There seems to be new photo editing software coming up every day. For the average photographer, it’s hard to know which software will provide you the best results. These programs not only differ in the way they work. They also differ in pricing. Let’s look at each photo editing program to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Which is best for your photo editing needs?
Lightroom CC (starting at $9.99/Month)
Lightroom is quickly becoming one of the most popular editing programs for all types of photographers. It is designed to be an all-in-one photo organization and editing program. In Lightroom, you can organize your photos in collections, which is essentially Adobe’s version of a folder. You are able to easily switch from the Library module. This is where you can view all of your images to the Develop module. This is also where you can very easily edit your images with simple sliders.
In the last few years, Lightroom has also given you more freedom in making local adjustments to your images. This was previously something you had to go into Photoshop to get great accuracy and control, but Lightroom has continually raised the bar for local adjustments.
Lightroom is offered in a package with Photoshop, starting at $9.99/month for the first year. You are not able to buy the software outright, and you must keep paying a monthly or yearly fee if you wish to keep using Lightroom.
Bottom line: If you can afford paying a monthly subscription, and you’re an amateur photographer who wants to make adjustments on your images, Lightroom is the program for you. Photoshop is included in the bundle price of $9.99 a month. This means you can always decide to start using the more advanced Photoshop once you feel like you totally understand everything Lightroom has to offer.
Photoshop CC (starting at $9.99/Month)
Photoshop has long been considered the gold standard for top-of-the-line editing software for all types of photographers. Many different kinds of professional photographers utilize the power of Photoshop to create the perfect images.
The main selling point of Photoshop is the ability to do just about anything you want to an image. The downside is that Photoshop is not as easy to learn. Digital artists spend years learning and perfecting Photoshop. Photoshop was made for many different types of artists. You may find that most of the tools Photoshop has to offer will not be of much use to you.
You can get Photoshop in a package with Lightroom for $9.99 for the first year. This is a great deal because, if you decide that Photoshop is more advanced than you need, you always have Lightroom to fall back on.
Bottom line: If you want to become a professional photographer, it’s probably best to bite the bullet and learn how to use Photoshop. You will have the most control over your image in Photoshop.
Photoshop Elements ($99.99)
Photoshop Elements has long been known as the stripped down version of Photoshop. The program was created with the intention of being a software for amateur photographers to be able to easily edit images. While it contains less features than the regular Photoshop CC, it is very easy to use.
Photoshop Elements is great for photographers that want easy edits, with the benefit of a one-time cost. Unlike Lightroom and Photoshop, once you purchase this software, you own it for life.
Bottom line: Photoshop Elements is great if you want to pay for the software once and own it for life. It is also for you if you want to apply quick and easy edits in a software with a fast learning curve. Photoshop Elements is a great choice for someone with little to no experience in digital editing.
Photoshop CC, Elements, and Lightroom are all going to allow you to create beautiful images. No matter which software you choose, there will always be a learning curve to pick up the program. The best way to get started is to pick a program, grab a seat, and start photo editing!
