What graphics/editing programs do you use?

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Photography

#CREATIVE EDIT

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

This is a question I think a lot of people like to know the answer to. There are so many out there, but we mostly see tutorials for photoshop only.

Please let us know of others that you know of, and use.

I know one photographer who uses Picasa almost exclusively!

Thomas Herren

13 years ago

I have Capture NX2 with Color Efex Pro3 which I use for most of my pictures. I also have Photoshop CS5 with Nik Complete Collection, but this combination is used only occasionally.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

That's a program you have to buy, Thomas? Where do you go to learn new things about it?

Thomas Herren

13 years ago

CNX2 is available for prices of around USD 180- 220 depending on where you buy it. However, Nikon does not seem to develop it any further, they just update it to new Nikon bodies and lenses, and it is no longer supported by Nik since Nik has been bought by Google. Adobe Lightroom 4 is considered equal with regard to rendering the Nikon colour profiles.

The internet is full of video tutorials and forum discussions on how to use CNX2. There are also several (e)books available. Just put "Capture NX2" into Google search if you are interested. For non-Nikon users however, CNX2 is not relevant.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

Thank you for the extra information, Thomas, I'm sure there will be interest in all different types of programs!

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

As you are probably aware Mel, most of my work has been processed on Photoshop elements. Is is only in the past year or so that I have used a Lightroom/CS5 workflow. PSE remains a very sophisticated programme, and contains most of the functions you require for effective post production.

Ian Munro

13 years ago

Adrian, you just use Elements? wow fair play your work is brilliant and you are an example of how to get the best out of this software.

Brilliant!

Paco Palazon

13 years ago

It's a pity that Adobe has a bit of a monopole here... Monopoles are to be avoided, always ;)

I use Rawtherapee (which not only is very good, but also free, open source and cross-platform; and no, I don't get commissions :P).

However, rawtherapee is not a do-all graphic editing software. It's there for raw conversion with all the global settings that you may need (of course exposure/luminosity settings, WB, channel mixer, different sharpening/microcontrast tools and also geometry controls -rotation, distortion, perspective correction...- and even very "techy" and pixel-peeping tools like the choice of 8 or 9 different demosaicking algorithms and different colour-spaces, working profiles and all that...).

That's more than enough for me for 99.9% of my shots.

For the other 0.1% where I need some local editing (cloning or dodge/burn or layers with masks) I use gimp.

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

Yes for a long time I did DM, and it had a nice organiser as well. However I am now using Lightroom/CS5, it is nice to have curves as an adjustment layer, and the more powerful RAW processor is nice too. I use some of the other Non PSE functions occasionally, like selections through channels etc.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

Yes and I've always been in awe of the fact too, Adrian! Props to you!

Thanks for your input, Paco.

I'm sure there'll be plenty of interest in free software now that the Cloud option has been brought in!

Ben Goossens ✝ PRO

13 years ago

I' m addicted to Photoshop and his possibilities, since long!

http://www.gimp.org/

free download, could have enough features for some photographers.

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

Hi Ben, I think you have explored the possibilities of PS more than anyone!

Thanks for that link

Marie-Claude PRO

13 years ago

I have Capture NX2 which I don't use anymore.

My favorite is Lightroom 4 I use it from beginning to end with Nik software (complete collection) that I'm learning to use and I find great !

I also have Photoshop CS6 with Nik Complete Collection, I use when I wish to modify my photos a bit more or for some creative edits of course, I'm a beginner in this category too, but I enjoy C.E. more and more...when I can because it is very time consuming and time flies ;-)

My workflow starts with Lightroom 4 and ends with it. Shooting raw, I have very big files with my D800 E, but this workflow works ok

Thomas Herren

13 years ago

I use Rawtherapee I use gimp.

Paco, your combination will be mine when I change my camera body, as CNX2 and CS5 will not support the new body. I already tried Rawtherapee a bit, but it is quite hard to develop a nice workflow. Do you have a particular method/handbook or other suggestion how to work efficiently with Rawtherapee?

Thanks

Thomas

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

Thanks Ben, I've not looked at Gimp for awhile, but I think it's definitely going to be of use to those who aren't joining the cloud!

Marie-Claude, I personally think it's important to shoot in raw, and agree that LR does it well, or at least it does for me.

