What’s The Best Software For Processing Photos?

It might not be the one you’re thinking of.

All photos in this article are by the author.

I’m tempted to think I’m an inferior photographer, but then I quickly bring myself back to reality.

A few months ago someone left me a private message on Medium. They were writing a small book about the different ways photographers processed their digital images. This person wanted me to contribute, as he liked my photos.

I knew the kind of response he was looking for, but I decided I’d reply honestly.

I also knew exactly how he would respond.

And I was right. I never heard from him again.

This guy wanted to know which software I used to process my RAW images.

Was it Lightroom? Capture One Pro?

Or was I one of these quirky left-field photographers who used Darktable or RawTherapee?

And then he’d want to know how I use that software.

Do I create my own profiles? How do I use curves? And to what extent do I alter the black levels in my…