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I am frequently asked which tool “is the best” or which “is my favorite” and these questions are valid, but usually lacking context. What is a “favorite” or “best” very much depends on what you, the artist, want to do with your photos and what your approach to editing is. In today’s podcast, I share my reasons for using multiple photo applications, and I hope it gives you context and things to think about for your own workflow.

The 4 reasons I use multiple photo applications in my workflow.

1. Asset Management: I treat asset management as distinct and different from post-processing. Most of our asset management tools come with solid fundamentals for editing, yet they don’t satisfy all of my editing needs.

2. Specialty Tools: The digital filters in different tools use different algorithms - and produce different looks. Some of those looks, like LUTs or texture blends, I cannot get with the basic editing tools in my asset manager.

3. Ease Of Use: Some photo packages I find easier to use than others. Yes, you can do anything in Photoshop, although another tool with a simpler interface or a streamlined, specialized tool lets me make my edits more quickly. I may enjoy post-processing but I don’t enjoy wrestling with a tool to achieve a look.

4. Sparks Of Inspiration: A streamlined workflow is great. Yet to avoid becoming formulaic, starting with a different tool, or exploring a new one, can spark creativity.

You’ll notice that image quality isn’t explicitly listed. Of course, image quality is important. No matter what tools I use, the final image has to look good!