I've heard of others using quite a few different raw processors though, like Paco, names I've never heard of!

DxO was one I was told about recently....and the user was VERY impressed with it!

Jef Van den Houte CREW

13 years ago — Head curator

I'm mainly a Photoshop user, shooting always in RAW. I prefer to stick to one program and try to learn it as much as possible

As a plug in I have the Nik collection, mainly using the Silver Efex (great possibilities for B/W ) and sometimes Color Efex and Dfine.

For lens correction I used a lot DXO, but with the possibilites in the newest Photoshop versions I'm using it less (although it's IMO still superior to PS for these corrections)

Best regards Jef

Ben Goossens ✝ PRO

13 years ago

Hi Ben, I think you have explored the possibilities of PS more than anyone!

Thanks for that link

But, I have the impression I know only +- 40 % of all the possibilities of PS... makes it interesting because you still can learn everyday.

What i also learned is that you can obtain the same result in may different ways in PS. I try to use the fastest and less complicated ones.

P.S.: if not a montage (CE), the latest LR can do a very good job IMO.

Ian Munro

13 years ago

Jeeeez Ben if you know +-40% then I know -100% ;)

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

I agree, Ian....I reckon I'd be the same!

Thanks Jef for your input too. Yes my friend said DxO was great when he was doing panos, and wanted to correct the wide angle distortion.

Deleted User

13 years ago

NS 4

LR 4

PS CS5

Nik (both SEP and CEP) Google Collection

I also have Photomatix, but rarely use it. I seem to do better with layers and layer masks in ps for extending tonal range. I'm also not a fan of extending it too much as I feel it tends to flatten the images too much, thus taking away drama and depth.

Paco Palazon

13 years ago

I use Rawtherapee I use gimp.

Thanks

Thomas

Well, you can start trying some of the built-in profiles (or the "neutral" one) and if you find yourself doing always the same you can save the parameters as your own profile; but I like to work on every image independently, never using exactly the same settings for two images.

My recommendation would be not to care about 90% of the possibillities at first because you can easily get lost into a lot of options that don't really make a difference to you.

The manual is a good way to know how the software works, really, no irony intended.

I forgot to mention 3 pieces of software that I have used in the past but allmost no more:

- Neat image (noise reduction software, also free, although there's a paying version too) (rawtherapee handles noise very well now, so there's no need for an extra software; plus I like "grainy" images :D)

- LuminanceHDR (but I don't like hdr anymore :p and the "tonemapping" option in rawtherapee does kind of the same job, without the need for an actual hdr image)

- Hugin (I use it for panoramas, but I rarely do any; I mostly use an ultra wide angle lens and crop to 16:9 if I want a panoramic view :P)

Ben van der Sande PRO

13 years ago

I use CS6, together with the plugins from Tony Kuyper ( TK actions and luminosity masks). This works great.

There are instruction videos from Sean bagshaw. They help to quickly understand how to work with these plugins.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

What's NS 4, Clyde?

I agree regarding Photomatix, I bought it years ago, but discarded it once I found NIK.

Thanks for your input guys!

It's good to know what other photographers are using, and for what purpose.

Thomas Herren

13 years ago

[/quote]

My recommendation would be not to care about 90% of the possibillities at first because you can easily get lost into a lot of options that don't really make a difference to you.

The manual is a good way to know how the software works, really, no irony intended.

[/quote]

Yes, I agree, although the manual is more for technical folks (no judgement intended) than for a humble user. I will try to learn it with pictures that I like how they came out with CNX2 and I will try to get comparable results. I already managed to create a specific colour profile for my camera in RT.

Hamed Gh

13 years ago

I use CS6 with Nik plugins .

Willem de Vlaming

13 years ago

At the moment I'm experimenting with camera presets on my nikon D90 using the picture control utility. That allows setting presets on the computer and uploading them in camera.

My most versatile workhorse for post processing is Capture NX2, for lighter work I use View NX.

And if I need to work in layers I use Paintshop Pro (rarely need that though)

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

Let me be honest.

Hello, my name is Phyllis and I confess I am a Photoshop Junkie.

I have been addicted to Photoshop, since Ver 5 which I bought in 1999 I believe. I have had every upgrade because an addict cannot say no.

I have CS 6 which I never learned fully mostly because around 2004 I also became addicted to plug-ins. Which ones? All of them.

