Yesterday, I discussed photographers’ grievances regarding the shift to subscription-based software, particularly Adobe products like Photoshop and Lightroom, which are part of my regular toolkit. Contrary to some opinions, there have been significant improvements in both existing tools and the addition of new ones, many powered by artificial intelligence.
I understand that not everyone engages in the extensive processing that I apply to my photographs, and therefore, might not need the robust capabilities of programs like Photoshop or Lightroom. My aim is not merely to document but to craft art, with photography serving as my canvas.
The featured photograph of the day was captured in 2006 with my initial digital SLR camera, the Nikon D50. At the time of taking the photo, my knowledge of post-processing digital images was rudimentary yet adventurous. Moreover, I was utilizing some quite basic software and did not transition to Photoshop until 2010. A key factor in my switch to Photoshop was its advanced features like layers and masking, which were considered powerful at the time and not widely available in other programs. This justified the steep initial cost of $800, equivalent to just over $1,100 in 2024 when adjusted for inflation. At the time, I enjoyed today’s featured photograph, but it just never really felt like it justified my memory of the scene as I perceived it.
With the modern tools available in the latest versions of Photoshop and Lightroom, I can make adjustments more effectively and quickly than ever before. Tasks that would have taken hours using software from 2006 can now be accomplished in minutes. While change may not always be welcome, it is inevitable, occurring with or without our consent. Personally, I choose to embrace and adapt to change. The advancements in computers, software, and camera equipment grant me greater freedom as a photographic artist.
Photographer Clay 
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