Photoshop vs Lightroom?

[Tintype_18]

I started with Photoshop Elements 2021 (yes, it's outdated) and have become a tiny bit proficient with it. Still more to learn, though. I see Lightroom mentioned a lot. OK, what exactly is LR and how is it different than the Photoshop software? Or do they complement each other? Thanks two bunches.

[shadowsports]

Hey John

Photoshop is geared more for graphic designers.  Lr is geared more for photographers.  While there are many overlapping features, the workflows in each cater to different users.  

[Tintype_18]

Thanks for the information. I'm not a graphic designer by a long shot. I do enjoy basic photography and not looking to advance to a higher plane any time soon. However, I will look into LR and the cost. Best source for LR?

[johnrmoyer]

I use Canon DPP for raw development if I am using a canon lens. Else I use rawtherapee. Darkroom is free, but I do not prefer it because it is too much like Lightroom. Gimp is free and does many of the things that photoshop does.

Advantages of DPP over other raw development software are digital lens optimizer when one is using a Canon lens and DPRAW tools if one has a camera that can save DPRAW files.

I expect that either Darktable or rawtherapee will be better than lightroom if one does not do DPRAW or use a Canon lens.

Digital lens optimizer in DPP even works on ancient CR2 files from before digital lens optimizer existed. If not using a Canon lens, the capture sharpening in rawtherapee also works well. If one has an old computer that cannot be upgraded to a current Windows, it will likely run Debian Linux which as many photography free software options. https://blends.debian.org/multimedia/tasks/photography  

https://packages.debian.org/bookworm/multimedia-photography 

CR2 file from 2011, EOS Rebel T1i (500D), processed today with DPP and digital lens optimizer.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) in Norman, Oklahoma, United States on August 27, 2011 ; https://www.rsok.com/~jrm/2011aug27_birds_and_cats/2011aug27_hummingbird_IMG_1479.html

[shadowsports]

Lr is part of Creative Cloud.  I believe its $9.99 a month.  $120  a year.  I use DxO PhotoLab and DPP.  The only reason I got started with DxO is because I was using Sigma and Canon glass with my T6s and 6D2.  DPP doesn't support 3rd party lenses.  I've since retired/sold all my 3rd party glass, so now its just because I comfortable with it.  I use both, and enjoy both.