APPLE APERTURE
165
Key benefits include smooth handling of raw files, nondestructive editing, the ability to
make versions of large files without duplicating them, dual-monitor support, power-
ful organizing tools, an elegant user interface, an option for reference files or managed
libraries, seamless integration with other Apple applications, instant online photo gal-
leries for .Mac members, and incremental backup for managed library users.
Gearing Up
Now it’s time to make a few decisions. e easiest way to go is to buy a new computer,
add the latest photo management software of your choice, and build a workflow that
you enjoy and can maintain. All you need now is the right software that suits your tastes
and needs. In addition to the descriptions in this chapter, the following table provides a
quick reference for some of our favorite photo applications.
But you may not have that option just now. If you’re on a Mac, take a look at iPhoto and
see how close it comes to meeting your needs. It’s an excellent application that supports
most tasks amateur photographers need to perform. If you find yourself wanting more
capability, consider Aperture or Lightroom.
Windows users should consider the latest version of Photoshop Elements as their start-
ing point. It melds tremendous capability with a user-friendly environment. And it’s
affordable. If you find you’re ready for more horsepower on a Windows machine, I rec-
ommend Lightroom as the next step.
e current Photoshop orbits around its own sun. People who need its advanced image
editing tools (such as localized adjustments) can rarely survive with anything else. But
it includes some slick workflow components (Bridge and ACR) that can also fill your
needs, especially if your credit card is maxed out from Photoshop’s steep price tag. If you
don’t want to go back over all this text, take a look at the table on the next page that
provides a convenient wrap-up of all the major features of each of these applications.
So, consider your primary needs, your preferred shooting format (JPEG or raw), your
hardware capability, and your wallet. en use the information in this chapter to build
the best workflow for you. Once you do, your enjoyment of photography will grow in
leaps and bounds.
Where to Go from Here
Now that you have a collection of hand-picked, carefully crafted images, why not take
the next step and commit them to paper? In Chapter 5, I’ll show you how to easily make
prints that you’ll be proud to display for all the world to enjoy.
APPLE APERTURE
166
Platform File types Metadata Image
editing
Photo
editing
Printing Slide
show
Web pages` Backup Best suited Approximate
price
Elements Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, DNG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Beginner,
intermediate
$99
Photoshop
CS3 (includes
Bridge and
ACR)
Mac/
JPEG, TIFF, PSD,
(raw, DNG via
ACR), Movie,
AVI, MPEG (via
Bridge)
Yes via
Bridge,
limited via
Photoshop
proper
Yes Yes via
Bridge
Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$649
Lightroom Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, DNG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate $299
iPhoto Mac only Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, Movie, AVI,
MPEG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, with
Leopard
Bundled with
Mac, or $79 as
part of iLife
Aperture Mac only Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$299
Expression
Media
Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, Movie
Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes, with
add-on
application
Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$299
Round-up of photo management application feature highlights
167
ROUND UP OF PHOTO MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
Platform File types Metadata Image
editing
Photo
editing
Printing Slide
show
Web pages` Backup Best suited Approximate
price
Elements Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, DNG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Beginner,
intermediate
$99
Photoshop
CS3 (includes
Bridge and
ACR)
Mac/
JPEG, TIFF, PSD,
(raw, DNG via
ACR), Movie,
AVI, MPEG (via
Bridge)
Yes via
Bridge,
limited via
Photoshop
proper
Yes Yes via
Bridge
Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$649
Lightroom Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, DNG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate $299
iPhoto Mac only Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, Movie, AVI,
MPEG
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, with
Leopard
Bundled with
Mac, or $79 as
part of iLife
Aperture Mac only Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$299
Expression
Media
Mac/
Raw, JPEG, TIFF,
PSD, Movie
Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes, with
add-on
application
Yes Intermediate,
advanced
amateur/pro
$299
Round-up of photo management application feature highlights
168
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