What is the best photo editing software?
Dec 5, 2017 08:26:48 #
Like Bikertut, I just purchased Luminair2018 for use on my MacBook. I have LR and PS as well, but find that they are complicated for my skill level as a photographer (really a hobbyist/amateur). I use them when I am taking photo classes at my local art center, but when I am just shooting on my own, I think that Luminair 2018 and Photoshop Express (app) are great for quick edits.
Luminair 2018 is about $60 - a onetime cost - and is really easy to manage and maneuver around.
Luminair 2018 is about $60 - a onetime cost - and is really easy to manage and maneuver around.
Dec 5, 2017 08:45:35 #
Free or one time charge at your level, best bet! Monthly Subscriptions, will continue to increase and increase and increase?
Dec 5, 2017 08:49:07 #
Peter Franck wrote:
I know, that my question is not formulated correctly, because "different strokes for different folks".
I'm new to "real" editing and currently use Capture NX-D by Nikon, which was free of charge and I downloaded it from the Nikon site.
Before I get too familiar with NX-D, I'd like to here your take on editing software. I do look for something that is user friendly, even if it only available for a one time charge or a monthly user fee.
Thanks, Peter
I'm new to "real" editing and currently use Capture NX-D by Nikon, which was free of charge and I downloaded it from the Nikon site.
Before I get too familiar with NX-D, I'd like to here your take on editing software. I do look for something that is user friendly, even if it only available for a one time charge or a monthly user fee.
Thanks, Peter
The "Best" is likely to come out Photo Shop, but I am trying out "Affinity Photo". I use a Macintosh. Affinity does much more than I know how to do and I will own it outright for 5 months Photo Shop rent. There are a lot of on-line video tutorials and a project book which allows you to follow experts through their on-line projects. I think it does most or all of what PS will do...certainly all I need it to do.
Now I'm thirsty.
Dec 5, 2017 08:50:18 #
Hi Peter I do suppose by now your head is spinning. I am by far no pro like some of the others. I also her not been doing this for years. Reading what you wrote sounded like me. But I would like to ask what are you planning on doing with your photos as I think that is important. For me I just love to share on Facebook so I don't need anything special. I do have Lightroom but I just can't get the hang of how you catalogue when I download. So for me what works best is my Elements and I have my Topaz Plug-ins in that. At my hate to admit getting older age I wanted to keep it simple and still have fun. I have a iPad I set up it next to my desktop and turn on YouTube. I open up whatever I want to learn and open a photo. I keep a cheat notebook at hand. I will write down simple steps for me to follow till it all sinks in my thick head. Lightroom sits on my desktop but only time I use it I import a single photo not everything. Each of us has a system that works for us and that is what you will have to find. Mine is simple for me but others I know would knock me down with it. But if it AINT broke don't try to fix it. Happy hunting Geri
Dec 5, 2017 09:05:48 #
kaerophil
Loc: Oxford, CT
I use Paintshop Pro. It is not too expensive and it does just about everything the average photographer needs.
Dec 5, 2017 09:24:15 #
bsprague wrote:
Lightroom/Photoshop for $10 a month.
The "keep it simple" basics with Lightroom will come in a couple days, provided you approach it logically. Then you can spend a lifetime learning bits and pieces of the techniques as you need them or find them interesting.
No other photo editing software has such a huge third party system of training and learning opportunities.
The "keep it simple" basics with Lightroom will come in a couple days, provided you approach it logically. Then you can spend a lifetime learning bits and pieces of the techniques as you need them or find them interesting.
No other photo editing software has such a huge third party system of training and learning opportunities.
Totally agree. For $10.00 per month, it provides the best available software. There is a steep learning curve, but there are tons of books, videos, ... to help one learn.
All Adobe products offer a free 30 day trial. http://www.adobe.com/downloads.html
Mark
Dec 5, 2017 09:24:32 #
I've been using Nikon's Capture NX2 for 8-9 years, cost me about $120, Difficult at first but when I found the tutorial from Nikon it became a snap; Nikon doesn't support it anymore, fine by me! It does everything I want and need- It ain't broke, no need to fix it
BEST part, no monthly fees, and I can still down load to new machines- free
Swede
BEST part, no monthly fees, and I can still down load to new machines- free
Swede
Dec 5, 2017 09:27:01 #
I'll put in a plug for my favorite, ACDSee, which I have used for 11 years. Have tried many others including the 2 Gold Standards. Am currently using Photo Studio Pro 2018. It does everything and more than I normally use. And, if you have a question, they can be contacted either by phone-and speak to a tech- or by email. They have monthly tutorials and videos to help you get going. Last, but by no means least, they are quite reasonably priced and will send you an installation disc. They do not gouge you every month, and will even sell to you at an overseas address.
