As a wedding photographer, you are constantly on the move. That is why Lightroom Mobile is one of the best features of Lightroom CC. When you know how to sync Lightroom Mobile, you can adjust, add, remove and share your wedding photos. This applies whether you are on a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.
You even have the option to work offline and sync all devices at a later time when connected to the Internet.
That means no matter where you are (meeting with a client, connecting with vendors, improving your photography or business skills, shooting an engagement or wedding shoot, working on your images), you have access to your photos.
How to Sync Lightroom Mobile
As a digital photo editing service, we know Lightroom. It is the software we integrated into our services and our editors are experts in it. That is why we want to share tips and tricks to make your experience with the software a positive one.
Lightroom allows you to make edits to your wedding photos that help you match your unique photography style. Lightroom Mobile is an app designed for mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Lightroom CC, a web-based version of the desktop software, was designed so photographers can the software on different devices and while on the go. When it is set up correctly, you can synchronize your photos and have access to them from anywhere using Lightroom Mobile apps.
The Value of Lightroom Mobile
When you understand how to sync Lightroom Mobile across desktop and your mobile devices, you will realize a new sense of freedom. There are so many benefits of equipping yourself with Lightroom Mobile. Sync functions in Lightroom afford wedding photographers:
Fewer Limitations
Before Lightroom Mobile, your editing abilities were limited to getting work done at home or the office. Lightroom Mobile offers you fewer limitations, so you can work wherever you are. Life as a wedding photographer is often busy and your schedule can constantly change. The mobile option provides the opportunity to work as needed while you manage your busy schedule and to-do lists.
Access Photos Anywhere
The benefit of Lightroom Mobile is you can access adjust, and save photos no matter where you happen to be. You can also have your photos on hand to show friends, family and wedding clients. With the option to organize your wedding photos and create an album or build a website to showcase them using Adobe Portfolio, you will having stunning galleries to share.
Finally, you can share your images on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. This is especially valuable when you are in the middle of a shoot and you want to share a quick sneak peek or let your followers know what you are working on that day.
There are several benefits to Adobe’s latest addition and that is why we will share how to access Lightroom Mobile and use it in your workflow.
How to Get Lightroom Mobile
It is easy to get started. with Lightroom Mobile.
It is available on the iPad, iPhone, and Android. In order to sync all devices, you must have a free trial or paid subscription of Lightroom CC or Adobe Creative Cloud. Download the app at the following links:
How to Sync Across Devices
Once you have a free trial or subscription, you are ready to sync Lightroom across all of your devices. Any adjustments you make to your photos will also sync. The process is simple if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign in and Open Lightroom
Using your desktop computer while connected to the Internet, launch Lightroom. If you are not already, sign in with your Adobe ID and password by clicking the “Help” menu on your computer’s toolbar and then “Sign In.” You can see this demonstrated in the image below.
From there, click on the icon as you seen in the image above. This will help you open Lightroom so you can get started on the syncing process.
Step 2: Enable Syncing
Once you are in Lightroom, locate the “Identity Plate” in the “Library” module and click it to access the “Activity Center.” Enable syncing by clicking “Start” or “Paused.” When successfully enabled, you will know by seeing a “Pause” icon in the Activity Center area.
Images by Brian Hatton Photography
Quick Tip
Make sure that on your desktop, the “Sync with Lightroom” option is “on.”
Step 3: Sync Photo Collection
Once sync is enabled, you can control what photos get synced. Open the “Collections” panel to view a list of your photo collections. This is located in the “Library” module.
Click on the checkbox next to the collection you want to sync. You will now see the “Sync” icon (resembles a double-pointed arrow or lightning bolt) indicating that the collection will be accessible from any of your devices.
Images by Brian Hatton Photography
Step 4: Disable Photo Collection Syncing
If you want to stop syncing a photo collection, all that is required is to click on the “Sync” icon and select “Stop Syncing.” This can be seen in the image below.
Images by Brian Hatton Photography
Accessing Synced Photos on Mobile
Once you enable the synchronizing function using Lightroom on your desktop computer and install any needed Lightroom apps on your mobile devices, you are ready to access your synced photos.
