A question I hear frequently is: “which is better, photoshop or lightroom?” Everyone seems to have a different view. Of the countless articles debating this topic, each author tends to have a strong opinion that leans completely one way or the other. And to someone who is new at photography, all answers sound accurate and convincing – clearly making their decision that much harder.
If you are new to photography and do not want to spend hours comparing these editing softwares, here is my answer. To the Photoshop vs. Lightroom question I say:
When I bought myself my first DSLR a couple years ago, I started with photoshop straightaway. Having heard that it was the most difficult but professional software – and being the perfectionist that I am – I decided that I should just start with the best. Overall, I am happy that I did so.
A lot of people begin with Lightroom and then never even touch Photoshop because they are intimidated by its many functions. So I am certainly glad that I tackled this editing software from the get-go. That being said, there are, however, many functions of Lightroom that I wish I had taken advantage of sooner.
Although Photoshop has all of the capabilities that Lightroom has (and more!), there are many ways in which Lightroom can be both faster and easier to use with certain tools. If you would like to know what those are, keep reading! 🙂 The rest of this post will give you all the details of when and how I like to use each of these editing programs.
And, if you would like to see what my photography looks like (you know, so you can decide if I am actually good at editing and worth listening to ????), feel free to check out my instagram account! Like a true millennial, I always put my favorite images there.
Though there are many functions of Photoshop that I like to use on different photography projects, for the typical photo there are three tools that I mostly use Photoshop for. Those tools include the Spot Healing Brush Tool, the Clone Stamp Tool, and the Polygonal Lasso Tool. All three of these are essential for editing portraits, but also come in handy for most of my travel photography.
For photos of people, I start out by using the spot healing brush tool to remove blemishes from a persons face and fly-away hairs. Next, I typically use the clone stamp tool to fix messed up parts of a persons hair or to get rid of wrinkles and undergarment lines on a persons clothing. And, finally, I use the polygonal lasso tool to open someones eyes if they are starting to blink.
Travel photos are typically much easier and quicker to edit. Sometimes, if I am lucky, I only have to use Lightroom to edit the color and contrast levels of my photos. However, I would still hate to be without Photoshop. The clone stamp tool is fantastic for helping me get rib of unwanted objects such as trash cans, certain tourists, shadows, etc. And I cannot even begin to tell you how often I have to use the healing brush tool to remove dust from my pictures.
Now, if you are familiar with Lightroom, you might be wondering why Photoshop’s healing brush tool is necessary since Lightroom has a spot removal tool as well. But trust me, Photoshop’s healing brush is much better than Lightroom’s. So, so, so much better.
As afore mentioned, the reason I use Lightroom is because it saves time and is easier in some respects. Well, the biggest way is in regards to its sync function. Though Photoshop allows you to batch edit your photos, this process can be extremely slow. If you edit a photo in Lightroom, however, and want the rest of the photos from that shoot to have the same feel, you can sync all of the settings in a matter of seconds. The sync function is literally a God-send for editing a shoot.
Moreover, I also like how easily you can combine functions in Lightroom. While I have to paint on each correction individually in Photoshop, Lightroom’s adjustment brush allows me to apply all of my adjustments together. This means I can paint on sharpness, contrast, tint, and exposure adjustments (and more!), all at the same time. Talk about handy!
A question I hear frequently is: “which is better, photoshop or lightroom?” Everyone seems to have a different view. Of the countless articles debating this topic, each author tends to have a strong opinion that leans completely one way or the other. And to someone who is new at photography, all answers sound accurate and convincing – clearly making their decision that much harder.
If you are new to photography and do not want to spend hours comparing these editing softwares, here is my answer. To the Photoshop vs. Lightroom question I say:
When I bought myself my first DSLR a couple years ago, I started with photoshop straightaway. Having heard that it was the most difficult but professional software – and being the perfectionist that I am – I decided that I should just start with the best. Overall, I am happy that I did so.
A lot of people begin with Lightroom and then never even touch Photoshop because they are intimidated by its many functions. So I am certainly glad that I tackled this editing software from the get-go. That being said, there are, however, many functions of Lightroom that I wish I had taken advantage of sooner.
Although Photoshop has all of the capabilities that Lightroom has (and more!), there are many ways in which Lightroom can be both faster and easier to use with certain tools. If you would like to know what those are, keep reading! 🙂 The rest of this post will give you all the details of when and how I like to use each of these editing programs.
And, if you would like to see what my photography looks like (you know, so you can decide if I am actually good at editing and worth listening to ????), feel free to check out my instagram account! Like a true millennial, I always put my favorite images there.
Though there are many functions of Photoshop that I like to use on different photography projects, for the typical photo there are three tools that I mostly use Photoshop for. Those tools include the Spot Healing Brush Tool, the Clone Stamp Tool, and the Polygonal Lasso Tool. All three of these are essential for editing portraits, but also come in handy for most of my travel photography.
For photos of people, I start out by using the spot healing brush tool to remove blemishes from a persons face and fly-away hairs. Next, I typically use the clone stamp tool to fix messed up parts of a persons hair or to get rid of wrinkles and undergarment lines on a persons clothing. And, finally, I use the polygonal lasso tool to open someones eyes if they are starting to blink.
Travel photos are typically much easier and quicker to edit. Sometimes, if I am lucky, I only have to use Lightroom to edit the color and contrast levels of my photos. However, I would still hate to be without Photoshop. The clone stamp tool is fantastic for helping me get rib of unwanted objects such as trash cans, certain tourists, shadows, etc. And I cannot even begin to tell you how often I have to use the healing brush tool to remove dust from my pictures.
