Used Photomatix Pro 6

In my area of the country, gun stores are also considered "Essential"
What could possibly go wrong with that combination?

In addition to what I posted earlier, I would say that it is an individual decision based upon how much time you wish to devote and the learning curve for the various software packages.

I have other interest and hobbies besides photography which I just basically dabble in the pursuit of doing something creative during the long and dreary winters. I still have pictures on two cameras that I have not downloaded since last fall.

For me, I can do everything I need to do with the GIMP and or Affinity Photo. I also dabble around with some of the AKVIS software for sketches and photo to water color or painting.

Some buy very expensive cameras believing that that is the key to success and some buy the most professional quality software thinking that is the key. I do not share these opinions but individual preferences vary.

Since you have an IMac, here is an easy and FREE solution for you.

https://howtogimp.com/raw-photos-in-gimp/

Note the part about downloading Gimp with the Raw converter included with an IMac install

This can be accomplished quite easily with "Affinity Photo" software. Easy to find a tutorial on how to do it.
You can also use "The Gimp" which is free software. don't know about Light Room as I have never used it or thought I had a need to use it.

A Beautiful country indeed, We spent most of March of last year on a "Road Scholar" trip to New Zealand.
Flight over there was not fun though. Five hour flight from Baltimore to LA, three hour layover and then 13 hour flight to Auckland with bad air turbulence for FIVE hours shortly after our first meal and could not get out of seats. I will NEVER fly that long again in "Economy Class" seating.

Curious as to the red and yellow color on some of the rocks. Did you check them out? Can't help but notice; I am a Geologist (retired)

Check out the Charleston, SC album

https://www.flickr.com/photos/catoctin_vigneron/albums/with/72157629164754096

Will pass along your comments to the post processor :-)

Pictures were not from a Road Scholar trip but I have been on several including one last March to New Zealand. IMHO, this is an excellent option because they are more than just trips to see pretty scenery but the trips also include native guides and discuss culture, history, botany, Geology etc.

Here is a link to my wife's pictures taken while hiking the Highland Trail. I wish I had been with her on that trip and I would love to go myself. She and the others did "Inn to Inn" hiking. A lot of walking but the scenery is really fantastic. I have some Scottish ancestry so my genes woke up when I saw the pictures.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/catoctin_vigneron/albums/72157638671845203

Go for it. I suggest getting Corel Painter Essentials 6 which is only about $50. If, after awhile, you do not find this adequate for your needs you can always get the full blown version but I think that Essentials 6 will keep you busy for quite some time. There a lot of tutorials and there is somewhat of a learning curve but I think it is worthwhile. Probably - and not certain - but I suspect the other opinion that you already have what you need, although perhaps accurate - may require a steeper learning curve to get it to do what you want. You can even do a lot of creative things with "The Gimp" if you want to go that route - or you can use both of them by doing some of the work in Corel and then opening it in Gimp.

If you look on Amazon.com under Wacom tablets you can find a package that includes Essentials 6 and some other software with the Wacom tablet and pen. IMHO, that would be a good investment. Good luck and have fun. Don't be intimidated by the "Put Downs from the Purists".

I thought this was a "Photography Forum"

[quote

If you're going to be snarky about something, make sure you know more than just the soundbites on TV. It made a good story for the news media, but reality was something entirely different.[/quote]

Well said

I have to admit that years ago while on the way back from a hiking trip, we stayed overnight at a motel. I woke up sort of half asleep and pulled out of my shaving bag what I thought was my travel size tube of toothpaste. ---- You guessed it, in my half awake state and bleary eyed, I pulled out the tube of Preparation H and started brushing my teeth with it. I don't recommend it - ha ha. My wife and grandson laughed to much they almost cried and I am reminded to this day.

I used to do a lot of scuba diving back in the '80's. One one of my trips, one of the fellows had a brand new Nikonas underwater camera. He ran out of film so he thought that since his camera was an "Underwater Camera" he could open it and put in a new roll of film.

I will drink to that. Thank you, sir