Since Adobe changed some of its Creative Cloud pricing on Monday (4/16/18; note the Photography plans were not impacted), there's been a lot of discussion surrounding alternatives to Lightroom. And while Lightroom continues to be the industry standard for photo editing and organization, there's a lot of tools out there that are great alternatives for people who don't want to be married to a subscription model. Luminar $59 for Photofocus readers; available for Mac and Windows I've been using Skylum's Luminar 2018 since it first came out, and … [Read more...] about Searching for a Lightroom Alternative: Is it Time to Switch?
Creative Cloud
Reminder: Adobe Increasing CC Plan Pricing, Photo Plan Unaffected
I just got an e-mail reminder from Adobe, which is increasing some of its Creative Cloud plan pricing starting April 16. Announced last October at Adobe MAX, the pricing changes are as follows: Creative Cloud for Individual Single App plans will increase to $20.99 per month (instead of $19.99 per month; $1 increase). This plan is for a single Adobe Creative Cloud app. Creative Cloud for Individual App Apps plans will increase to $52.99 per month (instead of $49.99 per month; $3 increase). This plan includes all Adobe Creative Cloud … [Read more...] about Reminder: Adobe Increasing CC Plan Pricing, Photo Plan Unaffected
Adobe Releases Last Stand-Alone Update to Lightroom; Is it Time to Subscribe?
Last week, Adobe released Lightroom 6.14, the last perpetual update to the photography organizer and editing tool. Going forward, updates will only be made available for Creative Cloud subscribers, who have access to the new Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC. This begs the question — is now the time to subscribe to the Creative Cloud Photography Plan? Lightroom has been around for just short of 11 years now, and up until this point, you've been able to buy it as a stand-alone product, and most recently as part of a subscription. While … [Read more...] about Adobe Releases Last Stand-Alone Update to Lightroom; Is it Time to Subscribe?
Adobe Lightroom CC: The Best Features, And What’s Missing
Last week there was a lot of uproar about the changes Adobe was making to its Lightroom platform. And while I've continued to use Lightroom Classic CC for my everyday work, I've taken a look at Lightroom CC to see if I'm missing anything, specifically in its organization and editing tools. The Best Features There's actually a lot to like about Lightroom CC, even though I consider it to be Lightroom CC Classic's little brother. Intuitive Interface The Lightroom CC interface is like a breath of fresh air. All of the panels are organized in a … [Read more...] about Adobe Lightroom CC: The Best Features, And What’s Missing
A Re-Introduction to the New Lightroom Classic CC
When you open Lightroom Classic CC for the first time — a free upgrade to Creative Cloud subscribers — you won’t notice much that’s different. Instead, the new version of Lightroom focuses on under-the-hood upgrades, in order to make workflows faster and more efficient. While there are some new features that some photographers will love and take advantage of, the key here is to further optimize the great product that Lightroom has developed into over the years. I’ve been testing out the newly-released version of Lightroom Classic CC … [Read more...] about A Re-Introduction to the New Lightroom Classic CC
Save Your Images for the Web from Lightroom
The only reason to use any kind of photo editing software is to help you share pictures. Whether you are printing pictures or sharing digitally, you've got plenty of people who want to see your pictures and that's why Lightroom's Export Dialogue is the one tool you'll use the most frequently. This tutorial will show you how to save pictures for sharing online, printing, and syncing with your Creative Cloud. Don't read this article. Skim it. Use it like an encyclopedia. Go to the section you have questions about and read that. (Hint: File … [Read more...] about Save Your Images for the Web from Lightroom
Fast & Easy Photo Keywording from the Cloud
If you ask a random group of photographers what their favorite things about photography are, odds are "spending hours keywording images" is not on anyone's list! Keywording is a task that is easy to put off. I am guilty of this and quite often behind getting it done. I've set aside a specific "keywording" day on the calendar, used keyword lists to make it easier, I've even adked my wife to hide my memory cards until I get the latest batch of images done. For all of this, keywording remains my number one most procrastinated task on my … [Read more...] about Fast & Easy Photo Keywording from the Cloud
A Year With Adobe Portfolio
When I found out that I was entitled to a free portfolio website as part of my Adobe Creative Cloud subscription I wasn’t sure if I needed it. Then (fortunately) I took the time to really investigate it and wow did I need it. I have tried just about every portfolio product and site available and usually I simply find them overwhelming. I am not a coder (okay I USED to code back in the days of 6502 Assembly language or PASCAL, even a little RPG III but that is a different generation.) I want easy. I want intuitive. I want simple. I want … [Read more...] about A Year With Adobe Portfolio
Instant Replay: Lightroom Mobile with Adobe’s Sharad Mangalick
We're so excited about this one: we've got Sharad Mangalick, Adobe's Lightroom Product Manager, joining us again to help us dive into Lightroom Mobile. If you're like us, you're using the Creative Cloud photographer bundle, and it includes Lr Mobile free of charge, and it's helping many photographers produce better results faster. We can't wait to get down to business with Lightroom Mobile. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/Y6e61t69GmU?t=4m23s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom Mobile with Adobe’s Sharad Mangalick
Lightroom Update: It’s A Big One!
