post processing software - ideas?
May 15, 2017 13:41:59 #
hello!
this summer i am going to purchase my first post processing software package.
wondered if anyone had any opinions? photoshop? lightroom? something else?
i'm an enthusiast who likes to shoot plant life and humans and some street stuff.
i love images that look like film.
i have a sony a 6000 if that makes any difference.
i'm not that talented in the tech world so looking for something not too complicated.
thank you so much for your thoughts! very much appreciated.
nancy
this summer i am going to purchase my first post processing software package.
wondered if anyone had any opinions? photoshop? lightroom? something else?
i'm an enthusiast who likes to shoot plant life and humans and some street stuff.
i love images that look like film.
i have a sony a 6000 if that makes any difference.
i'm not that talented in the tech world so looking for something not too complicated.
thank you so much for your thoughts! very much appreciated.
nancy
May 15, 2017 13:44:46 #
nannyg wrote:
hello! br this summer i am going to purchase my fi... (show quote)
I like Corel Paintshop Pro software. But lots of members prefer Photoshop/Lightroom.
May 15, 2017 13:48:10 #
In your particular situation I actually recommend Lightroom as opposed to Photoshop. LR is more geared toward the photographer. It's easier to make batch adjustments, create profiles, do before-and-after comparisons, and is just generally more geared toward adjusting photos. Photoshop is a photo MANIPULATION software that is way overkill for most people. It's what you use to make noses smaller, insert your dog into a photo, remove the background, and so forth. If you don't plan on doing significant manipulations like that, LR will be your better bet. LR is also made by Adobe (like Photoshop) and because it's become quite the go-to application for so many photogs in a fairly short time, I'm willing to bet their support and upgrades are going to continue for a very long time.
May 15, 2017 13:51:42 #
thank you so much. very helpful!
i was hoping to install the software on my regular old timey computer. not on a lap top. do you know if it is best/only possible on a lap top?
best, nancy
i was hoping to install the software on my regular old timey computer. not on a lap top. do you know if it is best/only possible on a lap top?
best, nancy
May 15, 2017 13:58:56 #
I prefer Capture One Pro - better quality images imo and less processing steps than Lightroom to get great images. Downside - more expensive. If you are new to post-processing avoid Photoshop as the learning curve is very steep and anyway both Capture One Pro and Lightroom have cataloging functions which PS does not.
May 15, 2017 14:11:52 #
You can install Lightroom on any computer that runs either Windows, or Apple OS (Mac). Laptop or Desktop doesn't matter, those are just form factors. Lightroom does require fairly decent resources. A lowest-end type of computer may not provide you with a smooth experience. But then, no photo processing software will.
May 15, 2017 14:17:43 #
May 15, 2017 15:01:13 #
nannyg wrote:
hello! br this summer i am going to purchase my fi... (show quote)
If you shoot, or plan to shoot raw, then Lightroom or Capture One are both pretty good. Either will get you to a nearly finished image in seconds. There are not that many commands to learn, so the curve is pretty flat. If you get the Adobe PS/LR CC subscription, you get Photoshop, which you can grow into as your ability to be self-critical and your skills improve. Over 9 million subscribers seem to think that it is pretty much state of the art. The big difference between a simple raw converter like LR or C1 and Photoshop is the ability to perform precise local adjustments and being able to composite, or create an image from two separate images - like replacing a sky or a background to enhance visual appeal.
Good Luck with whatever you end up with!
May 15, 2017 15:07:49 #
The same answer as to what camera to buy. Everyone has their preference. For the buck and your experience LightRoom for me is the way to go. As you progress LightRoom will allow you to transfer into other programs, OnOne, PhotoShop ect, keeping your original in LightRoom and adding the edited copy to you photo library. And adding other post productions programs will recognize that you have LightRoom installed and will put it on you LightRoom menu list.
May 15, 2017 15:30:31 #
nannyg wrote:
hello! br this summer i am going to purchase my fi... (show quote)
I like Macphun Luminar, Macphun Creative Kit and Affinity Photo.
May 15, 2017 15:31:06 #
nannyg wrote:
hello! br this summer i am going to purchase my fi... (show quote)
There is a lot of excellent software available to suit every skill level, style, complexity and budget. What is ideal for one may be too little or too much for another. Since we know very little about where you are in photographic and processing skill how can anyone recommend what will work best for you.
What I use and what is best for you may be entirely different...so I'll pass. Good Luck.
May 15, 2017 15:33:53 #
May 15, 2017 16:06:17 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
LightroomCC/PhotoshopCC package $9.95 a month. About the price of a good hamburger for the best editing software on the planet with the most educational opportunities. YouTube is full of free tutorials and if you want full courses there are affordable subscription lessons available from Lynda.com and KelbyOne plus some others. I have CapureOne and I am just a little miffed trying to learn all their language conventions. It's a great tethering program but so is the CamRanger, Lightroom needs a little help in the area, in my opinion.
May 15, 2017 16:26:47 #
nannyg wrote:
hello! br this summer i am going to purchase my fi... (show quote)
I would recommend taking a look at free software, just to get your feet wet.
Free
http://www.download3.co/ic/picasa/index.php?kw=%2Bpicasa
http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/
Not free -
http://digital-photography-school.com/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-right-post-production-software/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/03/23/best-photo-editing-software-photoshop-cc-and-7-photoshop-alternatives-tested/1/
http://www.redmondpie.com/best-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-for-windows-and-mac-list/
I use Lightroom 6, the last free-standing version. If I have to give it up someday, I'll look at non-Adobe products.
May 15, 2017 16:55:20 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
nannyg wrote:
thank you! for now i think I'm going with lightroom.
I dumped Lightroom for ACDsee Pro 8 but now Pro 10 which in my opinion is a superior editing and photo management software and less expensive.
https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/acdsee-ultimate
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