Again thanks for the suggestion, however, was wondering what you thoughts are if I were to switch the Picture Control to Auto (push the slider to the extreme left or right <forgot> and chose "Auto"?
I can't really say I have an opinion on using the Auto option under the Picture Control menus because I've never used it. The manual states using this option, "makes adjustments automatically to match shooting conditions.
" All I can suggest is you try it and see if you like what you see. Nikon's official explanation of the Picture Control function is explained in detail here:
Picture Controls Step by Step.
If you want to get fancy you can install your own Picture Controls by visiting
this website and downloading them (they're free). I don't shoot .JPG very often but I do have a couple of these Profiles on my D750. Once installed they're just as customizable as the ones installed on your camera by default. I don't use them a lot but I have used them.
...
The images I was reviewing were JPEGs, not NEF.
I'm still using PSE 14 to do my edits and still trying to wrap my head around LR 6.X (at this time, not interested in "renting" the Adobe Suite although I do know the advantages, but have not progressed enough to take advantage of them). I'll see if PSE 14 has this option.
Editing your photos is another topic entirely whether you're editing a .JPG or a .NEF (raw file). Photoshop Elements is good software -- kind of a mashup between stripped-down versions of both Lightroom and Photoshop -- and arguably better for those who work with JPG more than raw (since it offers only 8-bit image support) though it can handle both. By using 'Elements you give up some of the more sophisticated, more powerful tools of Lightroom but that's because it was designed to put user-friendliness ahead of advanced functionality. In exchange you get an interface geared more toward the casual shooter than the true professional. Lightroom, on the other hand, was not designed to be "user friendly". That doesn't mean it's hard to learn (it's not!) but it certainly makes no such claim. Lightroom's targeted demographic is far more professional and its interface and functionality reflect that. If you're wanting to delve into the world of processing your photos Lightroom would be a good, logical step in that direction.
Which application you decide to work with over the long-haul should decided by figuring out how deeply you see yourself wanting to get into processing your photos. If the idea of working up really artistic photos or getting the absolute best quality you can out of your shots appeals to you, I might suggest you start learning Lightroom. If you see yourself being happy doing more routine corrections and not wanting to dive down the "rabbit hole" of full blown post-processing, then I can't see why you wouldn't get along quite well with 'Elements.