Adobe has released updates for Lightroom. Versions 6.6 and 2015.6 are now available. Open Lightroom, go to the Help Menu at the top, and choose "Updates..." to initiate your download. If you're using Creative Cloud, you should do this, too, which will force your Creative Cloud app to make the updates available. What's New for 6.6 and 2015.6? I'm excited because this update makes RAW files from Lumix's brand new GX85 (aka GX80 and GX7mk2) readable by Lightroom. There are a few other cameras now supported, as well, and tons of new lenses added … [Read more...] about Lightroom Update: It’s A Big One!
Confused About the Adobe Creative Cloud? Maybe This Will Help
The Adobe Creative Cloud ("CC" for short) subscription model has been out for some time now, but it seems that there is still some confusion on how the Creative Cloud actually works. Because of this, I thought I would write up a post to try and squash the misunderstandings about "the cloud" when it refers to Adobe. Here's a break-down of how the Adobe Creative Cloud works: The Creative Cloud is a subscription plan I think that most people are aware of this already. Basically, you pay monthly to have access to Lightroom and Photoshop through … [Read more...] about Confused About the Adobe Creative Cloud? Maybe This Will Help
Say Hello to the NEW Adobe Lightroom CC!
This morning Adobe announced a major update to Lightroom! The new version is called Lightroom CC, and is a part of the Creative Cloud. (For those of you not interested in using the Creative Cloud subscription service, it can still be downloaded as a standalone application, Lightroom 6.) The new update comes with some very much anticipated improvements, so let's take a look at some of the most impressive new feature's inside of Lightroom CC:HDR Merge Yes! Finally! We can merge HDR images inside of Lightroom! Photoshop is no longer a … [Read more...] about Say Hello to the NEW Adobe Lightroom CC!
Where’s the Download button? How to Install Creative Cloud on a New Computer
This past weekend, I erased my MacBook Pro and re-installed Apples latest operating system, Yosemite. It might take a little longer to get up and running, but doing a clean install removes the junk and cache files that slow down your computer. Most of my computers files are on the cloud, so it was pretty easy to get set up. Download Google Drive. Check. Download Dropbox. Check. Download 1Password. Check. Download Adobe Creative Cloud. . . I wanted to reinstall my Creative Cloud apps and it took me a while to find out where to download. To … [Read more...] about Where’s the Download button? How to Install Creative Cloud on a New Computer
Free Stock Content — New Benefit to Creative Cloud Members
Adobe just launched a new benefit for Creative Cloud members. It's available through the Creative Cloud for Desktop to all paid Creative Cloud members. (It's not available to the photography plan customers). Adobe says that iOS and browser-based versions of Creative Cloud Market are in the works and will be released in the future. What Is It? Creative Cloud Market is a collection of high-quality, curated content. This includes things like icons, shapes, brushes, reference images, patterns, and textures. The content is actually licenses from … [Read more...] about Free Stock Content — New Benefit to Creative Cloud Members
Learn What’s New in Creative Cloud
If you're interested in Adobe software, be sure to catch today's live keynote address. https://creativecloud.adobeevents.com/ccnext/ If you miss it, the event will be recorded. The new software is expected to be announced today. … [Read more...] about Learn What’s New in Creative Cloud
Glyn Dewis, Ron Pepper, Kevin Stohlmeyer | Photofocus Podcast 1/5/14
This week's show features three interviews with three experts in the photo industry. Melissa Niu catches up with photographer and retoucher Glyn Dewis. Then Rich Harrington welcomes back Ron Pepper to talk about changes to HDRSoft's Photomatix. Finally Kevin Stohlmeyer discusses strategies to learn new tools and techniques for post-processing and publishing. Here is the new podcast feed: feed://feeds.feedburner.com/photofocuspodcast Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Glyn Dewis Glyn Dewis is a … [Read more...] about Glyn Dewis, Ron Pepper, Kevin Stohlmeyer | Photofocus Podcast 1/5/14
In Defense of the Cloud (Adobe and Others)
This article is a guest post from Gerard Murphy or Mosaic. His company uses the Cloud to provide services to Lightroom users. The Adobe naysayers have been working overtime lately. They aren’t talking about the quality of the Adobe software or the amazing advances in digital photography in the past decade, but their frustration with the change in Adobe’s pricing model. These frustrations are genuine, but I believe misguided. The most common phrase I hear from the anti-cloud folks is “I don’t want to rent my software.” My question to … [Read more...] about In Defense of the Cloud (Adobe and Others)
New Adobe Creative Cloud Pricing – Now What?
Yesterday at Photoshop World in Las Vegas, Adobe announced new pricing for photographers who are interested in using Creative Cloud products. The Adobe Creative Cloud details were covered yesterday on Photofocus. To quickly revisit the new deal. For $9.99 a month (less than $120 a year) you get: Photoshop CC Lightroom 5 20 GB of online storage Behance ProSite Access to the online video tutorials in Creative Cloud Adobe has said in public, and to us privately - the following: "We do not currently have any intention of raising this … [Read more...] about New Adobe Creative Cloud Pricing – Now What?