Somewhere around Photoshop 6 & 7 I was getting quite good at the program. So much so that I thought I would become Certified. I worked on the Classroom in a Book trainings.

However, suddenly so many plug-ins arrived. They arrived faster than I could buy them, much less read the manuals. I also bought Corel Painter, which is also a large program to learn, and upgraded it a few times.

Okay this might as well be a full confession.

I confess I also bought Lightroom. I held out for a while and started with Ver 2. Never used it. Then went to Ver 3 which I got for about 25.00 on sale, but still never learned it.

I am also addicted to fonts, actions and presets.

That is my complete confession. So if you want to know about a program, I am pretty sure I have it somewhere...

To compensate for these expenditures, and not feel completely guilty, I stopped buying the things I once did..like lots of jewelry, fancy shoes and clothes, perfumes, and my gifts from family and husband for years have been either software or B and H gift Certificates.

If you looked at my photos here at lx you will only see one CE, and wonder what I am doing with all this stuff? I find it hard to 'fit' in with my editing here because I like to do many things which take a picture away from looking like a photo. However, I really do enjoy it..so I will upload one...now...:)

Oh...can you imagine my withdrawal now that there is no more Photoshop? I don't think I can afford CC, and please if you can make every attempt to talk me out of it.

Thank you for listening.

Phyllis :)

Robert PRO

13 years ago

I am using CS6 and NIK. But still have the opinion that a picture needs to be photographed and not photoshopped:-) Call me purist or traditional or just too old:-)

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

Sounds like Nik software is just as popular as PS, I also have the full collection, just love color efex and silver efex pro. I also use Topaz labs software, anyone else use this?

Deleted User

13 years ago

What's NS 4, Clyde?

Nikon Scan 4, for film scanning and basic levels and dust removal. It's sort of like a RAW converter for film.

Eliza Powell

13 years ago

Phyllis I have only one thing to say, asides from congratulations, which is... you should consider giving lessons :) - I am a total latecomer to the digital world, compared to many, and only scratch the surface of PS. I would love to know more, but am not great at reading the manuals and tend to stumble through, discovering things by accident. I do pretty much all my editing in Camera Raw and then sometimes some dodging / burning type stuff in PS.

(have recently discovered - thanks to you - Silver Efex, but haven't gone beyond the presets really).

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

. I also use Topaz labs software, anyone else use this?

Yup. ;)

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

Camera Raw and then sometimes some dodging / burning type stuff in PS.

(have recently discovered - thanks to you - Silver Efex, but haven't gone beyond the presets really).

Well, like Robert above if you are doing Documentary work or even a portrait in b/w Nik is all you need...but they have videos available to watch..and they are worth watching...

The presets are a fine start...but then tweak, tweak, tweak..after a while you won't even bother with them..Look for the videos on Nik..my favorite tool in this program is the upoint technology..It is for me like burning and dodging. :) When you have time..have a look at the Nik Silver Eff ones..

http://education.niksoftware.com/training/index.php/webinars/archives/

Eliza Powell

13 years ago

Camera Raw and then sometimes some dodging / burning type stuff in PS.

(have recently discovered - thanks to you - Silver Efex, but haven't gone beyond the presets really).

Well, like Robert above if you are doing Documentary work or even a portrait in b/w Nik is all you need...but they have videos available to watch..and they are worth watching...

http://education.niksoftware.com/training/index.php/webinars/archives/

Cool, thank you I will check that out now :)

Hamed Gh

13 years ago

I also use Topaz labs software .

lgs

13 years ago

It hasn't been easy to face the reality of it but after reading Phyllis's heartfelt confession, I believe I have the strength. I'm a plugaholic.

God, I feel as if this burden has been lifted and I'm finally free!

Piet Flour PRO

13 years ago

Camera Raw and then sometimes some dodging / burning type stuff in PS.

(have recently discovered - thanks to you - Silver Efex, but haven't gone beyond the presets really).

Well, like Robert above if you are doing Documentary work or even a portrait in b/w Nik is all you need...but they have videos available to watch..and they are worth watching...

http://education.niksoftware.com/training/index.php/webinars/archives/

fully agree with the great help you get from those tutorials. I used it 2 years, but then I discovered the video tutorials, and learned more in 1 day than in 2 years.

