Lightroom and Photoshop are two of the best photo-editing tools, but while many professionals use both together, you only need Lightroom as a casual photographer. Using both is often overkill and can be overwhelming.
6You Only Need to Use Photoshop for Retouching
Many Photoshop editing features are available in Lightroom. For example, you can tweak the shadows, contrast, highlights, and saturation.
Since many of Photoshop’s features are similar to those of Lightroom, using both apps can result in over-edited photos. In my opinion, you should use Photoshop for retouching if youmustuse both apps. However, you’re better off doing most of your edits in Lightroom.
Even with retouching, you can find spot healing and other tools toremove unwanted blemishes in Lightroom.
5Lightroom’s Auto-Enhance Features Are Better
Photoshop has auto-enhancement tools for tone, contrast, and color. However, I still think that Lightroom’s auto-enhancement tools are all you really need.
You can adjust the entire picture automatically in Lightroom; while it’s not 100% accurate, it often provides a sturdy base. You can also tweak the white balance, which, when coupled with manual work, can help youachieve the perfect white balance in your photos.
4Camera Raw Is Effectively the Same as Lightroom
Feeling the need to use every feature in a photo-editing app is usual for beginners, but it will result in worse edits. You’ll also be less efficient and feel more overwhelmed. The way that many people use Camera Raw is a clear example of this.
Camera Raw is almost identical to Lightroom Classic. You get calibration, color grading, and basic editing tools. Despite this, some photographers will use both tools (even though it doesn’t make a huge difference).
Instead, you should pick one or the other. If you prefer Photoshop’s interface, use Camera Raw. Otherwise, do the bulk of your edits in Lightroom.
3Lightroom Is More Streamlined for Casual Photographers
I first used Photoshop in 2009, and the app has become much less clunky since then. Nonetheless, it’s still overwhelming for many photographers; I didn’t touch the app after leaving school for a good few years because of this.
The app can havetoo manyfeatures for the average photographer. Although Lightroom is also comprehensive, its learning curve isn’t as steep as Photoshop’s.
I’d switch to Lightroom CC if it had one feature, and this version is particularly beginner-friendly. you may edit seamlessly on mobile and desktop, too.
2Transferring Photos Is Time-Consuming
While you’re able to open Lightroom CC files in Photoshop, transferring files from Lightroom Classic is more time-consuming. First, you need to save the image. You then have to open Photoshop and import the file there.
Over time, this process becomes tedious. It’s especially pointless if you use features in Photoshop that are available in Lightroom. Though you might feel more professional using both apps, streamlining your processes is better for your editing.
1Photoshop Isn’t Great at Editing Smartphone Photos
Photoshop Express is good for smartphone photo-editing, but in my opinion, the web version is pretty poor. If anything, you’ll see how short your phone camera comes when compared to DSLR and mirrorless devices. The auto-enhance features aren’t as good, and besides removing blemishes, there really isn’t a reason to use Photoshop for smartphone editing.
Photoshop Express Would Be My Favorite Photo Editing App if Not for These Two Features
Photoshop Express is packed with potential, but two key flaws hold it back from greatness.
Lightroom, on the other hand, is pretty good. Many of its presets actually work better on smartphone pictures, and color grading adds a nice finishing touch. The tool is great for removing chromatic aberration and making lens corrections.
If you’re a casual photographer, pick either Lightroom or Photoshop for your editing rather than both. Lightroom is a better all-round tool, and its interface is easier to navigate. So, it’s a good idea to start with this app and switch to Photoshop later if needed.
