What software do you use?

I currently have an older version of Elements and am looking to take the next step.

Can everyone let me know what software you use for post processing? I'm looking for a recommendation.

 

We use Photoshop CS1 at work (ugh) and i just started using CS4.

 

I'm a solid Lightroom guy.

 

Lightroom 3.x first, Photoshop CS5 if needed.

 

lightroom 3, photoshop cs4, nik suite. i am considering purchasing topaz adjust, i like the look of a lot of the photos taken out almost too far with that.

 

Adobe Lightroom 3 with Topaz Adjust plug-in and Photomatix HDR 4 plug-in, Photoshop Elements +

 

I use Aperture 3 with plug-ins for Photomatix, Noise Ninja and BorderFX. ; If you have a PC, you should get Lightroom 3 as I think photo management software is the way to go with the amount of images we work with in digital photography. ; Plug-ins (which you would buy for Photoshop as well) make these programs a great choice, IMO.

 

I use Capture NX2 to process the RAW files and then bring it in to CS4 to remove noise, crop, run any filters and sharpen.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. I downloaded Lightroom 3 for a 30 day trial. I just have to figure out what I'm doing but I'm having fun playing with it so far.

 

Just saw this today - if you're even *thinking* about Lightroom, Amazon has it (as of this post) at half off - $150. Can't beat a Cyber Monday deal like that!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003739DVY?ie=UTF8&ref_=sr_1_3&qid=1290988812&sr=8-3&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393185&tag=terwhitecblo-20

 

CS5 & LR2

Is LR3 better than 2? ; I don't use version 2 very much even though I have it.

 

CS5 with Topaz adjust, Topaz DeNoise and Topaz ReMask(I still havn't learned how to use the new Refine Edge tool very well yet in CS5.

I also use LR3 which is where most of the stuff gets done.

 

At first, I didn't think there was much difference at all - especially for some of the upgrade headaches (catalog recreation, etc). But now, after using it a while, I had the chance to use v2 on someone elses computer and realized that it was an excellent upgrade. Lots of stuff in the background. I think it's worth it.

 

I think LR3 is worth the upgrade. ; The noise reduction alone is worth the upgrade. ; I also like the Lens correction options which allows you to correct for your specific lens. ; There are many other additions like a more flexible watermarking feature, improved post-crop vignetting, adding grain if you like, better tethering features, online sharing to Flickr, Facebook and SmugMug

It also is capable of handling video, but I have not used this so I don;t know its capabilities.

 

Lightroom 3 with Photoshop CS5. ; I use both the Nik and Topaz plugins. ; Different uses for different occasions.

For me LR 3 was a great upgrade over LR 2. ; The addition of Lens profiles and advanced metadata handling are great additions. ; I am managing about 70,000 images in LR 3 and the performance is still very good.

Nik plugins are great for very granular control over images. ; Topaz is wonderful for their built in adjustments that allow for quick adjustments. ; I use Photoshop for the finishing touches.

Each of these tools have demo versions. ; I would recommend giving them a try and see for yourself on your photos. ;

 

I'm using Aperture 3 and Photoshop CS3. I'm currently debating whether to get the Topaz bundle or to upgrade to CS5.

Erich