It’s a new year with new dreams, plans, and strategies. And most of our plans involve two words, “Saving Time”. Whether you’re a business person, or a home-maker, your are probably faced with this issue. We all want to save time to improve the quality of our lives.

 

Being a photographer, I have learned that this one phrase, “Saving Time” is probably one of the most important principles in my business. I constantly work on means to improve not only my photography, but also improving my digital workflow. A more efficient workflow, means less time in front of the PC or Mac. Spending less time in front of the computer screen, means more time for myself and ultimately more time to work on my photography techniques and actually “getting out there”.

 

I thought it a good idea to share my list of top software with you. I hope that it will save you time and money…

 

Photo Management Software…

 

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3

Lightroom is the software that all photographers dreamt about just a few years ago. It was designed for photographers and by photographers. The ultimate photo cataloguing and workflow tool. Use Lightroom to import, export, rate your photos. It is all about non-destructive editing and the same robust RAW conversion that Photoshop offers. I  can’t even start to talk about the brilliant noise reduction it offers. You can also use Lightroom to print your photos, design slideshows and photo websites within minutes.

 

Key Features
  • Robust and complete photo workflow and cataloguing
  • Powerful and complete photo editing and retouching tools
  • Print Module
  • Slideshow Module
  • Web design Module
  • Plethora of third-party plug-ins

 

What’s missing

Some people would like to see the addition of layer masks

 

Price

R2,000 – 2,500 ZAR (300 USD)

 

Verdict…

If I have to choose a single photo editing and workflow tool; it would be Lightroom.

 

Weblink: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

 

 

Pixel Editing / Retouching Software…

 

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9

Photoshop Elements is ideal for photographers who don’t want to pay serious money for Photoshop CS 5. Unlike earlier versions, Photoshop Elements 9 offers layers masks and allows for some serious editing. The one tool I do miss in Elements is the Patch tool though. However, I have found a few workarounds like the lasso tool and the content aware healing brush. Then again, Elements does not support 16-bit support for all its features. This is no train smash either and the price / value of Elements outweigh the few missing features.

 

Key Features
  • Beautiful and “clean” Interface
  • Imaging basics
  • Layer Masks
  • Photo adjustments
  • Artistic filters and special effects

 

What’s missing
  • Complete 16-bit support for layer masks
  • The patch tool

 

Price

R700 – R800 ZAR (106 USD)

 

Verdict…

If you’re not a professional photographer  / studio who needs 16-bit support, and you cannot afford Photoshop CS5 right now, then get it!

 

Weblink: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopel/

 

 

Adobe Photoshop CS5

Photoshop is the golden standard for all professional photographers and studios. It offers more than what the average professional photographer will ever need. 16-bit support for layer masks and just about anything you will ever need to edit pixels.

 

Key Features

Everything you will ever need to edit your pixels and a whole lot more to do.

 

What’s missing

Nothing missing apart from the retoucher you need to employ to use it properly.

 

Price

The “basic” package will set you back around R6000 ZAR (849 USD) and the extended version will cost you even more. Ridiculous!

 

Verdict…

The world’s “golden” standard for image editing software needs no introduction. Because of the third-party plug-ins we use, my studio can’t do without Photoshop CS5. The amateur, serious hobbyist or professional photographer who just started out, should maybe consider Elements 9.

 

Weblink: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop/whatisphotoshop/

 

 

HDR Software

 

Photomatix Pro 4.0

HDR stands for “high dynamic range” and allows you to turn various exposures into a single image. The result is wonderfully detailed images with wonderful shadows and highlight details.

 

HDR has come a long way in the past few years, and I personally can’t see myself without it. Photomatix has been the “standard” for creating HDR images for some time now and with the release of Photomatix pro 4, will probably remain ahead of the rest. I also have to mention that it is really easy to use and quite affordable.

 

Key Features
  • Merge to HDR and Tone Mapping
  • Exposure fusion
  • Automatic alignment of hand-held photos
  • Selective deghosting tool
  • Noise reduction
  • Chromatic Aberrations reduction
  • Batch Processing
  • Lightroom plug-in

 

What’s missing

Nothing’s missing, nothing broken. I like it just the way it is.

 

Price

R600 – 700 ZAR (99 USD) for the fully featured Pro Version. You can get the Light version for less than R300 ZAR!

 

Verdict…

Affordable and easy to use. You want to create striking HDR images, then, look no further!

 

Weblink: https://www.hdrsoft.com/

 

 

Interested in learning how to use Lightoom and Photoshop Elelements, or any other photography course, then click HERE