Summarizing Chapter 3 in Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3

The handbook distinguishes the differences and abilities between four programs essential to a photographic workflow which are Photoshop, Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and Lightroom. To begin, Laskevitch explains the many functions of the panels and workspaces that one can personalize to his or her own preferences. Also, there is a keyboard shortcut for every tool, which he delved into a little. A vital part of photoshop are the layers, which can be classified into three subcategories of Image Layers that exist as independent images lied upon one another; Adjustment Layers which add an adjustment just above an image without altering the actual image; and lastly, Smart objects are layers that can be modified but still retain the original information in case edits need to be reconsidered. In short, photoshop is the only program used for in depth edits, while bridge and Lightroom are the organizational tools in the workflow.

Bridge is used to view images and does not allow you to open them, edit them, or save them. In bridge you can arrange and filter your images based on a certain combinations of metadata, the extra data stored that is not related to the pixels like time and date of exposure. Adobe Camera Raw is another non destructive form of editing images, especially in the RAW file format. Its main editing feature is simply image adjustments including brightness and contrast as well as exposure and saturation. After image adjustments, files can be easily opened in photoshop, which is why the process of the four programs when used together is described as a workflow. Lastly, Lightroom is a crucial part because it functions under aspects of Photoshop, ACR, and Bridge combined into one. The Library module organizes the files based on metadata, the Develop module allows for global and painterly enhancements, while Slideshow and Print are helpful in output of images whether it be digital documentation, or physical.