Art Blog
Photo Editing Software - July 2025
Choosing the Best Photo Editor: It All Depends on Your Workflow
When it comes to post-processing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best photo editor—Lightroom, Luminar Neo, or ON1 Photo RAW—ultimately depends on your personal workflow, editing goals, and creative style. (There are many more out there but these are the ones I am familiar with.)
*Bonus: All three offer Lightroom plugins, so you can use them alongside Lightroom if you're already in that ecosystem.
Adobe Lightroom
Ideal for photographers who value precision, organization, and a professional-grade workflow.
It’s the gold standard for good reason: powerful RAW processing, seamless cloud sync, deep integration with Photoshop, and an efficient digital asset management system. If you like full control and edit large volumes of images, Lightroom offers reliability and consistency—but it’s subscription-only and can feel more technical than creative.
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html
Luminar Neo
Great for those who want fast, dramatic results with minimal effort.
Its AI-powered tools—like sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and relighting—make it perfect for creative edits and stylized images. If you lean into intuitive, visual editing rather than fine-tuned control, Luminar Neo delivers. Just note it’s not the fastest, and its file management tools are basic.
✅ Includes a Lightroom plugin for direct export and editing.
https://skylum.com/luminar-neo
ON1 Photo RAW
Best suited for photographers who want a full-featured, all-in-one solution without a subscription.
ON1 combines advanced RAW editing with local adjustments, masking, and even layer-based compositing. It’s a hybrid of Lightroom and Photoshop, ideal for those who want flexibility and offline ownership. Its interface is busy, but the tools are solid and constantly evolving.
✅ Includes a Lightroom plugin, so you can launch ON1 edits directly from Lightroom.
https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/
Final Word
The right editor isn’t about which one is “best”—it’s about which one fits your workflow
- If you edit in batches, organize extensively, and want industry-standard tools, Lightroom is hard to beat.
- if you’re focused on creative expression with minimal time spent editing, Luminar Neo shines.
- If you want powerful editing, full control, and no subscription, ON1 Photo RAW is a strong contender.
My personal preference is Lightroom Classic. Although it’s subscription-based, in my opinion, it’s still unbeatable in terms of performance, consistency, and workflow.
Second runner-up is Luminar Neo, for its creative AI tools and simplicity.
Third is ON1 Photo RAW, which is a capable and flexible option—especially if you prefer to avoid subscriptions.
And remember, if you’re already using Lightroom, all three of these can work as plugins—so you don’t necessarily have to choose just one.
Tundra Swans March 2025
Tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) migrate thousands of miles between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering sites in North America. They nest in Alaska and Canada during the short summer, then fly south in the fall, stopping at wetlands, lakes, and estuaries to rest and feed.
In Ontario, key stopover sites include the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area (AWMA) near London, where thousands of swans gather each spring. The Long Point area along Lake Erie is another major resting place. Additionally, the Greenway near Grand Bend offers excellent opportunities to see these birds in a more natural setting before they continue their journey north.
Tips on Shooting:
Use a Telephoto Lens – A 400mm or longer lens allows close-up shots without disturbing the swans. A tripod helps with stability.
Shoot During Golden Hour – Early morning and late afternoon provide soft lighting that enhances their white feathers and reduces glare.
Capture Movement – Swans in flight or landing on water create dynamic images. Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or more) to freeze motion.
Frame Thoughtfully – Position swans against interesting backgrounds like misty lakes or colorful sunsets. Reflections on water add depth.
Respect Their Space – Stay quiet and use natural cover to avoid startling them. Observing their behavior helps anticipate the best shots.
With careful planning, you can capture stunning images of these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
Post Editing Using Layers February 2025
Textured layers in post editing can add depth to your photographs. By applying textures in post-editing, you can transform images into unique works of art, reminiscent of antique paintings or the organic beauty of weathered materials.
Layers can add a painterly quality to photos, Soft, grainy textures resemble canvas, while intricate designs mimic aged paper. The result is a photograph that feels more like a dreamy look.
Every photograph featured here is captured by me, the photographer, ensuring authenticity and a personal touch.
If you’re eager to explore, start by photographing images with simple textures, like scratched metal or crumpled fabric. Using photo editing software, such as Lightroom or Photoshop. You’ll discover how layers can redefine your photography, giving it character, depth, and a touch of nostalgia.
