Photo Editing Software

Modern digital cameras offer plenty of in-camera filters and adjustments, and mobile apps provide some editing functionality. But there’s nothing like finessing your photographs on a computer.

When you’re ready to take your photography to the next level, it’s important to invest in a fully functional photo editing software tool.

Benefits of Editing Your Photos

Whether you stick to basic edits like contrast, color, and filters, or you prefer working in greater depth with cloning, healing, reducing noise, and sharpening subjects, the best photo editing software opens up a world of possibilities.

With just a few adjustments, you can correct mistakes, enhance your successes, and add creative flair to your photographs.

Subscribing vs Purchasing Photo Editing Software

In the past, you could only out-right purchase photo editing programs. As a result, photographers needed to pay to upgrade to the most recent version every few years. However, industry leaders like Adobe have recently shifted to a subscription plan for many of their programs.

Deciding on a subscription model versus a one-time purchase depends on your photo editing needs and software expectations. If you’re looking for basic functionality and adjustments, a one-time investment in Adobe Photoshop Elements or a similar program is an attractive option. But if you’re serious about photo editing, you may want to consider a subscription.

Let’s take a look at the differences between these two options.

New Features, Updates, and Debugging

One of the benefits of the subscription model is that you always have access to the latest features, tool updates, and debugging fixes. Your subscription includes all periodic software improvements, so your photo editing tool stays up to date in the background.

Benefits of Prepaying for a 12-Month Subscription

If you like the idea of the subscription model but don’t want another monthly bill to keep track of, it’s easy to purchase a 12-month subscription for programs like Lightroom and Photoshop from Adorama. Prepaying also protects you from price increases that may occur.

Other Photo Editing Software Options

Capture One’s editing software is quickly becoming a popular alternative to the Adobe Creative Cloud editing apps among professionals and hobbyists alike. You can shoot tethered, and take advantage of a full range of RAW and JPEG editing tools within a single program. Capture One prioritizes functionality and ease of use so you can fine-tune every image to perfection. 

Industry-Preferred Brands for Photography Software

Adobe is the most well-known brand in photo editing software, but other popular companies like Magix, Capture One, Corel, and Auto FX have plenty to offer photographers and photo editors. Take advantage of their intuitive, comprehensive, and easy-to-learn apps as you expand your photographic capabilities.