One of the most important help in the new edition is the use of control points ... a world of difference to apply local effects.

Hamed Gh

13 years ago

Sounds like Nik software is just as popular as PS, I also have the full collection, just love color efex and silver efex pro. I also use Topaz labs software, anyone else use this?

I use it too.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

Thanks Clyde!

Adrian, I won Topaz, installed it, and then didn't use it.

Phyl I think you should give lessons too!

It's great to see what everyone is using, thanks!

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

Adrian, I won Topaz, installed it, and then didn't use it.

Hi Mel, some of the Topaz Adjust filters are definitely worth looking at, especially when used at low levels. I will often compare the effects of Topaz vs Nik and choose one, Nik has the advantage of the U point technology, so can be selectively applied or removed ,without the use of additional layers. The tonal contrast filter in Nik often wins out, however I use the smoothing filter in Topaz on some of my roads to give them a more painterly feel.

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

For example this pic:

http://1x.com/photo/48833/all:user:9587

has had Topaz smoothing filter applied to the road

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

has had Topaz smoothing filter applied to the road

What filter is that a part of? I do not recall seeing a smoothing filter...I probably would have bought it. :)

Remember we spoke of Lucis Art and the cost...I had it but when I switched to Mac it would not work..but about a year ago they had big sale...you know what is coming right. I have no idea why but they offered a couple of their filters...for Mac..for about $35.00 or so...and I got them immediately..Now they are very nice.. Very nice.. What I need is more time to play.

On Topaz they do a lot of upgrading for free it would seem. I have the b/w which I love, but because Nik is so good I always end up back there.

.Do you know with the lab shop you can open lx and use a little dropper...and go to anyone's photo and take the toning..shades..? Only works on a photos that have only toning...it is hard to describe.

Other filters which are very inexpensive are the Flaming Pear and a few are good.. I have used Melancholytron - lightly...and Aetherize is very good too..and you can do demos...As long as you lower the opacity ...and not use them full strength...many of their plugins are good..Contrast also good...They are very inexpensive and not a greedy company.

Phyl

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

Adrian/Mel

Just realized so much good information in this thread..and it will not be seen. For Creative Edit people...especially..maybe a Topic called Resources would be good? I know I can put links, for things like plug-ins and other editing helpers in there...some of which are free for those who cannot afford the Nik etc..:)

Phyl

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

[/quote]

What filter is that a part of? I do not recall seeing a smoothing filter...I probably would have bought it. :)

[/quote]

Hi Phyl,

Topaz adjust has three filters that give a smoothing effect, Portrait Smooth, Simplify, and Smooth and Flat, they all look a little different. Best to use them at low levels by adjusting the opacity of the layer.

I still use LucisArt, I have an old version that has survived multiple computer upgrades. I still love the look of it and apply a tweak of 'exposure' and 'sculpture' to a lot of my shots. I think no other software looks the same as the 'sculpture' look. Unfortunately it only works on my 8 bit PS version, so a bit messy some times swapping over. I use Melancholytron ALL the time, such a simple filter but so useful. I must check out Aetherize.

Phyllis Clarke CREW

13 years ago — Moderator

Yes Adrian,I went to look...inside Adjust five are the adjust four presets..and they are in there. ;)

Thank you.

Phyl

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

As this thread has started to focus on PS plug ins, I'll start a new topic so this discussion can be a little more visible. Please continue discussion about major editing programmes here. Hope this is useful.

Adrian

Danny Kun

13 years ago

Capture NX2 (or CNX2) is Nikon's original RAW converter and limited editing software that was developped in cooperation with Nik Software who principally added their U-point technology. CNX2 handles also TIFF and JPEG, but is interesting only for Nikon users. CNX2 is available for prices of around USD 180- 220 depending on where you buy it. However, Nikon does not seem to develop it any further, they just update it to new Nikon bodies and lenses, and it is no longer supported by Nik since Nik has been bought by Google. Adobe Lightroom 4 is considered equal with regard to rendering the Nikon colour profiles. The internet is full of video tutorials and forum discussions on how to use CNX2. There are also several (e)books available. Just put "Capture NX2" into Google search if you are interested. For non-Nikon users however, CNX2 is not relevant.

