Editing software

[Michael Cardenas]

So, I posted on here earlier about developing an interest in photography. I don't know quite how far I will take that interest or how long it will even last but for the time being I am a novice inexperienced photographer with a Nikon D3400 looking for a hobby. I'm wondering what role editing plays in the photography process. In other words, do I need editing software, what exactly is the purpose of it, and what is some affordable software I can purchase and where? Any other pertinent advice would be appreciated, thanks

 

[Ysarex]

So, I posted on here earlier about developing an interest in photography. I don't know quite how far I will take that interest or how long it will even last but for the time being I am a novice inexperienced photographer with a Nikon D3400 looking for a hobby. I'm wondering what role editing plays in the photography process. In other words, do I need editing software, what exactly is the purpose of it, and what is some affordable software I can purchase and where? Any other pertinent advice would be appreciated, thanks

Something for you to read: http://photojoes.net/class_notes/chapter01.html

Joe

 

[dxqcanada]

You don't NEED post processing editing.
Many photographers want to do post processing to "correct" or enhance an image. Typically these are RAW shooters.
I think a lot of JPEG shooters just use SOOC images.

Nikon makes a basic app for free called Capture NX-D : Nikon Capture NX-D Software from Nikon ... website with some more info: What You Can Expect from the Latest Nikon Capture NX-D

 

[Jeff15]

Have a look at Utube for some ideas.......

 

[weepete]

The short answer is no you don't need editing software, you can output a jpeg straight from your D3400 to a phone, tablet or computer for use pretty much anywhere you like.

The long answer is that shooting raw format and using post production software can give a bit more latitude and a bit more control over the final image. That enables us to stitch multiple shots to create panoramas, combine exposures to increase dynamic range, combine multiple shots for lighting effects, recover more highlight and shadow data, control sharpening, colour correct, colour grade and other funky things that aren't possible with jpeg format.

Of course you can always shoot raw & jpeg as long as you are willing to take the hit on burst speed and could archive the raw files as a digital negative until you decide if you want to go down the editing route.

Pesonally I like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, but many don't like their subscription model. It makes sense for me because of how much I shoot and how often I use it. Before I got that I used Faststone which is open source lightroom alternative though not as refined. Gimp is the open source equivalent to photoshop. I'd suggest trying these out first before paying for software if you are unsure how much you'll use them

 

[RVT1K]

Your camera has some editing functions built in. You could try experimenting with them.

 

[Peeb]

I find editing to be about as satisfying as shooting! Adobe is the traditional big player in the post-processing market, but not the only option.

 

[Strodav]

As other's have said, you don't need it, but you want it. Here are a few examples, you are going to want to resize your photos to match how you are going to view them. Most dslrs have a 3:2 perspective, so it's easy to print at 4x6, 8x12, 16x24. What if you want to print an 8x10? You will want to crop and resize. If you are going to post on social media, you should resize to something smaller and maybe change perspective. Instagram is more suited to portrait mode. Camera's don't always get the exposure "right" or maybe show an unwanted color tint, which are easily corrected in Post Processing. You can correct red eye, sharpen, reduce noise, increase contrast ... all with a few clicks. You will be able to improve good photos, and save some you want, but didn't quite come out of the camera like you expected. Yes, there is a learning curve and you will need a decent computer, but the more you get into photography, the more you will want to get into PP.

 

[JoeW]

First, there are a bunch of threads on here talking about the merits of various programs. Myself--I use Affinity Photo. Pretty darn good and no monthly fee.

Second, your computer may come with some modest software installed. I have a Mac. It came with photos (automatically converts all RAW files to jpegs).

Third, do you NEED editing software ? Well, that's like asking if you need anything other than a 50mm lens--depends upon what you shoot, how you shoot, and what you want to do with your photos.

 

[Peeb]

One of my best, without editing:

And the with editing:

Getting rid of that barb wire fence was TOTALLY worth learning photoshop, for me. YMMV.

 

[Original katomi]

Hi as you are just starting out
You could look at the photoshop elements it’s the lite, or cut down version of photoshop. I don’t know about the latest version but they used to be standalone, ie no monthly fee.
What others have not said is that jpg suffers in that it degrades every time you save re save . Same as copying a photocopy.
Look up and compare different file formats. Eg tiff, raw, jpg, and so on.

You can work your picture taking so that you can use your images straight out of camera, which is a good way to go and have the editing program there if you want/need it
Sometimes it’s easy to get lazy and get the mind set, Oh I will sort the image out in post Production
Whatever way you go have fun and good luck

 

[Grandpa Ron]

I believe that you will find the post processing programs useful. Even though I prefer my pictures "as shot", I find these programs useful for cropping and adjusting for proper exposure.

Many folk enjoy manipulating the photographic variables to capture exactly how they believe the picture should look. One certainly cannot what argue with the high quality images being produced today.

There are some free post processing programs to get you started. If you like them, there are a host of others to fill almost any photographic niche.

 

[AlanKlein]

What do you intend to do with the pictures you take? That would help define what processing needs you require. In addition, I would focus on learning how to shoot your camera and take meaningful pictures. Special processing could come later. You're putting the cart before the horse.

 

[JBPhotog]

Start with Nikon's offerings, ViewNX-i and Capture NX-D. Unless you want to really get your hands dirty with layers, blend modes, content aware etc. it will handle many editing aspects.

ViewNX-i is a quick editing tool and DAM asset tool but Capture NX-D does the heavy lifting and adds Control Point technology which is a carry over from the NIK suite now offered by DxO. It is a very powerful application should you dig into it.

 

[Derrel]

You have been given some very good advice. The Control Point technology mentioned above is extremely powerful and yet easy-to-use. This is something that Adobe has not managed to steal/modify/incorporate, or license yet.