Now, if you are familiar with Lightroom, you might be wondering why Photoshop’s healing brush tool is necessary since Lightroom has a spot removal tool as well. But trust me, Photoshop’s healing brush is much better than Lightroom’s. So, so, so much better.
As afore mentioned, the reason I use Lightroom is because it saves time and is easier in some respects. Well, the biggest way is in regards to its sync function. Though Photoshop allows you to batch edit your photos, this process can be extremely slow. If you edit a photo in Lightroom, however, and want the rest of the photos from that shoot to have the same feel, you can sync all of the settings in a matter of seconds. The sync function is literally a God-send for editing a shoot.
Moreover, I also like how easily you can combine functions in Lightroom. While I have to paint on each correction individually in Photoshop, Lightroom’s adjustment brush allows me to apply all of my adjustments together. This means I can paint on sharpness, contrast, tint, and exposure adjustments (and more!), all at the same time. Talk about handy!
January 27th, 2017 at 11:44 am
I haven’t used lightroom before. I have only ever used photoshop. Great post on both!
January 27th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Thanks!
January 27th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
I taught myself Photoshop years ago and have never been able to get the hang of lightroom in quite the same way. I need to watch some videos or something!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
January 27th, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Making the transition from Photoshop to Lightroom was weird for me too! The setup is so different from Photoshop’s. Once I got the hang of it, though, I fell in love with its layout and enjoy using the two together now. Lightroom is so helpful for me! 🙂
January 27th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I use also Photoshop and I find that mostly useful for any kind of pictures.
N, xoxo. | https://nljuljduraj.blogspot.com
January 27th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for reading! 🙂
January 27th, 2017 at 6:54 pm
I love using both! I learned to use Photoshop before Lightroom. So I found Lightroom slightly confusing at first. But overall, I have to agree with what you said. Both have their own special little things.
http://snapsnpixels.com/
January 28th, 2017 at 11:37 am
Yes, the Lightroom platform is so odd at first if you’re used to Photoshop!
January 27th, 2017 at 9:58 pm
I do like both! Depends on the lighting though. Great post! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
January 30th, 2017 at 11:42 am
Thanks!
January 28th, 2017 at 10:19 am
Thanks for the tips. It definitely sounds like Lightroom is a lot easier. Photoshop is a lot more complicated.
Mich x
https://michjosephblog.wordpress.com
January 30th, 2017 at 11:45 am
Of course! Thanks for reading as always hun ????
January 28th, 2017 at 11:24 am
Good to know! I always wanted to try Photoshop, but I’m so intimidated so I stick to Lightroom. I will try it out sometime!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
January 30th, 2017 at 11:49 am
You definitely should! There’s so much you can do with it 🙂
January 28th, 2017 at 10:51 pm
I use lightroom it seems to get the job done for me
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
January 30th, 2017 at 11:50 am
Yes, Lightroom is really handy 🙂
January 29th, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Awesome post! I use both as well 🙂
Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
January 30th, 2017 at 11:50 am
Thank you!
January 29th, 2017 at 6:01 pm
What a great post full of information. Going to bookmark this
Life is just Rosie
Instagram
January 30th, 2017 at 11:51 am
Thanks Rosie!
January 29th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
I use both too! Mostly Lightroom but if there’s something funky in a pic you love photoshop is always a life saver!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
January 30th, 2017 at 11:52 am
Right? So essential for fixing errors 🙂
January 29th, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Haha the healing brush and clone stamp are my saving graces too! I’ve actually never used Lightroom before, but I do want to try it 🙂
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
January 30th, 2017 at 11:53 am
I think you’d like it Rachel 🙂
January 30th, 2017 at 6:19 am
Great post! I’m curious to try Lightroom now.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
January 30th, 2017 at 11:54 am
Thanks Gemma!
January 30th, 2017 at 7:25 am
I have never used Lightroom… So behind the curve 🙂
January 30th, 2017 at 12:03 pm
That’s okay! There’s always time to learn 🙂
January 30th, 2017 at 8:23 am
Great tips!!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MY RED CARPET LOOK // MI LOOK DE ALFOMBRA ROJA
January 30th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Thanks!
January 30th, 2017 at 11:17 am
The photos on your Instagram are so lovely – beautiful editing too! Lightroom’s ability to mass edit is very helpful, that’s for sure 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
January 30th, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Thanks Gabrielle!
January 31st, 2017 at 9:16 am
These are awesome tips, lady- I actually just got Lightroom + Photoshop and am figuring my through each!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
February 3rd, 2017 at 10:29 am
Thanks Ashley!
February 1st, 2017 at 1:28 am
It’s so interesting to know how you use both softwares! I use mainly Lightroom to edit my photos and adjust color/lighting. Photoshop is to remove any objects, but I’m seriously such a noob at it hehe
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
February 3rd, 2017 at 10:30 am
Thanks Tina! And that’s okay, we all have to start as beginners 🙂
February 1st, 2017 at 8:53 pm
All great tips! I use both too. Although I only recently started using Lightroom because as you say it’s fast and the presets are awesome. But the photoshop healing properties are so much better.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
February 3rd, 2017 at 10:30 am
Thanks Yasmin!
February 7th, 2017 at 6:57 pm
I use both too! Photoshop more for manipulating images and Lightroom for editing them!
xx katie // a touch of teal
February 28th, 2017 at 6:13 pm
i tried photoshop for a bit last summer, but just had a really hard time getting into it. i’ll have to try it (+ lightroom) again this summer when i have some time. i currently use picasa and love how easy to use it is, but am definitely starting to feel the limitations.