For a long time I used LR6, ELEMENTS12, and within ELEMENTS12, some Topaz plugins (mainly Re-Mask). A while back I installed and played around with ON1 but continued to do almost all of my PP as mentioned. Over time and sort of in the "just playing around" mode I used ON1 but not for images I really cared about. I worked my way up the learning curve for ON1 and it began to find its way in, along side of LR6 for my serious editing.
I'm not sure how I chose one or the other, it was just which one I felt like using at the time of editing. That time has passed; I still use LR6 but I am definitely using ON1 more.
This is a time of major changes at Adobe and an opening has been created for several other PP programs. ON1 has been aggressively (my opinion) trying to increase its share of the market and I think they are succeeding. It looks like they've gotten me. Going forward my tools will be ON1, ELEMENTS12 and some Topaz plugins.

Lately I've been receiving ads for Luminar. Right now I only use iPhoto even though I have Lightroom and Photoshop (and do NOT understand how to use them - even after many attempts, tutorials and videos). I'm a rank amateur with over 50 years experience taking "pictures" with everything from the Pentax K1000, Canon A-1, and Nikon FA film cameras, various point and shoot digitals and finally graduating to the Nikon D90 and now the D7000 which I love. I know I'm missing out by not using adobe stuff, but they are just too much for this old Luddite. I really don't want to keep paying for something I don't seem to use enough to learn properly. I don't sell photos and only share with friends and subjects (usually of my granddaughter's softball teammates in action), but I'd like to up the quality of what I do without a "too steep" learning curve or a program that changes often or drastically.
If you have experience with Luminar, I'd really like to have your input concerning the quality, ease of use, and effectiveness of the program. It - or something similar perhaps - will be my last editing purchase, so I would be committed to learning how to use it. Any and all input would be welcome, but I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who actually use Luminar regularly.

I have a friend who talked about getting Photoshop Elements. I suggested finding a slightly older version where you could get a CD so that if your computer crashes, you can reload it off the CD instead of hoping you could still download it from Adobe. In looking on line, it appears finding something from Adobe is becoming more scarce... Is that correct? Are we getting to the point where we will no longer be able to buy Adobe software?

Adobe gave me some space for a website years ago to share my photos. I had over 700 photos on it when Adobe changed their minds and took it away... i don't have much trust of Adobe as a result of that stunt.

James,
I promise not to be a noodge but I did have one other question. Thank you for indulging me this far.
I checked on Luminar, ON-1 and Affinity for user manuals. Affinity manuals are in German, ON-1 has none and Luminar does have an on line manual but doesn't even mention HDR, stacking or panorama stitching. It is frustrating but it may have something to do with the newness perhaps of the programs. I am spoiled by Elements with 2 manuals. You Tube videos are very variable in quality. I can get just so far with intuition. What is a guy to do?
Thank you so much,
Richard

Good Morning Hogs, A Shout Out To All Our Vets!
Does anyone have advice or suggestions on "editing software" relating to PS Elements?
I have 10 installed and haven't used it much for lack of understanding how to use it very well. Adobe is offering an upgrade to 18 for $69. bucks ending tomorrow.
I really would like to use it if it's better than "Windows Photo Gallery", what I have been using, but now not responding well at all.
I did a search on the site but didn't find a topic on this, however I'm sure there was one somewhere, sometime.
I appreciate anyone's experience with, or about the Elements 18.
Thanks Folks.

Is anyone aware of a device (reasonable cost) which allows a digital camera to photograph a 645 or 2 1/4 film negative to create a digital file?? The picture attached shows a device for 35mm slides or negatives. What I want is for a larger format. I am aware of an expensive unit (about $1,500) with a light source, etc. I would like something less costly that allows a light box or electronic flash to be used as a light source.

Nikon ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter Set
B&H # NIES2DAS MFR # 27192

Thanks in advance. rdw845

Just to make you all aware that Adobe WILL increase the price of the Photographers package when they so decide I thought you might like to know the New Zealand scenario.
When I subscribed to the package about 2 1/2 years back, the price was $9.99 Australian. (With our currency that translated to about $NZ11.50 a month.) About a year ago Adobe decided that we should pay significantly more for this wonderful package and increased the price to $AU 11.99 per month. That currently translates to about $NZ15.00 a month. Wasn't impressed with this increase but just decided to bear it. Have just received an email from Adobe which tells me that our NZ Govt have caught up with a number of businesses trading in NZ as they do and from End of November they will have to increase their price to recoup the 15% GST they are required to pay. Thats going to add a further $NZ2.25 to the present charge. Starting to get expensive now and I'm keeping an eye on the reviews and comments coming from this site regarding Luminar, On One and the other new and developing software packages. $NZ17.25 a month takes it out to $NZ210.00 per year. Its getting up there!!