Just a heads up:
PV2012 is a lot *less* like PV2010 than it might appear at first, (or any other editor you've used so far).
Trying to map the PV2012 controls directly to something you are familiar with in PV2010 (or other editors you've used) is a recipe for frustration.
In PV2012, everything is tuned to work together (sometimes differently for different photos), kinda "centered" around exposure. If you want the photo brighter, then increase exposure (usually. - sometimes it may be preferrable to increase whites instead, or also). In any case, if that makes it too bright up top, then drop highlights (usually. - sometimes it may be preferrable to decrease whites instead, or also). Likewise, if not bright enough at the bottom, raise shadows (and consider blacks).
PV2012 is really awesome once you get the hang of it, but it takes some getting used to...
One thing I find educational is to use auto-tone. It will often give you a ridiculous value for exposure, so adjust it as much as need be after auto-toning; blacks may need a nudge too (as may the others - but only after you've done your best with exposure). In any case, the values it comes up with for highlights and shadows (and whites) are worth noting, and learning from, even if they're a little much or too little for your taste on any given photo. adjust contrast to taste... This is very worth doing as a learning aid, even if you prefer manual adjustment in the end.
Cheers,
Rob
