I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the whole Photoshop vs. other photo editing software out there as far as being used as a professional photo editing tool? There seem to be a few strong contenders out there not in Adobe-land (GIMP, Polarr, Pixlr just to name a few). I was wondering if there was anyone out there that's used both Photoshop and non-Photoshop products and what they would prefer? What makes Adobe better than the rest, or is it more or less the brand name you're buying? Please be honest in your response. I'm looking for some in depth responses, not just "Photoshop is better"
Thank you all in advance.
You can add Snapseed to that list as I'm a Chrome user as well.
I've tried Gimp, but it was kinda hard to find a nice up to date tutorial, maybe there are more as of now, but back at 2015, what i read/watched was very basic and couldn't find something to achieve similar results to what i've learnt in Adobe Ps, also, I had a lot of crashing.
In the other hand, there is just an insane amount of information about Adobe products, it's just so accessible and easy to learn Ps, not very cheap tho.
Yeah, and even if it was a one time payment I'd be more willing to suck it up and pay for it like I did with Elements, but this whole subscription thing just doesn't make it seem worth it to me, unless there's something that Ps does that nothing else does.
As far as your GIMP issue; I think I might be able to help you on that one.
https://www.gimp.org/docs/ has manuals for GIMP as well as tutorials on there as well.
Thanks! I already had that link but lost it and then never looked for it again, I guess it's a nice time to start with it again.
Just looked at this; HOLY CRAP! I think I know what I might be getting in the near future. It looks like they have a free trial version as well :) Thank you for mentioning this! I like that they aren't going the subscription route and are offering it as a stand alone product.
Also, can't beat the system requirements being much less intensive than photoshop.
Thank you Amy, for finding me a diamond in the rough!
I use the basic, one time fee version of Pixelator. From what I understand, it is very similar to Photoshop, which I haven't used (and totally forgot) over ten years ago. Pixelator works for the basics that I do, and I'm sure a ton more that I haven't attempted yet. However, it has been very difficult for me to locate any type of up to date manual or instructional videos. If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.
Can't say that I've tried it to be honest. I mean, when you think of it, the 9.99/month plan isn't all that bad. If you're really strapped for cash, there are free options out there.
My frame of mind in photography is to get the shot as right as I can in camera before I even go onto an editing program such as GIMP or Photoshop or Pixlator. Minimal tweaking if any should be required unless you're going into the heavy editing route; that, in my mind, makes you more of a graphics designer than a photographer in the essence of the word.
Having gotten the photography plan, it is quite a good deal for what you get for it. Lightroom in itself is a major time saver if you are taking a lot of shots and need to go through them fast to get to the keepers.
Old post, but...
I had a client who, by corporate fiat, was not allowed to purchase subscription only software. All software had to be a perpetual license to insure that it'd always be available. Ouch.
After some research they settled on Affinity. This was two years ago and it wasn't bad. Today I use it more the PS and will drop Adobe subscriptions the end of this year.
I use Topaz Labs and Skylum, also I keep an eye toward On1. They are constantly inching closer to replacing Adobe products. The day will soon come when I can cut the cord to Adobe and the upgrades that break stuff. Photo Mechanic with Sklum Luminar and Topaz Studio and Portrait Pro is a combo I could live with.