Too Early for using Lightroom?

[sebpayne]

Hi Everyone

After reading the write-up on Lightroom on here (and various other places), I am confused! Would it be stupid to start using Lightroom now for my workflow or could it be a good idea? I like the RAW processing and the image browsing - it is so much simpler than iView Media Pro with multiple catalogues! It is also nice not having to worry about changes being saved, thanks to the SQLite database. I also prefer the printing functions of Lightroom more than those of iView Media Pro.

So, if I transfer my collection in to Lightroom and used it instead of iView, is this a good idea? I'm a 'serious ameteur' (trying to move into Pro) and all photography is in my spare time. I do want good tools though :-)

Any adivce is gratefully accepted!

Seb

[peterkrogh]

Seb,
I would say it's a bit too early.  The most important issue is that the changes you make to a file are noted with an XMP schema that is likely to change.  This means that they may become unreadable at some time in the (probably near) future.

Additionally, the asset manager part is much less than fully cooked.  As a matter of fact, I would say that it has not really even started to be built.  Again, I would expect work you do now to be unavailable later.
Peter

[sebpayne]

Thanks Peter - That is what I guessed! I will buy your book as soon as I can - after purcashing a Photosmart 8250, iView Media Pro 3 and a 512mb card, my bank balance to have a break :-)

Also, what is the recommended cataloguing structure for iView Media Pro i.e. by month? by shoot? both? I was thinking of doing catalogues by shoot as well as an overall ones for all my images but should I do a monthly one as well.

Thanks Again Peter

Seb

[peterkrogh]

All covered in the book. Ideally, one catalog for everything.  If you have to split, then do it in big chunks, liike by year.
Peter