Only One Way to Edit Photographs? No!

Some will tell you there is only one way to edit photographs -- THEIR WAY. Some will tell you there's only one digital format acceptable when taking images in your camera -- again, because that is what they use of what someone told them was the only way.

I'm not here to argue the merits of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Corel Paintshop, etc. If you want PC Magazine's top rated software, you can find them on their website.

What do I use? Well, I seem to be the one that wanders around on the fringe with regard to my software of choice. Why have I chosen to do so? Well, because of simplicity, cost, work flow, and I really like the results. So, that being said, here is my toolbox.

Picasa - this was a free app from Google for many years but has since been discontinued. Unfortunately they have not provided anything now that compares. I save the download file and all you have to do is click on the name to download and install from my Dropbox (yes, it is safe!). It has all the major edit tools you'll need for simple crops, edits, fixes, effects and copyright.

Smart Photo Editor - for $29.95 you will not find a better set of effects anywhere in any software because they are created by the community of users and shared freely. There are literally thousands to choose from. After doing the basic edits in Picasa I will 99% of the time tweak just a little more with my favorite effects and enhancement options.

Photomatix Pro - the Essentials version is $39 but if you are serious about your HDR then you will want the Pro version at $99. HDR is High Dynamic Range editing that takes one or more images and stacks them to provide you with a dynamically rich or interesting look, depending on the effect you choose and the degree to which you tweak it.

Neat Image - for cleaning up an image shot at a very high ISO. It cleans up that grainy look to a smooth and attractive image. This is perfect for making your pictures taken indoors more acceptable for printing and viewing. There is a Photoshop plugin and a stand alone version. I use the stand alone program. Both cost $39.90 apiece or you can bundle them together for $49.90. This program is so worth it!

PortraitPro - this app is available from the same people who make Smart Photo Editor. This cost $39.95 and really does wonders if you do a lot of portrait photography. It will clean up and beautify your subject providing them with either a clean, natural look all the way to a super model look.

LandscapePro - the beauty of this app is the ability to isolate, enhance and/or replace sections of your photo. Don't like the sky? Well, there are many replacements to choose from. Certain areas too light or dark? Choose them and just fix that area alone. The cost is $39.95 and it comes stand alone or as a plugin. It is also created by the makers of Smart Photo Editor and PortraitPro.

All these applications work with JPG, RAW, PNG and TIF files. I believe they all have trial versions that can be downloaded first before you buy so you can test them out. I highly approve each one of them or I would not be telling you about them.

By the way... there may not be only one way to edit digital photos, but there is only one way to heaven. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) I would not recommend doing a test trial on any other faith or religion, but wholeheartedly "buy in" to the only One who can guarantee eternal life in heaven one day.