue.
    • Value: The lightness or darkness of the color, measured from black (0) to white (100).
  • In Lightroom, color values range from 0 (black) to 100 (white) for each RGB component.

RAW Files

  • A RAW file contains unprocessed image data from the camera.
    • Only one color per pixel is recorded.
  • In order to view a full-color photo, the RAW data must undergo processing to blend the RGB values.
    • This process occurs during import and editing in Lightroom.
    • The camera provides a JPEG preview for viewing purposes.

Homework Assignment Overview

  • Assignment: Take two images from five selected genres (e.g., portrait, landscape, still life).
    1. List of genres provided in the lecture.
    2. Due by Sunday night.
  • Genres of photography may include:
    • Portraits
    • Environmental Portraits
    • Landscapes
    • Still Life
    • Vernacular Photography
    • Documentaries
    • Street Photography
    • etc.

Final Reminders

  • Bring objects for still life photography to the next class.
  • Practice the import/export and collection organization process in Lightroom.
  • Make a note of open lab times for further practice on campus.