I need help importing to LR 1st time

I'm going to sound very pathetic but I've been at this all afternoon and I just can't anymore..

Here's the deal: I am new to Mac computers and I've had my desktop for a few months. I just got Lightroom and Photoshop CC subscription, and I'd like to import my latest photos into LR. HOWEVER, it looks like the new Photos App (Aperture replacement) doesn't save my photos onto the hard drive..? Yes? So when I try to import from LR they don't come up. I tried moving them onto my desktop but then they convert from RAW files to jpg. I've been searching all over the Internet for a tutorial but haven't found anything.

I'm not very good with computers so probably I'm missing something that isn't apparent to me.

Can anyone help?

Ok. By your post I'm having a little bit of difficulty visualizing exactly what is going on. That said there are a few basic principles to follow when importing in to LR. First, the location of the files before import is relatively unimportant but you do have to find them. The photos app has to store them somewhere so they are likely on an internal or external drive. In the LR import dialog box there is an option to either move them to a new location, copy them to a new location or import them where they are. I would copy them to a new location so that you keep your previous library intact till you are comfortable with LR and you are sure everything is OK. Also, it isn't best practice to have two different editors accessing the same catalogue of files. Beyond that remember that LR is total management. All modifying, moving, renaming of the files and folders in your library should be done through LR and not the OS. Not that you couldn't recover from such an issue but it could really complicate your life if you aren't tech savvy. I hope that helps you out. If not I'll try popping in later to see if your situation or explanation evolves.

I think your problem is that Apple by default include storing the actual file as part of the database data. This is different to LR which simply refernces the files location on the hard drive.

What you need to do is go to the photos option and have it convert your libary to a refernced option. This should move the original fies from within the database so that they are accessable on the computers drive. This should still be an option for the new app.

I think Apple does this to try to lock you into using only their products, in the specific way they think you should.

Alan

I've found this forum, Lightroom Forums, really helpful in understanding and helping with problems concerning Lightroom. It is hosted by Victoria Brampton, aka The Lightroom Queen, and moderated by some very experienced and knowledgeable people with Lightroom. Have a problem, and they will stick with you, making sure you understand, and problems are resolved.

Take at look here..... http://www.jkost.com/l​ightroom.html

Thanks everyone. I managed to piece together from different areas exporting from Photos keeping the raw format, to my desktop, then into LR. Now the real fun begins..