The Pursuit of (Image Editing) Happyness

On Friday, I confessed that after much internally self-imposed resistance, even I would need to learn about image editing. This prior weekend, I set out to do just that.

I use Aperture - Version 2. I've always liked it, because it's very user-friendly. I did some research, and realized that there was an Aperture 3, as well as the latest version of Lightroom. Decisions, decisions.

Fortunately, both offer trials. I'm not a fan of evaluating software just for the sake of it, but I really needed to see if the two tools would provide me with everything I needed.

I started with Lightroom. The histogram tool is REALLY cool. That's the first thing I noticed. I pulled in this picture:



and decided to play with it in the histogram tool. This is what I got:





I actually really like it! The sky is a bit blue, but it has this stylized look that I love. Anyway, consider me a satisfied customer. Plus, check out the cool watermark.

So, why would I even go back and look at Aperture? Well, although it doesn't have the histogram tool, it has a few other things going for it:

1) It's much easier to use (for me)

2) The cataloging of projects and pictures is much easier (again, for me)

3) Easy-to-access presets and adjustments (especially dodge/burn, and polarizing)

4) Easy way to upload to Facebook and Flickr (something I do often)

5) The price: $99 (upgrade) versus $299 for Lightroom

I'm going to continue with the trial, but for now, Aperture is in the lead. I may sound lazy, but I will always want to spend more time composing and taking pictures, and less time editing them.

Tomorrow, I'll go into some specific features that I will begin including in my skillset. I will never become an image editing professional, but I am working towards competence.

Till tomorrow!