We are spoilt for choice when it comes to photo editing software in the modern age. Two of the most popular options are Photoshop and Lightroom. Similar in some ways and quite different in others, understanding what each is best suited for will help you develop a more efficient workflow and produce better images.
Last updated: May 2026
Similarities
1. Pro-Grade Editing
Whether you want to perform a simple touch-up or a major edit, both Lightroom and Photoshop can accomplish your goals. Suitable for professional digital artists, both platforms handle everything from simple tasks like cropping and exposure adjustments through to more specific local adjustments using brushes, graduated filters, and tone curves.
2. Filters and Presets
Filters and presets are the quickest way to apply a consistent look to your images. Both Photoshop and Lightroom can quickly apply filters — whether you're after black and white, sepia, cross-processed, or something more custom.
3. Designed for Serious Photographers
Both Photoshop and Lightroom are designed with the serious photographer in mind — not the casual smartphone snapper. That said, both have become more accessible over the years, and even enthusiast photographers will find enormous value in learning either platform.
4. Both Made by Adobe
As the world's leading creative software developer, Adobe produces both Lightroom and Photoshop. Their similar layouts and philosophies mean that familiarity with one leads to a smaller learning curve with the other — and using both together in a single workflow is very common.
Differences
Photoshop
Photoshop is not just a tool for photographers — it's used by digital artists across all creative mediums. This sets it apart from Lightroom, which was developed primarily for photographers.
Key Photoshop advantages include:
- Layers and masks: Essential for fine-grained control over image manipulation. Layers allow you to make targeted adjustments to specific areas of an image non-destructively.
- Compositing: The ability to combine multiple images into a single composite is unique to Photoshop.
- Pixel-level control: Photoshop allows precise, pixel-by-pixel editing — ideal for retouching, removing objects, or detailed manipulation.
- Text, video, and 3D: Photoshop supports text overlays, video editing, and 3D graphics — areas Lightroom doesn't venture into.
Lightroom
Lightroom was built specifically for photographers, and it shows. Key Lightroom advantages include:
- Non-destructive editing by default: Every edit in Lightroom is non-destructive — your original file is always preserved. While Photoshop can be used non-destructively with care, Lightroom does it automatically.
- Batch editing: Lightroom excels at editing large numbers of images quickly — ideal for wedding photographers or anyone shooting high volumes.
- Workflow management: Lightroom is also a powerful photo manager. It handles importing, sorting, cataloguing, and archiving your images — something Photoshop doesn't touch.
- Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom: It's worth noting there are now two versions — Lightroom Classic (desktop-based, with a local catalogue) and Lightroom (cloud-based, synced across devices). Classic remains the preferred choice for most professional photographers due to its local storage and more powerful organisational tools.
Pricing
Both Photoshop and Lightroom are available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions. The most popular option for photographers is the Photography Plan, which includes both Lightroom Classic and Photoshop — check Adobe's website for current Australian pricing, as rates are updated periodically. Standalone purchases are no longer available for either product.
Photoshop vs Lightroom: Which Should You Choose?
For most photographers, the answer is both — and with the Photography Plan including both products, there's no reason not to use them together. The typical workflow looks like this:
- Lightroom first: Import, organise, and apply overall or batch edits — exposure, white balance, colour grading, and lens corrections.
- Photoshop second: Open specific images in Photoshop for any critical local adjustments, retouching, compositing, or detailed manipulation before final export.
If you can only choose one, start with Lightroom — it covers the vast majority of what most photographers need and is significantly easier to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions: Photoshop vs Lightroom
Is Lightroom better than Photoshop for beginners?
Yes — Lightroom has a gentler learning curve and is purpose-built for photographers. Its non-destructive workflow means you can experiment freely without risking your original files. Most photographers start with Lightroom and add Photoshop to their workflow as their skills develop.
Can Lightroom replace Photoshop?
For most photographers, Lightroom handles 90% of editing needs. However, Photoshop is still essential for tasks like removing objects, compositing multiple images, working with layers and masks, or adding text. The two tools complement each other rather than compete.
What is the difference between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic?
Lightroom Classic is the desktop-based version with a local catalogue — preferred by most professional photographers for its speed, storage control, and advanced organisational tools. Lightroom (sometimes called Lightroom CC) is the cloud-based version that syncs across devices. Both are included in Adobe's Photography Plan.
Do professional photographers use Photoshop or Lightroom?
Most professional photographers use both. Lightroom Classic is the standard for importing, culling, and batch editing. Photoshop is used for detailed retouching, compositing, and any edits that require pixel-level precision or layers.
Take Your Photography Further
Great editing starts with great images. Explore our range of mirrorless cameras and lenses at Ted's Cameras, or visit your nearest store for expert advice. For more photography tips and guides, browse the Ted's Cameras Photography Tips blog.