Which software applications were most favored by photographers in 2023, and are therefore leading the industry in 2024?

Please note that data discussed in this post was collected by CYME media, not me and I only reference their comments. It is interesting to see where trends are heading.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

CYME Media findings

  • In 2023, Luminar Neo attracted only 4.7% of photographers, signaling a shift in perception where it’s no longer considered a central software for photo management and editing but rather specialized solely for retouching. There appears to be a reluctance among photographers to migrate their entire catalog to Skylum’s editing software, possibly influenced by its subscription model.
  • Capture One, preferred by 8% of photographers, is also experiencing a decline compared to its performance in 2022 and 2021. Despite the introduction of Capture One on iPad and new AI features, its momentum hasn’t been sustained. The transition to a single subscription model may have eroded its competitive edge.
  • Adobe Lightroom, chosen by 46.8% of photographers in 2023, has made a significant comeback, indicating that the innovations introduced in Lightroom 2023 have rekindled photographers’ interest.

Although Lightroom is regaining dominance, photographers still embrace multiple tools. According to a survey, photographers typically utilize an average of four different photo editing and management software, showcasing room for various tools in their workflows. I myself use multiple editing software from Lightroom Catalog, to DxO PhotoLab 7, Capture One for tethering, Luminar Neo for some cool effects, DxO Film Pack 7 and Nik Collection for film emulation and of course, Photoshop for retouching. But why stop there? There are so many programs out there.

So I guess the question becomes, what software are YOU using in 2024? Do you just stick with one or do you have various favorites?

The article referenced in this post is from CYME. The data collected by CYME provides insights into photographers’ preferences for editing software in 2023 and upcoming trends in 2024. For a comprehensive analysis, read the full article on CYME’s website.