Black and white conversion C&C please

[KmH]

Lightroom's 'Develope' module, which is where in Lightroom image editing is done, is a parametric Raw converter (ACR). It is the same parametric Raw converter that is included with CS5 (Camera Raw, or ACR). Both use Adobe Camera Raw 6 (ACR 6). (Parametric means edits are written command code lines, not changes made to pixels in the photo. In other words, parametric edits are non-destructive.)

But with CS5 you get an additional, much more extensive image editing workspace that has many more tools, features, and functions.

CS5 is a complete image editing application. Lightroom is an incomplete image editing application.

The biggest single advantage CS5 has is the ability to do layers. The second biggest advantage is the variety and precision of CS5's selection tools. The third biggest advantage is the masking options CS5 offers.

 

[Rafal]

I prefer Photoshop but only because I've been using it for over a decade. If you work with large volumes of photos that don't require extensive retouching (like most photographers), I can see Lightroom being a better choice for it's photo management capabilities.

I'm a beginner treating it as a hobby, so most of my pictures are still crappy. Therefore right now small percentage of them are actually chosen to work with. I'm concentrating on learning lighting, compostion and exposure right now so my images would not require so much post processing in order to look good.
I know that this will take a while to achieve but for now I at least want to be able get my images to have that crisp clean look. Even though my equipment is not top notch I see that people are able to create great images using the same lenses.

I don't need the capability of creating art effects, edit unwanted subjects from images to totally change the image and things of that nature.
I want to be able tweak the exposure, colors and be able to combine layers to create proper exposure of the whole image if needed. Also I would like to creat Black and white images.

I don't mind spending more time on an image to achive the "wow factor". I also might live through spending $700 on PS without being a victim once my wife finds out I just don't want to spend more money on something that I will not need or take advantage off. In the future I'll probably would want to have both but for now I just need one to help me improve

 

[KmH]

For what it is worth:

Adobe has an Education store that offes an 80% discount on CS5 Extended to qualified students. Adobe.com Site Requirements

It might be worth signing up for a class (any class) at your nearest junior college.

Once you have a legal copy of Photoshop CS5, you qualify for discounted upgragde pricing for later releases. Anyone still using CS2, CS3, CS4, CS3 Extended, or CS4 Extended, only has to pay $199 to get CS5.

 

[Rafal]

For what it is worth:

Adobe has an Education store that offes an 80% discount on CS5 Extended to qualified students. Adobe.com Site Requirements

It might be worth signing up for a class (any class) at your nearest junior college.

Once you have a legal copy of Photoshop CS5, you qualify for discounted upgragde pricing for later releases. Anyone still using CS2, CS3, CS4, CS3 Extended, or CS4 Extended, only has to pay $199 to get CS5.

Actually this would be a great idea, thanks!. I need to learn how to use it anyway

 

[amandalee]

For what it is worth:

Adobe has an Education store that offes an 80% discount on CS5 Extended to qualified students. Adobe.com Site Requirements

It might be worth signing up for a class (any class) at your nearest junior college.

Once you have a legal copy of Photoshop CS5, you qualify for discounted upgragde pricing for later releases. Anyone still using CS2, CS3, CS4, CS3 Extended, or CS4 Extended, only has to pay $199 to get CS5.

OMG KmH I could kiss you for posting this!!!!

 

[Rafal]

For what it is worth:

Adobe has an Education store that offes an 80% discount on CS5 Extended to qualified students. Adobe.com Site Requirements

It might be worth signing up for a class (any class) at your nearest junior college.

Once you have a legal copy of Photoshop CS5, you qualify for discounted upgragde pricing for later releases. Anyone still using CS2, CS3, CS4, CS3 Extended, or CS4 Extended, only has to pay $199 to get CS5.

OMG KmH I could kiss you for posting this!!!!

Don't worry KmH I won't try it, but I do appreciate it very much