Photoshop or Lightroom?

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Comment by Mary Anderson on May 14, 2013 at 10:03am

I found what I can do in Lightroom, I can't do in Photoshop and visa versa,  Or the edit looks better using Lightroom, and again visa versa.  I don't do a lot of editing with my landscapes, unless I want the sky to look more blue, or to put more definition on the clouds.  I recently started portraitures, and I can see where editing is such a key part in making the most of the whole portrait.  Thanks for the tip on picmonkey, I will check that out.

Comment by Tracy DePaola on May 14, 2013 at 8:46am

It has been well over a year now, and I still can't make up my mind which program I will need most.

All my images are edited with the free online site called picmonkey.  If I need any layering I use an out dated 2003 version of microsoft picture it which came with my computer.  I think I could use both programs, but I just don't have an ounce of time to take a class or time to learn them.  Something always comes up unexpectedly in my life keeping me from learning new stuff.  If you try picmonkey upgrade for more options and use the tools by thinking outside the box.  For example...The editing tool for removing wrinkles---I also use it on the hair to make it smooth or to actually remove wrinkles in the clothing.  The hair light tool--I use it to lighten eyes and backgrounds.

Comment by Claude B. on January 26, 2013 at 10:46am

I think to start with Lightroom 4.  you will see if you need the Photoshop. 

Photoshop is a lot more expensive but perfect for details in correction you couldn't do with LR. But LR is a perfect companion with Photoshop. You can start the works with LR them finish it with Photoshop.

Comment by Mary Anderson on January 21, 2013 at 5:11pm

Thank you for all the feed back.  

Comment by Taylor Madison Humphreys on January 21, 2013 at 5:06pm

I've never used Photoshop, personally. But I currently use Lightroom and absolutely love it.
If you want to go free, I'd use GIMP (used it for a while- but I definitely get better results with Lightroom).
I guess the main differences are you don't really do a whole lot of "photoshopping" in Lightroom. Meaning layers, adding/taking out things in pictures, etc. Lightroom (to me anyway) is more of a color-corrective thing. Which is all I ever need.

Comment by Jon C Thompson on January 20, 2013 at 6:59am

Hi Mary,

Good question. I use Photoshop but started with it a long time ago when it wasn't so expensive. Lightroom & Elements are good options for starting, to see if you like them. I feel we all need a little editing...sharpining, contrast etc..I know some folks say it should  come out of the camera..perfect..would be nice but very tough to do..I would suggest you get a trial version (free) of  either or both,  and see what  you like..that way you  can get a feel for it and see..get in and play around with them..Good luck with your photography...and the wonderful people on this site are very willing to help you as you go..many are very experienced and know the ins and outs of all three..

Jon

Comment by John C on January 20, 2013 at 5:11am

Just like Anon had mentioned, I think it's not really necessary unless you're into heavy editing. Either will do for basic enhancing/editing. But personally, I am using photoshop for reason that I think it has more control and options than Lightroom. Now, I am not sure of this, I am just saying I've read it somewhere, maybe some experts here can give us some inputs. So yeah, I use photoshop. :)

Comment by Anon A. Mouse on January 20, 2013 at 3:04am

Neither of those is necessary, but I'd say a good image editor is, unless you're okay with just sending your picture files to a commercial printer.  Their computers, often with a little bit of human guidance, will adjust them to look nice.

Unless the lighting is really good most images can be improved, often a lot, by editing.

But, you don't need Adobe's expensive software.  If you have a lot of images and need to get them "good enough" quickly and efficiently you might want both. Lightroom for basic editing and organizing all those files, and  Photoshop for more extensive editing where needed.  I think they're mostly for pros who can write off their cost, including updates, as a business expense.  Adobe's Elements will do the most basic editing but I consider it over priced, even at 50% off, which it often seems to be. 

Good, FREE editors include Paint.NET for basic things, and GIMP for more extensive, "serious" editing.  Also have a good look at whatever software came with you camera.

There's a short list of what's available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Basic_bitmap_image_editing

A long list at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_raster_graphics_editors

WARNING: Some of the things in Wiki's long list are obsolete or out of date.

Also, the real cost of any serious image editor is likely to be your time in learning to use it.