Need Advice re grabbing DNG's to Computer and LR3

[andalus]

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My 4 month old M9 is fine. I have LR3, too. So when I shoot some shots, I take the memory card from camera and insert it into my Mac Book Pro. The DNG files end up on my desktop. Is this the correct way to do this, or is it possible to download the DNG's directly in to LR3. Where do most pros keep the DNG's? I seems they are not stored in LR, but rather somewhere else on computer which is linked to LR. If you take away the DNGs, take them off the computer, LR just shows a ? mark and one cannot open them. Any advice as to proper procedure helpful. I am new to all this, former MP user.

[wda]

Andalus, it reads as though you are at the very bottom of the learning curve! Where to start?

 

Before the images are imported you should see an Import screen. It is logically laid out, reading left to right. Select your input source; then your chosen destination. There are other options and refinements to consider such as renaming choices etc. The images are then catalogued and copied or moved to a folder of your choice. They remain there unless you move them at system level when LR will lose track of them. Always manage files from within LR. Lightroom only stores information about the files.

 

Please buy and study one of the excellent books on Lightroom in order to determine your choice of work-flow. Look at Adobe's on-line tutorials. It will be an excellent investment of money and your time. Puzzling questions can be discussed in this forum or on Adobe's user forum. Time spent learning the software is time very well spent and you will quickly reap the full benefits of the programme.

[andybarton]

In "Image Capture" (in your Applications folder)_, you need to set a preference so that Lightroom opens automatically when you insert a card containing images.

 

Then, the import function in LR is very simple, and it will place copies of the DNGs in date order in the Library. It can also place another copy on a back-up drive automatically should you tell it to.

 

If you are just setting out down this road, buy one of the excellent "How to" books on Lightroom, either the Scott Kelby one or the Martin Evening one.

[johnwolf]

Here's a link to the process.

 

There are also tutorials at Adobe's LR help site.

 

Definitely worth working step-by-step through the intro materials.

 

John

[andalus]

thanks much to all for the good advice