What’s New In Adobe Photoshop CC?
Adobe released a major update to its Creative Cloud apps. Of key interest to photographers will be the updates to Photoshop. They are significant. Here are most of the new feature enhancements in Photoshop CC: Photoshop merged to include Extended The more expensive Photoshop package which includes 3D capability and sophisticated image analysis tools has now been merged into Photoshop CC. Now, there is just one Photoshop. All-new Smart Sharpen Photoshop CC analyzes image data to maximize clarity and minimize noise and halo. A range of new … [Read more...] about What’s New In Adobe Photoshop CC?
10 Reasons The Haters Are Mad About Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe started moving everyone to the cloud months ago and we've covered it extensively on Photofocus. From the very beginning, there's been weeping and gnashing of teeth that has bordered on hysteria. In fact, in some cases, it's mostly faux outrage based on greed, silliness, stupidity, disinformation, mob mentality, entitlement issues and misinformation. Let's set some ground rules. Adobe is in business to make money. How they choose to do it is up to them. If you don't like their business model, move on. Nobody is holding a shotgun to your … [Read more...] about 10 Reasons The Haters Are Mad About Adobe Creative Cloud
The new Creative Cloud (What does it mean to you?)
Adobe just announced several major changes to their software. Getting the latest features are now available only from Creative Cloud. Plus there's a ton of new features and ways to use their photography tools for your workflow. Lightroom is not changing its license structure. I caught up with Scott Morris backstage at Adobe Max. The audio is a little rough in spots (it is a backstage interview) but the news is breaking and important. Have a listen. _____ … [Read more...] about The new Creative Cloud (What does it mean to you?)
Photofocus Podcast – Rich Interviews Ben Willmore
To our loyal listeners... I apologize deeply for the delayed post. I broke my own rule about backing up to 3 locations and had to wait for a lost bag to arrive. Hope you enjoy this fun interview. We'll be back with a bonus podcast from Adobe MAX in a short bit too. NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE: The Photofocus Podcast Feed HAS CHANGED! Here is the new feed: feed://feeds.feedburner.com/photofocuspodcast Download episode here... or get it on iTunes PLEASE BE PATIENT - OUR SERVERS SEE LARGE LOADS ON PUBLISHING DAYS. THE DOWNLOADS MAY GO … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast – Rich Interviews Ben Willmore
Learn What’s Coming Next from Adobe
The Adobe Max conference kicks off at full speed on Monday. Adobe has two keynote addresses you won't want to miss. These are free to attend online. This will get you up to speed on all the big announcements as well as some inspiration. Day 1: A Creative Evolution Monday, May 6, at 9:30am PDT | Time zone conversion The process of where and how we create is dramatically changing thanks to major advancements in technology, and there has never been a more exciting time. Join Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Adobe SVP and GM of Digital Media … [Read more...] about Learn What’s Coming Next from Adobe
Adobe Has Not Discontinued Creative Suite, Just Physical Boxes
There's been a lot of hullabaloo on the Internet about Adobe discontinuing the Creative Suite. Many sites are reporting that Adobe is getting rid of Creative Suite altogether. Here's the official statement from Adobe's FAQ about the discontinuation of physical media (aka shiny discs). Why is Adobe discontinuing boxed copies of Creative Suite and Acrobat? As Adobe continues to focus on delivering world-class innovation through Creative Cloud and digital fulfillment, we will be phasing out shrink-wrapped, boxed versions of Creative Suite and … [Read more...] about Adobe Has Not Discontinued Creative Suite, Just Physical Boxes
Why I Think Adobe Creative Cloud Is A Good Thing For Photographers
I've been using Photoshop since version 1.2. I've used many other Adobe products including their type faces, InDesign and notably (recently) LightRoom. I've generally thought that Adobe products, while expensive, were worth the money. But many companies are moving to download-only solutions and it makes sense that Adobe would too. Hence their invention of the Adobe Creative Cloud. But the Creative Cloud product has caused some confusion in people's minds. They think they are buying a service like Google Docs that STAYS in the cloud. Not true. … [Read more...] about Why I Think Adobe Creative Cloud Is A Good Thing For Photographers
Adobe Tries A New Approach With Creative Cloud
Adobe has announced Creative Cloud. They describe it as: "A hub for making, sharing and delivering creative work and it is centered around a powerful release of Adobe Creative Suite 6 software packed with innovation across design, Web, video and digital imaging tools." It will cost just under $600 a year on a subscription basis (paid monthly but sold as a year commitment) and will offer full access to just about everything Adobe has for sale. You'll get CS6 and two new HTML5 products (Adobe Muse and Adobe Edge.) You'll also get their tablet … [Read more...] about Adobe Tries A New Approach With Creative Cloud