Hi Thomas, I also use NX2 alot being a Nikon shooter mostly and must agree that it reads the raw files brilliantly, it just seems to make the photos pop a little more. However I have also compared some images I worked on in both NX2 and Lightroom and found that there was differences, Lightroom just didnt process the images quite as well, but thats just my findings. The interface of NX2 takes some getting used to but U point technology is awesome, similar to Silver FX etc. Basically what I cant do in NX2 I use Photoshop 5.

Marc Petzold

13 years ago

On Win, CS5 PS and ViewNX2, CNX2 from Nikon, plus some PS Plugs.

mostly the Nik Collection, and one or two from Topaz.

On my Linux Box, i use Corel Aftershot Pro, but mostly Dark Table & GIMP. :-)

Thomas Herren

13 years ago

On Win, CS5 PS and ViewNX2, CNX2 from Nikon, plus some PS Plugs.

mostly the Nik Collection, and one or two from Topaz.

On my Linux Box, i use Corel Aftershot Pro, but mostly Dark Table & GIMP. :-)

How do you like Corel Aftershot Pro and did you try Rawtherapee?

Adrian Donoghue PRO

13 years ago

I'll check out some of those workshops Mario

Jeannette Oerlemans

13 years ago

I always work in photoshop. In December 2012 I switched from CS3 to CS6.

My favorite filter is topaz adjust. I work a lot with it.

I always open in cameraraw in prophoto sRGB in 16 bits and start with the first steps and work from there on in cs6.

Mel Brackstone PRO

13 years ago

Agree with Mario, the Creative Live tutorials by Ben Wilmore and Lisa Snider were great. I bought the Photoshop week series....still got a few to go through, but good value

Jeannette Oerlemans

13 years ago

@ Adrian, ze zijn echt waardevol. @ Jeannette, ik deed precies hetzelfde overstap van CS3 naar CS6 en ik ben verbaasd hoe het erin geslaagd om CS6 die snel te maken. Het starten van het programma is veel sneller, laat staan de extra content bewust functies.

I am sorry that all changed now with Adobe Photoshop and can not buy more. Now you can rent through a subscription, so you've lost something tangible. The box with the CD. :-( For now I'll stick with CS6 :-)

Jeannette Oerlemans

13 years ago

Eens Jeannette, zal ik vasthouden aan CS6 als wll voor een tijdje. Maar ik weet zeker dat de dag zal komen waar ik ga voor het abonnement model. Maar voor nu zijn er meer dan genoeg mogelijkheden om te gebruiken in de box-versie.

My only question is, do you have such subscription "upgrade" for example, still do after two years?

Jeannette Oerlemans

13 years ago

Er zijn faq's over Adobe's Creative Cloud hier http://www.adobe.com/en/products/creativecloud/faq.html Jeanette, ik zie dat je me altijd citeer in het Nederlands, dus hier is de link naar de faq's in het Nederlands http: / / www.adobe.com / nl / products / creativecloud / faq.html

oops! I'll do it again in dutch! Sorry, that tis not my intention ever! I'm going to firefox. :-)

Thank you very much!

Deleted User

13 years ago

My only question is, do you have such subscription "upgrade" for example, still do after two years?

If you are referring to the discounted subscription for the first year, not likely. It may last 6 months or so. But I don't think they've said for sure.

Marc Petzold

13 years ago

On Win, CS5 PS and ViewNX2, CNX2 from Nikon, plus some PS Plugs.

mostly the Nik Collection, and one or two from Topaz.

On my Linux Box, i use Corel Aftershot Pro, but mostly Dark Table &amp; GIMP. :-)

How do you like Corel Aftershot Pro and did you try Rawtherapee?

Hi Thomas,

i've been using RawTherapee since Version 2.4.1 with Linux, and currently

the latest 4.10.11 with my Win 7 x64 Box. I like RT, but the latest Version crashed

continously when changing too many parameters, the release before that was

all fine (i think from june 2012 or so).

Aftershot Pro under Linux is running perfectly stable, never crashed a single

time here...compared to darktable, but the latest 1.2.1 release should be also

very fine, have used 1.0.5 a while before, and just upgraded my linux these

days to a newer version that supports the latest DT release.

apart from that, i mostly use CNX2 and PS5, CS5 i meant...because i am familiar

with these 2 programs for a much longer time.

greetings

marc