MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

jswinden · 06-21-2017, 01:29 PM

I've heard a bit about RawTherapee, but I've never tried it or any of the apps on that list.

I think the important thing to consider is what you want from a LR alternative. Which of these best describes your photography level?

Amateur photographer who only wants to have a simple do it for you type of photo editor. If this is you, then you likely only shoot in JPEG format. There are plenty of low level apps available for this level of editing, and they mostly have multiple choice options for editing.
Enthusiast photographer who wants a bit more control over the photo editing process. If on this level, you may or may not shoot in RAW format, but either way you want to be able to do more editing than simply selecting from a list of options. You might be able to use a histogram to help get your photos better processed, for example. There are some choices at this level, but again, using the freeware you run a great risk of winding up with abandon-ware or difficult to use open source.
A higher level enthusiast or professional photographer who wants maximum control over the photo editing process. At this level you are likely shooting RAW format, know what a histogram is and how to adjust things like Curves, Levels, Exposure, White Balance, Hue, Vibrance, Saturation, et cetera. Your best option on this level is to stick with LR or another widely accepted and professionally developed app.

06-21-2017, 01:29 PM	#25
jswinden Nameless Being	I've heard a bit about RawTherapee, but I've never tried it or any of the apps on that list. I think the important thing to consider is what you want from a LR alternative. Which of these best describes your photography level? Amateur photographer who only wants to have a simple do it for you type of photo editor. If this is you, then you likely only shoot in JPEG format. There are plenty of low level apps available for this level of editing, and they mostly have multiple choice options for editing. Enthusiast photographer who wants a bit more control over the photo editing process. If on this level, you may or may not shoot in RAW format, but either way you want to be able to do more editing than simply selecting from a list of options. You might be able to use a histogram to help get your photos better processed, for example. There are some choices at this level, but again, using the freeware you run a great risk of winding up with abandon-ware or difficult to use open source. A higher level enthusiast or professional photographer who wants maximum control over the photo editing process. At this level you are likely shooting RAW format, know what a histogram is and how to adjust things like Curves, Levels, Exposure, White Balance, Hue, Vibrance, Saturation, et cetera. Your best option on this level is to stick with LR or another widely accepted and professionally developed app. Last edited by jswinden; 06-21-2017 at 01:31 PM.