The 3 DxO Edits That Made Photoshop Obsolete for Me
Photoshop has become bloated and built for the masses. DxO brought me back to what photography editing should be precise, powerful, and photographer-first.
Discover the DxO EditsWorkflow that made me consider a move
Next Month September
COMING DECEMBER 16th
Film Emulation Plugin: Dehancer Pro Authentic Analog Effects
Luminar Neo: The Perfect Editing with Price-Effective Software.
Nik Silver Efex – Black and White Photographers Editing Software
The Best Photo Editing Software and Tools for Photographers (2025 Guide)
Every tool I use. Everything you need to know. No fluff — just real recommendations that work.
Why This Page Exists
As a working photographer, I’ve tested just about every photo editing tool out there — from Lightroom and Photoshop to Dehancer, Luminar, and AI-enhanced software that promises to “do it all.”
This guide is here to give you real insights from the field:
Which software actually performs
What tools are worth your money
And how to use them in a professional workflow
Each recommendation is based on what I actually use — on fashion campaigns, editorial shoots, gallery prints, and client work. And yes, some of these links are affiliate links — which means if you choose to buy through them, I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).
It helps support my work and lets me keep publishing content like this.
Recommended Photo Editing Software & Plugins
| Tool | Best For | Why I Use It | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom Classic | Everyday RAW editing & monochrome workflow | Flexible, fast, with great black & white controls and global/local adjustments | View Lightroom |
| Adobe Photoshop | High-end retouching, composites, masking | Still the industry standard for precision editing and fashion-grade results | Try Photoshop |
| Capture One Pro | Tethered shoots, colour accuracy | My go-to for commercial work — especially with skin tones and live previews | Explore Capture One |
| Luminar Neo | AI-based photo enhancements | Great for beginners and fast results with atmospheric depth and sky replacement | Get Luminar |
| Topaz Labs | Sharpening, denoising, AI clarity | Saves difficult files in post and rescues borderline RAW shots | View Topaz AI Tools |
| Dehancer Pro | Film emulation & grain | Beautiful analogue looks that pair perfectly with monochrome and cinematic styles | Check Out Dehancer |
| Nik Collection | Creative filters and vintage effects | Useful for stylised work, especially with Silver Efex for B&W | View Nik Collection |
| Exposure X7 | Lightweight full-editing suite | A strong standalone alternative to Lightroom with film presets and quick workflow | Try Exposure X7 |
Learn How to Use These Tools (With Real Tutorials)
I don’t just recommend software — I teach you how to use it.
If you’re serious about editing your work like a professional, start with these tutorials from the EDIT section:
Each one gives you not only the “how-to,” but also why these edits matter in real jobs, under real pressure.
Ready to Equip Your Workflow?
Every tool listed here has made a measurable difference in how I shoot, edit, and deliver work.
They’re part of my real-world system — not sponsored hype, not paid placements.
If you’re ready to upgrade your process, these are the tools I stand by.
Want more tutorials, presets, and editing walkthroughs?
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Final Word
Photography doesn’t stop at the shutter.
How you edit is how you finish your story.
Use the right tools. Use them well.
Let your visuals speak — with clarity, precision, and purpose.