If you are into photography then you have probably heard of Adobe Lightroom Classic. This powerful program for managing and editing photos can really speed up your workflow and help you create stunning images. But before you dive in, you should figure out if Classic is the right fit for your needs. This is not a simple program to master and Lightroom Classic isn’t the perfect fit for every serious photographer.
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider.
Factor 1: Your Photo Volume
Adobe Lightroom Classic was made for people who have a huge number of photos to organize and manage. If you’re someone who only takes a few pictures here and there then this program might be way too much for you. Classic’s complex file system and powerful features would be overkill for someone with a limited photo collection.
On the flip side, if you’re a pro photographer or a serious hobbyist creating thousands of photos every year then Lightroom Classic can be a total game-changer for your workflow. This program is a lifesaver for those who consistently shoot lots of raw images because it’s built to handle those big, uncompressed files with precision. If you want access to the same photo editing tools but with a much simpler interface—or if your smartphone is your main camera—then the cloud-based Adobe Lightroom program might be a better choice for you.
Factor 2: Image Organization
The Library Module in Lightroom Classic helps you organize your photos with incredible precision. You can easily search for pictures based on keywords, capture information, or a star rating that you gave to your favorite images. Classic’s system of flags, ratings, and color labels is super powerful but to use this program you must already be pretty comfortable with computers.
At its heart, Lightroom Classic uses a “Catalog,” which is a database file that keeps a meticulous record of where all your photos are and all of the edits that you have made to them. If you’re not comfortable with tasks like formatting external hard drives, creating folders, and making a robust backup system for all of your images then this program’s complexity might be a big headache.
Factor 3: Non-Destructive Editing
Lightroom Classic’s Develop Module has a whole bunch of amazing tools for enhancing your photos. Its biggest advantage is a non-destructive editing workflow, which means your original files are never changed, giving you the freedom to experiment without worry.
When you make an adjustment, Lightroom doesn’t change the actual raw image. Instead, it just saves a list of instructions behind the scene that you can go back to and change at any time. Lightroom Classic’s image editing tools are overkill for most amateur photographers, especially those who primarily capture jpeg images using only a smartphone.
This software also comes with a wide range of presets and profiles that can help you quickly achieve different looks, and its AI-powered features can intelligently apply these styles or make smart adjustments with a single click.
Factor 4: Commitment
Let’s be honest: Lightroom Classic has a steep learning curve. The interface is split into different modules (Library, Develop, etc.), each with its own set of panels and sliders. Navigating all of this can be overwhelming for beginners who are used to the simple interfaces of mobile apps.
There are other programs that are a lot easier to master, including Adobe’s own alternatives like the cloud-based Lightroom family of products. Don’t let the similar names fool you—Lightroom Classic and the cloud-based “Adobe Lightroom” application are totally different programs with their own ways of storing photos. The Classic version is for local, disk-based storage whereas the cloud-based version is made for syncing across all your devices and has a simpler feel.
Lightroom Classic is also only available with a subscription, which means you’ll have a recurring monthly fee. While the cost is pretty low right now, those charges can definitely add up over time. The good news is that you always have access to the latest updates and features! But for some people, the idea of “renting” their software isn’t what they want. If you’re one of them, there are lots of competitors out there that offer less expensive options or one-time payment models.
Conclusion
So, is Lightroom Classic for you? It’s a great choice for serious photography enthusiasts and pros who need to manage and edit a massive number of photos. It’s the perfect tool if you’re looking for the best in raw image organizing and editing, but it’s definitely not for everyone. If you shoot a lot of raw images and if you are willing to invest the time to master its complex features, then Lightroom Classic just might be the perfect choice for you!
