bbrowner Loc: Chapel Hill, NC

As an enthusiast with no professional ambitions... I am impressed with Lightroom possibilities for my photos. And at 81... I approach my photography wanting to achieve the best images I can... for myself... and not too much further. But I find the editing process very creative. (I was a professional musician.)

With that in mind... I'm asking your opinion. Buying a stand-alone Lightroom 5... or subscribing.

Is the subscription cost likely to go up after the first year? A subscription for the first year is less than the cost of a stand-alone. But what then?

Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

I am well into my 2nd year on subscription and no price increases yet.

A one year sub to Lightroom breaks even (your figures) but don't forget the "free" copy of Photoshop you will get with every Lightroom copy.

grfern Loc: Bloomington, Illinois

Hi- I'm retired and finances are always foremost in my mind. I was not a fan of the Adobe subscription model but I took advantage of it. My reasons were mainly that just as I was getting adequate at whatever Lightroom I had, (I got serious at learning the program at Lightroom 3) when the next version came out there would be some features that I really wanted to try. I believe you would do fine with buying LR5 and sticking with it, but in my case I am interested in learning Photoshop. The subscription I bought makes it sort of like buying the whole thing on an instalment plan. Plus when the next "best" version comes out I have it. Much easier on my budget. If there ever comes a time when I cannot afford the subscription then my finances will be in dire straits and photography will not be a priority. These are just my feelings I hope they help.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

I got into the Adobe CC program awhile back and think it is a great deal, 10.00 a month for the newest Lightroom, Bridge & Photoshop can't be beat in my book.

Nice to always have the latest and greatest editing & management software for only 10.00 a month.

Since the subscription is for a year, no cost increases till renewal time, and if costs go up too much, there are other alternatives to both products.