Dec 5, 2017 09:29:55 #
If you were a mechanic would you rather have a small tool box with a couple of tools and have to go looking for the next tool every time you had a need OR would you rather have a full huge toolbox with all kinds of tools just sitting there waiting for you to need them??????????????
I went with the LR/PS deal last year and have never looked back.
I went with the LR/PS deal last year and have never looked back.
Dec 5, 2017 09:34:19 #
markngolf wrote:
Totally agree. For $10.00 per month, it provides the best available software. There is a steep learning curve, but there are tons of books, videos, ... to help one learn.
All Adobe products offer a free 30 day trial. http://www.adobe.com/downloads.html
Mark
Totally agree. For $10.00 per month, it provides the best available software. There is a steep learning curve, but there are tons of books, videos, ... to help one learn.
All Adobe products offer a free 30 day trial. http://www.adobe.com/downloads.html
Mark
Mark,
I don't think there is a steep learning curve at all. In a few hours anyone can learn some basic editing techniques. But with the Adobe $10 plan, the learning curve can be endless, which is what makes it so much fun! There is always something learn. And, you don't have to learn it all...just what you want to learn.
Retirement and photography would be boring if there wasn't something new to do.
Dec 5, 2017 09:58:16 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Hope you don't mind me messing with your image. Toned it down in post processing. Left the hand and the beer stein unretouched.
WOW, explain to me how you can "mess" with a image, that "ISN'T" yours, and brag about it. You think you made it better (not this time). And you can't see anything wrong with what you did, lets me know the kinda guy you are, it's more than likely illegal and by all means just plain rude.
The download feature is not an excuse to make it into your colouring book! I really hope administrator does something.
Swede 
Dec 5, 2017 09:58:57 #
I like to keep it simple. Adobe is the go-to software company by virtue of their DNG universal raw format. The workflow of Lightroom > Photoshop >Lightroom makes for a great work flow providing backup, database capabilities as well as offering several types of output while preserving the original image in a non-destructive environment.
I've been a Nikon shooter for my whole career. While there are some interesting features in their software I'm disappointed with having to purchase and pay for upgrades of their capture software. Adobe has provided a platform that gives the user confidence that he/she will be able to open files well into the future.
I've been a Nikon shooter for my whole career. While there are some interesting features in their software I'm disappointed with having to purchase and pay for upgrades of their capture software. Adobe has provided a platform that gives the user confidence that he/she will be able to open files well into the future.
Dec 5, 2017 10:02:59 #
wteffey wrote:
Not only am I surprised about the number of people who ask this question again and again, I am equally surprised about the number of people who answer, again and again.
DittoSwede
Dec 5, 2017 10:03:58 #
Dec 5, 2017 10:20:08 #
Hi Bill,
I do not disagree with you. I found the learning curve to be pretty steep, when I first began with CS3, but that was a long time ago. I suppose moving a few sliders for simple adjustments is not too difficult. I think the interface is overwhelming for a beginner. Getting past the terminology can also be intimidating. These are some of my recollections when I began using and learning Photoshop.
For sure, "Retirement and photography would be boring if there wasn't something new to do."
Mark
I do not disagree with you. I found the learning curve to be pretty steep, when I first began with CS3, but that was a long time ago. I suppose moving a few sliders for simple adjustments is not too difficult. I think the interface is overwhelming for a beginner. Getting past the terminology can also be intimidating. These are some of my recollections when I began using and learning Photoshop.
For sure, "Retirement and photography would be boring if there wasn't something new to do."
Mark
bsprague wrote:
Mark,
I don't think there is a steep learning curve at all. In a few hours anyone can learn some basic editing techniques. But with the Adobe $10 plan, the learning curve can be endless, which is what makes it so much fun! There is always something learn. And, you don't have to learn it all...just what you want to learn.
Retirement and photography would be boring if there wasn't something new to do.
I don't think there is a steep learning curve at all. In a few hours anyone can learn some basic editing techniques. But with the Adobe $10 plan, the learning curve can be endless, which is what makes it so much fun! There is always something learn. And, you don't have to learn it all...just what you want to learn.
Retirement and photography would be boring if there wasn't something new to do.
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