Simplify Workflow

[canons900]

I currently use the most current version of CS to process raw files.
Adjust WB
Set exposure
remove all sharpening from image
Save as tiff

Open tiff in CS and maybe run an action.

Move to qimage for for printing. Print with a Canon IP6700d using Red River paper and their profile.

Burn to DVD as needed and archive in Pixfiler.

All changes are made on a PC.

I want to simplify my workflow, aperture and lr (lightroom) seem to be good tools for raw processing and qimage now does some WB, exposure and fill.

I really try and keep it simple and not do too many adjustments, for me, it seems that less is more when I post process. And I am working on getting it right in the camera to minimize adjusts even more.

My question is this: how can I make this easier, what do lr and aperture do that my current workflow won't do? Will either make it simpler or faster for DAM mgmt and post process?

I am trying to use the least amount of SW possible to manage raw processing and asset mgmt.

What does aperture and lr give me if anything? I have a mac book pro, a g4 powerbook and my current pc. Printing wise, Qimage is tops, been using it for about yrs now and will continue.

Going to a mac is no problem, especially now that they run windows better than a PC imo. Not a pc bash, just my opinion. I have reviewed lr and aperture and will be getting a copy of aperture tomorrow. A benefit of working for a company that is 60% mac and publishes magazines and being in IT.

Should i change anything? I would have to add my entire library of assets into either aperture or lr, but that is fairly simple enough. using CS is a given, it is the best, but my thinking is if I can make things easier by managing my photos better and using lr or aperture to do raw changes, then touch ups in CS, can I effectively manage my images with either app? Or should I stay where I am.

Am I making it harder on myself, or will anything be more efficient? I hope this makes sense as I have really simplified my process in trying to lay it all out for you.

Any comments or feedback is appreciated.

[Zazoh]

Sounds like a lot of work for minor changes. Do you really need the changes or are you tweaking because you can? I ask because I used to think I had to touch and tweak and double check ever picture. One day, while sitting at my computer, I asked myself "what the hell are you doing?" I like to shoot pictures and either print or put them on the web, not sit and finese every picture.

I changed my workflow dramatically. I use DPP and Picasa 2, both free, that is it, shoot nearly all in JPG and get quite a few right. Now I'm back behind the camera perfecting my art.

There are many workflows out there and one should use the one they are most comfortable with. I no longer use LR because it slowed down my process. I didn't work the way it did.

[canons900]

Sounds like a lot of work for minor changes. Do you really need the changes or are you tweaking because you can? I ask because I used to think I had to touch and tweak and double check ever picture. One day, while sitting at my computer, I asked myself "what the hell are you doing?" I like to shoot pictures and either print or put them on the web, not sit and finese every picture.

I changed my workflow dramatically. I use DPP and Picasa 2, both free, that is it, shoot nearly all in JPG and get quite a few right. Now I'm back behind the camera perfecting my art.

There are many workflows out there and one should use the one they are most comfortable with. I no longer use LR because it slowed down my process. I didn't work the way it did.

I simply want to shoot and print mostly. I am getting tired of all the computer time when you have 3 boys, playing sports, I want their images on photo paper to look at and share with the family.

I will post process certain photos to try and get a certain "look". And I love black and white photos, especially of them wrestling.

I really think I am making this more complicated. Using LR to manage all my assets and do raw processing would seem to eliminate the pixfiler/br photoarchiver part of the process. REducing my SW apps by one.

Other than that, what do I really gain? I guess only I can answer that and have to decide for myself.

[René Damkot]

a g4 powerbook

Aperture won't install on that...
LR will, but depending in what PB it is, it won't be a speed daemon.

I have a 12" PB G4/1.33 and find it usable, if only just, for LR.

If you need the action in PSCS3, and will continue to use Qimage, I don't think LR (or aperture) will do much to simplify the workflow. They would simply replace ACR...

For DAM, you could also give iView Media Pro a try (Now Expression Media). I still use it, even though I have LR (but I must admit I need to give LR a thorough try as a DAM in a while). iView will run better on the slower machines.

Also: Have a read in the DAM Book (first chapter a free DL from here (http://thedambook.com/))