The Best Photo Editing Software: Editing For Beginners
The Best Photo Editing Software: Editing For Beginners
I’ve had so many people come to me over the years wondering how to learn to take “good photos”. Most of them recognize they need to up their photo game but don’t take into account upping their editing game!
A lot of people put an effort into getting the right gear to take great pictures but don’t realize how vital learning how to edit is to the process! To truly make those moments memorable and visually stunning, photo editing is the key. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, having the right photo editing software at your disposal can significantly enhance the quality and impact of your images.Wondering how to edit photos?
Here are all of the best editing apps and software.
1. Photo Mechanic: Speed and Efficiency
When it comes to browsing, organizing, and culling your photos, Photo Mechanic takes the crown as one of the best tools in editing software. This editing software is known for its lightning-fast performance, allowing you to quickly scroll through thousands of images effortlessly. It excels in the initial stages of photo editing, offering powerful tools to tag, rate, and select your best shots. While it focuses primarily on efficiency and workflow, its basic editing capabilities allow for some quick adjustments.
Developed by Camera Bits, Photo Mechanic is widely regarded as the fastest photo browser and workflow tool for professional photographers. Its unmatched speed and efficiency make it the go-to choice for those who need to quickly sort through hundreds or thousands of images.
Key Features:
Rapid image ingestion and browsing
Metadata management and keywording
Customizable and powerful batch processing
Seamless integration with other editing software
2. Adobe Lightroom: All-in-One Powerhouse
Adobe Lightroom has long been a favorite among photographers for its comprehensive range of editing tools and seamless integration with Adobe's Creative Cloud ecosystem. I don’t have any idea what I would do without Adobe Lightroom! This all-in-one editing software combines organization, non-destructive editing, and extensive library management. Create stunning enhancements to your images using the wide array of sliders and presets. Lightroom also offers a mobile app, enabling you to edit on-the-go, syncing your changes across devices effortlessly.
Designed to cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals, Lightroom offers a powerful set of features wrapped in an intuitive user interface. With its non-destructive editing capabilities, you can experiment with various adjustments without worrying about harming the original image. If you’re wanting to learn how to edit photos, Lightroom is essential.
Key Features:
Comprehensive RAW file support
Advanced color grading and tonal adjustments
Organizational tools with collections and tags
Cloud synchronization for seamless access across devices
3. Adobe Photoshop: The Gold Standard
No list of photo editing software can be complete without mentioning Adobe Photoshop. As the industry-standard image editing software, Photoshop is the go-to choice for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists. Its vast array of tools and capabilities allow for precise and intricate editing, making it ideal for complex retouching and creative manipulations. If you want to learn to edit, Photoshop will be an essential tool in the process.
Key Features:
Layers and masks for advanced editing control
Extensive selection tools for precise adjustments
Content-aware features for seamless retouching
Support for 3D artwork and compositing
Mobile Apps for Editing on the Go
In addition to powerful editing software, there's a plethora of mobile apps that can elevate your photo editing game right from your smartphone. Here are some of the best photo editing mobile apps:
Snapseed: Developed by Google, Snapseed offers a user-friendly interface with a wide range of editing tools and filters. Its non-destructive editing capabilities and selective adjustments make it a favorite among mobile photographers.
VSCO: With a strong emphasis on artistic filters and film-inspired presets, VSCO has gained a massive following among creative enthusiasts. Its sleek interface and in-app community make it a great choice for those seeking inspiration and sharing their work.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile: A companion app to its desktop counterpart, Lightroom Mobile allows you to edit, sync, and share your photos seamlessly across devices. Its powerful editing tools and RAW support ensure professional results on the go.
Prisma: If you're looking to infuse artistic flair into your photos, Prisma is the perfect app. It uses artificial intelligence to transform your images into stunning artworks inspired by famous artists.
If you’re new to editing and want to learn how to edit photos, this list is a great place to start!