Which Photoshop version should a Lightroom user choose on Windows 7?
Asked 4/25/2014
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I currently use Lightroom and want to start learning Photoshop for editing. I'm new to Photoshop and confused by terms like plug-ins, Photoshop Elements, CS6, and CC. I use Windows 7 and a Canon 6D, and I mainly shoot weddings, portraits, and children. Should I use Photoshop Elements or the full version, and how does Photoshop fit alongside Lightroom?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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Your selection will mainly depend on your budget.
Photoshop Elements is a stripped down, and thus cheaper version of Photoshop, aimed at amateur photographers who don't want to spend the amount of money the full version costs.
The full version of Photoshop has more tools and is generally more powerful, but is much more expensive. However, Adobe now offers the option of paying a monthly license fee rather than a lump sum.
It's worth pointing out that Photoshop is generally aimed at being used alongside Lightroom, not as a replacement. While Photoshop does have the ability to edit RAW files, Lightroom is set up to do so much more efficiently. Photoshop instead focuses on specific edits such as retouching, cloning, blending exposures, and art/design work such as adding graphics, text, and special effects.
Originally by user3205. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3205
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Your choice mainly depends on budget and how advanced you want your editing to be.
- Photoshop Elements is a simpler, cheaper version aimed at beginners and hobbyists. It’s easier to learn, but it has more limited tools.
- Full Photoshop is more powerful and better for advanced work like retouching, cloning, compositing, blending exposures, and design/text work.
- Photoshop CS6 is the last non-subscription version. It’s still usable, but it’s older and may not support newer Adobe Camera Raw updates.
- Photoshop CC is the current subscription version and continues to receive updates.
Since you already use Lightroom, Photoshop is usually best used alongside it, not as a replacement. Lightroom is generally more efficient for organizing photos and handling RAW edits, while Photoshop is for more detailed, image-specific editing.
For weddings, portraits, and children photography, if you expect to do careful retouching and more advanced edits, the full version of Photoshop makes more sense. If you just want basic editing and a lower-cost entry point, Elements may be enough to start.
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