I have tried recent versions of DXO, Luminar and Affinity and don't find them to be at all intuitive. As a matter of fact I sat there stating at the DXO screen for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load a photo to edit and it was downhill from there.

I don't enjoy post processing and would rather be taking pictures than learning new from scratch, complicated, editing software. So for now I will keep on using Bridge, Camera Raw, PS, (and OnOne) and pay the fees. My fees haven't risen more than 2.00 a month (if that) over the past 5 years. There is no guarantee that the aforementioned companies will still be around 5 years from now anyway and if they are, who knows what their fees will end up being. Or they could decide that the lease option is the way to go too.

And there is always PS Elements (with video editing) as a stand alone to purchase.

Anyone else feel the same?

I have tried recent versions of DXO, Luminar and Affinity and don't find them to be at all intuitive. As a matter of fact I sat there stating at the DXO screen for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load a photo to edit and it was downhill from there.

I don't enjoy post processing and would rather be taking pictures than learning new from scratch, complicated, editing software. So for now I will keep on using Bridge, Camera Raw, PS, (and OnOne) and pay the fees. My fees haven't risen more than 2.00 a month (if that) over the past 5 years. There is no guarantee that the aforementioned companies will still be around 5 years from now anyway and if they are, who knows what their fees will end up being. Or they could decide that the lease option is the way to go too.

And there is always PS Elements (with video editing) as a stand alone to purchase.

Anyone else feel the same?

I have tried recent versions of DXO, Luminar and Affinity and don't find them to be at all intuitive. As a matter of fact I sat there stating at the DXO screen for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load a photo to edit and it was downhill from there.

I don't enjoy post processing and would rather be taking pictures than learning new from scratch, complicated, editing software. So for now I will keep on using Bridge, Camera Raw, PS, (and OnOne) and pay the fees. My fees haven't risen more than 2.00 a month (if that) over the past 5 years. There is no guarantee that the aforementioned companies will still be around 5 years from now anyway and if they are, who knows what their fees will end up being. Or they could decide that the lease option is the way to go too.

And there is always PS Elements (with video editing) as a stand alone to purchase.

Anyone else feel the same?

I have found that Linux offers a whole host of post processing programmes. Darktable workflow, The Gimp and either UFraw or Rawtherapee. Dlaboratory etc. There are also a range of newer lightweight programmes too. Whether these are cross platform I don't know. But they do accept my Sony Raw and more modern cameras. You can run Linux on a seporate partition with Windows. That way you can use the freeware.

Having learned on PSE, I find that I do a minimal amout of PP. - rarely using layers for example. Not that I am a purist....It is just that I don't do the types of images that demand a lot of work, beyond the simple tools. I also had LR5 but it simply had very little to offer me as I don't add key words to my images, I simply look for them.camera/D/M/Y./ works for me!

It is worth noting that file formats are pretty universal, so using several PP software on a single image isn't an issue. Buying all 'the whistles and bells' in one programme may be easier, but is not always a requirement.

The only requirement is the need to do it.....however little or much you do.

I am sure that in the near future 'The Cloud' thingy will give us a whole new raft of software as well as new headaches when it screws up...Don't think I will go there either...I have my head firmly stuck up my A.....as it is.

Have fun

I have tried recent versions of DXO, Luminar and Affinity and don't find them to be at all intuitive. As a matter of fact I sat there stating at the DXO screen for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load a photo to edit and it was downhill from there.

I don't enjoy post processing and would rather be taking pictures than learning new from scratch, complicated, editing software. So for now I will keep on using Bridge, Camera Raw, PS, (and OnOne) and pay the fees. My fees haven't risen more than 2.00 a month (if that) over the past 5 years. There is no guarantee that the aforementioned companies will still be around 5 years from now anyway and if they are, who knows what their fees will end up being. Or they could decide that the lease option is the way to go too.

And there is always PS Elements (with video editing) as a stand alone to purchase.

Anyone else feel the same?

I think I sent the wrong message :)

I found myself reacting to the mass "panic" about Adobe's model and business practices (especially with recent changes) and started looking for new editing software. And realized the learning curve in doing so. And made the decision to stay with Adobe products until reality, not rumors, prove that it is no longer a good option.

I post process. I have to with Raw files. I am capable of learning new editing software but I choose not to invest the time to do so.


While everyone else (it seems) is busy learning new, complicated, editing software I will be out taking pictures :)

Unfortunately, processing is part of photography. In the truest sense, to be a complete photographer, one should process their own work. There are those who rely on others. In cases such as Kodachrome users, they had not choice but to have the film processed by a competent processing house.

The aspect of this new level of digital photography requires one to be competent with a number of electronic devices, cameras, card readers, computers, storage systems, and networking. As with any new technology, there are learning curves and obstacles. However, the web is replete with tutorials and literature to assist in learning.

I, too, enjoy the taking photographs part of the experience. However, sitting the the comfort of "my lab", is just as pleasant and enjoyable. It's even somewhat more peaceful enveloped by music, and my cat's occasional loud meowing for attention. Though, that is restricted to only the dry parts of the lab.

It's just part of being a photographer.
--Bob