A free add-on for Adobe Lightroom called Knobroom is available that will allow you to control the creative adjustments of photos using physical sliders and knobs from a Midi controller with Adobe’s Lightroom 3 software.
The software add-on has been around for some time but is a great way to add a new style of creativity to your photography and image creation. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Features and Benefits of Knobroom
Unlike other software, Knobroom is available for Mac OS X systems and has been created to provide a direct manipulation add-on for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3. This unique integration allows photographers and digital artists to use physical hardware to make adjustments to their images, which can be more intuitive and precise than using a mouse or trackpad. The tactile feedback from the knobs and sliders can make the editing process more engaging and enjoyable.
One of the standout features of Knobroom is its ability to map various Lightroom functions to the physical controls of a Midi controller. This means you can adjust exposure, contrast, saturation, and other settings with a simple twist or slide, giving you more control over the finer details of your edits. This can be particularly useful for professionals who need to make quick adjustments on the fly or for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to their editing workflow.
How to Get Started with Knobroom
If you fancy adding a little more creativity to your imaging and photography, you can now download Knobroom for free. To get started, you’ll need a compatible Midi controller and a Mac OS X system with Adobe Lightroom 3 installed. Once you have these prerequisites, you can download the Knobroom add-on and follow the installation instructions provided.
After installing Knobroom, you’ll need to configure your Midi controller to work with Lightroom. This typically involves mapping the various knobs and sliders to the corresponding functions in Lightroom. While this may sound complicated, there are plenty of online tutorials and resources available to help you through the process. Once set up, you’ll find that the physical controls can significantly speed up your editing process and make it more enjoyable.
Real-World Applications and User Experiences
Many users have reported that Knobroom has transformed their editing workflow. For example, wedding photographers often need to process large batches of photos quickly. With Knobroom, they can make rapid adjustments to exposure and color balance, ensuring that each photo looks its best without spending hours in front of the computer. Similarly, landscape photographers can fine-tune their images with greater precision, bringing out the best in their shots.
Another advantage of using Knobroom is the potential for increased creativity. The tactile nature of the Midi controller can inspire new ways of thinking about image adjustments. Instead of relying solely on visual cues, you can use your sense of touch to guide your edits, potentially leading to more innovative and unique results.
Source: Wired
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