The Best Photo Editing Software For New Photographers

When it comes to photo editing software, there are a lot of options out there. And if you’re a new photographer, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. This article will give you an overview of the best photo editing software for new photographers.

We’ll start with a brief overview of each program, and then we’ll give you our top pick for each category.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

10 Best Photo Editing Software for New Photographers

As a new photographer, you might be wondering what the best photo editing software is. There are a lot of different options out there, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best photo editing software options for new photographers.

1. Adobe Photoshop CC

If you’re looking for a comprehensive photo editing solution, Adobe Photoshop CC is a great option. It’s packed with features, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

As a new photographer, you may be wondering whether Adobe Photoshop CC is the right software for you. There are pros and cons to using Photoshop, and it ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some of the pros of using Photoshop include the ability to edit RAW files, non-destructive editing, a wide range of color correction tools, and an extensive selection of filters and plugins.

However, some of the cons of Photoshop include a steep learning curve, high price point, and reliance on external software for certain tasks. Ultimately, only you can decide whether Photoshop is the right software for you. If you’re willing to put in the time to learn all of the features, then Photoshop can be a powerful tool for creating stunning images. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have the time to learn all of the software’s ins and outs, other options may be more suitable for you.

2. Adobe Lightroom Classic CC

If you’re looking for a powerful program that lets you edit and organize your photos, Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is a great option. It’s packed with features, easy to use, and a wide range of tutorials and support options available.

As a new photographer, you may be wondering whether Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is the right software for you. Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.

PROS:

Lightroom Classic CC is packed with features that will help you to organize, edit, and share your photos.
The software is constantly being updated with new features and improvements.
There is a large online community of Lightroom users who are always willing to help out beginners.

CONS:

Adobe Lightroom Classic CC can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, with its many options and controls.
The software can be slow and buggy at times.
It can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase the Creative Cloud subscription in order to use it.

3. PicMonkey

If you’re just getting started in photography, PicMonkey is a great option for photo editing software. It’s simple, user-friendly, and it offers a wide range of features.

As a new photographer, you may be wondering whether PicMonkey is the right choice for you. After all, there are a lot of different photo editing software options out there.

So, what are the pros and cons of using PicMonkey?

One major pro of PicMonkey is that it is very user-friendly. Even if you have never edited a photo before, PicMonkey makes it easy to get the hang of things. There are also a lot of helpful tutorial videos available online. Another plus is that PicMonkey offers a wide range of features, including the ability to crop, rotate, import additional photos and graphics, and even add text to your photos.

On the downside, PicMonkey can be a bit pricey. If you choose to subscribe to the premium version, you will be paying $7.99 per month (or $4.99 per month if you commit to a year-long subscription). Additionally, some users have complained that the customer service is not very responsive.

Overall, PicMonkey is a great choice for new photographers who are looking for an easy-to-use photo editing software with a lot of features. While it is not the cheapest option out there, it is worth considering if you want to get the most bang for your buck.

4. GIMP

GIMP is a powerful image editing software with a wide range of features that can be used by both professional and amateur photographers. While some of its features are more advanced and require a certain level of experience to use effectively, others are much simpler and can be utilized by anyone regardless of their skill level. One of the coolest features of GIMP is its ability to edit RAW files, which are the unedited images taken straight from a digital camera.

This gives users a lot more flexibility when it comes to Editing photographs and making adjustments. However, one of the drawbacks of GIMP is that it is not as user-friendly as some of the other options on the market. It can be challenging for new users to navigate and understand all of the features. Overall, GIMP is a great option for photographers who are looking for an affordable and versatile image editing software.

5. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a free image and photo editing software for Windows users. It offers a wide range of features and is constantly being updated with new ones. For new photographers, Paint.NET can be a great tool for creating cool effects and touch ups. Some of its most popular features include layers, history, curves, and clone stamp.

While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Photoshop, it is much easier to use and doesn’t require a subscription. The biggest downside is that it only works on Windows. However, there are many alternatives for Mac users. Overall, Paint.NET is a great option for new photographers who are looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful program.

6. Photolemur

As a new photographer, you’re always looking for ways to improve your craft. And that’s where Photolemur comes in. This AI-powered photo editor offers some cool features that can help you take your photography to the next level. For instance, Photolemur can automatically enhance your photos with just a few clicks.