On your iPad, iPhone, or Android, launch the mobile app and sign in using your Adobe ID as you did on your computer. This may require you to download the app. Follow the necessary instructions based on your mobile device and the processes it requires to download apps.
All collections you selected for syncing in Lightroom will now show up on the screen of your mobile device. If you have synced a large number of photos or are using a slower Internet connection, it may take a few minutes.
Quick Tip
Any changes you make to your synced photos in Lightroom, such as cropping the image to eliminate issues or teeth whitening, whether on your computer or mobile device, will automatically show up on all connected devices.
Unlike other apps, you do not need to click on a sync button after you make changes and before closing the app. In addition, all synced photos will appear when using the web-based version of Lightroom. This takes one more step out of your workflow, which will help you save time.
Accessing Synced Photos on Desktop
From your desktop version of Lightroom, you can view all synced collections in one place. These are reached in Lightroom by going to the Folders panel and finding the folder that contains the name of your mobile device. You can also name your folder what you want by going to the Preferences menu and finding the Location tap under Lightroom Mobile.
If you think you have a good grasp of how to sync Lightroom mobile, be mindful of the way you organize your photos in Lightroom on your desktop. The ability to create folders, collections, and catalogs, is a plus but it can get confusing.
Most users, whether novice or expert, can benefit from using multiple folders and collections, both of which can be set to automatically sync. Catalogs can be synced as well but, unless you are an expert or advanced user of Lightroom, you typically only need to use a single catalog.
Quick Tip
A word of warning: just as you can only view one catalog at a time in Lightroom, you can only sync one catalog at a time. If you have multiple catalogs and change the sync from one to another, you will lose your synced images that are stored in Lightroom Mobile. The images will still be available on your desktop computer.
Utilize Additional Options
There are other options you can use when you learn how to sync Lightroom Mobile. See those below:
Create a Photo Album
We mentioned this option above and wanted to circle back to it so you have the tools you need to create a photo album.
An album allows you to organize your images and also gives you the opportunity to present them to your wedding clients in a compelling way when needed on your mobile device(s). Follow these steps to create a photo album:
- Grab your mobile device
- Sign in and open Lightroom CC
- Click on the plus (+) to create your photo album
- Name it according to your structure
- Click “OK”
The next step is to add existing images to your photo album. Perform this action with the following steps:
- Click the 3 dots that are located to the right of the album
- Select “Add Photos”
- Choose individual images or swipe to select several
- Click “Add Photos” to import them
Take and Add a New Photo
You can also take a new photo and add it to your photo album via your mobile device and Lightroom CC. Follow these steps to capture a photo and add it to an album:
- Open an album in Lightroom CC
- Click on the camera icon
- Select “Professional” instead of “Auto” (for additional settings)
- Use the shutter button to take the photo
Edit a New or Existing Photo
After you take a photo on your mobile device with Lightroom CC, you can then edit it. Simply open the photo in Lightroom CC and choose from the menu at the bottom to perform certain actions (use and apply presets, adjust exposure, crop, etc.).
Share New or Existing Photos
In Lightroom CC on your mobile device, you can share new or existing photos. You can share images via social media or even through email. Select the “Share” icon. Once you do this, options will appear based on your phone and apps available.
The benefits to be able to share images from your mobile device or desktop makes things a lot easier for you. Say you are running late and forgot to send vendors images from a past wedding while you were in your office – you can send them from your phone when you get to your destination. There are several ways to utilize the Lightroom Mobile option to help you and your workflow.
Though Lightroom Mobile may not be ideal for every task you have in your post-wedding workflow, it is an important new feature to include as a part of your systems. When you stay up to date with the latest in Lightroom updates, you will ensure you have the best technology available to help you achieve your goals and remain fast in your workflow.
Further Read: A Comprehensive Breakdown Of ShootDotEdit Photo Editing Services
Advanced Lightroom Skillsets
When you see firsthand how to sync Lightroom Mobile and the benefits you receive from it, it will become a must-have part of your photography business. With the ability to work on the go, you can stay on top of your post-wedding workflow.
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