jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

Some of the responses on page two of this thread were talking about the tech skills of 5 year olds. That gave me the idea that at least some folks were thinking that the daughter was in Kindergarten.

Nickaroo

Look into Topaz Studio. You can purchase plugins that remove noise and make your photos so easy to edit. Topaz Labs Studio is a free download by itself. NVidea is the company that has developed their plugins. It is very user friendly. I don’t even think about Lightroom or Photoshop.

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Although it isn't as popular as lightroom or photoshop, I am very impressed with Corel Paintshop Pro Ultimate. It's a very powerful editing software that's very easy to use. She could start off with simple applications and grow into very powerful applications. The suite comes with many bonus extras for future use and it's unbelievably, reasonably priced. Probably the best bargain in photo editing software available.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I have no problem with your approach, as I've said before. It's logical, especially if you're on a budget (as most of us Hoggers are, to some extent at least). However if the software basics are easy enough to learn, as I think LR and PS are, I have zero problem with buying more than I need and gradually learning the more advanced options. I barely scratch the surface of AutoCAD capabilities, but as it's the standard (and, you may well point out, since my employer is paying for the subscription!) I prefer it to one of the cheaper but less capable competitors. If I advance to using half its features, I'll consider that I've more than paid for it. I feel just the same way about LR/PS. When I have time, I explore new areas and acquire new skills. But until I have lots more free time (this "retirement" thing that others speak of...), I don't expect to come close to its capabilities. My philosophy is to learn the industry standard, as it's easiest to transfer.

I don't think we really disagree on much, except on the method of paying for our software. I think I'm just bowing to the inevitable, although I still would prefer the days of "buy a package, and upgrade only when you need to." Like I said in my post you quoted, that's just not the way the software industry is headed.

Cheers back atcha,

Andy

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I agree! Corel Paint Shop Pro Ultimate is a fantastic photo editing suite. It can be gotten for less than $50. I was recently offered the latest version for $39. I already have two previous versions (X7 & X9) and they are great, especially X9 with Nik and a host of other plugins that are included as bonus software. You can download a free trial version to see if you like it.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

I didn't think that Picasa3 was available for download anymore. I have used it for years and still do. I did purchase PS Elements 2018 but have not installed it yet. You are correct, it is very simple to operate and has the basic tools in it.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Lightroom is great for someone with the time and inclination to learn it. I'd recommend whatever photo software comes packaged with the Mac.

jak86094

There are lots of reasons to use tools like Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, etc., but I want to second the suggestion that she try Apple’s Photos application. It handles imports of JPEG and RAW photos, allows the user to import into either the Photos Library or into individual Albums, handles many basic editing functions easily, is searchable by “People”, “Places”, and various events. If the user just needs to crop, do some basic editing (brightness, contrast, color correction, etc.), it works quite well and since it comes with the Mac computer, it is free. The photos can also be shared over the iCloud and access given to others. It’s not a choice if you need to work on layers, do masking, or edit on a pixel by pixel basis, but before venturing into other applications, I’d have her try Photos...it really can do a lot with little training...and it has a lot of on-line tutorials and training if needed. I do need some of the advanced features and use Lightroom and Photoshop on a regular basis, but don’t ignore it as a possibility...it may be just what is needed.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I am not a Mac guy, so I didn't know this. The equivalent Win 10 photos application is rather, uh, could we say crappy?

Andy

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Finally Andy we agree completely on something! 👍👍👍 I use the Windows basic editor for three functions only. They are; culling the duds, (deleting) cropping and straightening. I then save them to my filing/category folders in Windows on my desktop which I have had set up for years, then I move them to either Elements 2018 and/or Faststone Image Viewer for further editing if needed, (I try to get it right in camera) then save to my laptop and 2 external HD's. That's just my workflow, and it works for me. Yep, Windows Pictures is pretty much crap for sure!

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Yup. 100%

The one that was packaged with earlier Windows versions was better. Although there are some things I like a lot about Windows 10, it's the first time I've ever seen Microsoft backslide with functionality on some pieces of the package - Photos and Backup. I've been waiting for upgrades on both, but nothing so far.

Andy

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Well here we go again this thread has been high jacked! Andy & Jake my my. So long folks enough said keep it “BASIC”

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Sorry- I think the Mac photo is a good idea. Just not Win 10 photos.

Kites

I have a Mac and use Luminar which I find easy to use after watching some tutorials. It can be found at the App Store for 69.99. It will work as a stand alone or in Photos as a plugin. It processes raw and jpg. I use mine as a plugin then all the photos remain in Photos library.
Also Affinity which is more like Photoshop is $50 and available from the App Store.
ON-1 is a nice app and is more involved. It does catalog in a way and which might be more like Lightroom but a different cataloging system . I've never used Lightroom so don't know. I've watched a number of their tutorial videos and sometimes use it. Since my many years of photos are in Photos I am sticking with it and Luminar as that all works well for me.

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

even at $59.00 thats not bad