It also includes a host of tools for tweaking contrast, brightness, and saturation. Plus, it’s incredibly user-friendly – even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get the hang of it in no time. But of course, nothing is perfect. And the same goes for Photolemur. One downside is that it doesn’t offer as many features as some of its competitors.

But if you’re just starting out, it’s a great option – and one that won’t break the bank. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised at what you can achieve with this powerful little tool.

7. Luminar

If you’re looking for an all-in-one photo editing solution, Luminar is a great option. It’s packed with features, it’s easy to use, and it offers a wide range of tutorials and support options available.

As a new photographer, you may be wondering what features Luminar has to offer. This software is known for its cool filters and editing options, as well as its ease of use. However, there are also some cons to using Luminar, such as the fact that it is a bit pricey and that its customer service is not always responsive. Overall, though, Luminar is a great option for new photographers who are looking for an easy-to-use software with lots of editing options.

8. Skylum Aurora HDR

As a new photographer, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the software options out there. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you narrow it down. Skylum Aurora HDR is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and affordable HDR program. And it has some pretty cool features too, like automatic tonemapping and one-click presets.

But like any software, it also has its drawbacks. For example, it doesn’t have a very large workflow and can be slow on larger files. But overall, we think it’s a great choice for new photographers looking to get into HDR photography.

9. ON1 Photo RAW

If you’re looking for a comprehensive photo editing solution, ON1 Photo RAW is a great option. It’s packed with features, it’s easy to use, and it offers a wide range of tutorials and support options available.

Photo RAW is a powerful photo editing software that offers a wide range of features for both new and experienced photographers. One of its coolest features is the ability to nondestructively edit RAW files, which means that your original photos are always safe. Photo RAW also has a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for those just starting out in photography.

However, one downside is that it can be slow on lower-end computers. Overall, Photo RAW is a great choice for new photographers who want to experiment with different editing techniques.

10. Phase One Capture One Pro

If you’re looking for a professional-grade photo editor, Phase One Capture One Pro is a great option. It’s packed with features, it’s easy to use, and it integrates seamlessly with other Phase One products.

Our Picks

Best Budget Photo Editing Software:

GIMP

If you’re on a tight budget, GIMP is a great option for photo editing software. It’s a free, open-source program that offers a wide range of features.

And while it’s not as user-friendly as some of the other options on this list, there are plenty of tutorials and support options available to help you get started.

It is a great option if you’re just starting out in photography and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on software. And even if you’re an experienced photographer, it’s a great program to have in your toolkit.

So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly photo editing solution, GIMP is a great option.

Best Online Photo Editing Software:

PicMonkey

If you’re looking for an online photo editor, PicMonkey is a great option. It’s a simple, user-friendly program that offers a wide range of features.

PicMonkey is a great option if you want to edit your photos without downloading and installing any software. And if you’re a beginner, it’s a great way to get started with photo editing.

So if you’re looking for an online photo editor, PicMonkey is a great option and best of all, it’s free to use.

Best Photo Editing Software for Mac:

Adobe Photoshop CC

If you’re a Mac user, Adobe Photoshop CC is a great option for photo editing software. It’s packed with features, it’s easy to use, and it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

And best of all, it’s just $9.99/month with the Creative Cloud subscription.

If you’re not familiar with Photoshop, it’s a powerful program that lets you edit and manipulate your photos. You can do everything from simple color corrections to complex photo manipulations.

Photoshop also has a great mobile app, so you can edit your photos on the go. And if you’re an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, you’ll get access to all of Adobe’s other apps as well, like Lightroom and Illustrator.

So if you’re looking for a comprehensive photo editing solution, Adobe Photoshop CC is a great option.

Best Photo Editing Software for Windows:

Adobe Lightroom Classic CC

If you’re a Windows user, Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is a great option for photo editing software. It’s packed with features, it’s easy to use, and it has a wide range of tutorials and support options available.

It costs about $9.99/month with the Creative Cloud subscription.

Lightroom, it’s a powerful program that lets you edit and organize your photos. You can do everything from simple color corrections to complex photo manipulations.

Lightroom also has a great mobile app, so you can edit your photos on the go. And if you’re an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, you’ll get access to all of Adobe’s other apps as well, like Photoshop and Illustrator.

So if you’re looking for a comprehensive photo editing solution, Adobe Lightroom Classic CC is a great option.

Best Photo Editing Software for Beginners:

PicMonkey