What Tools Do I Use for Photos?

So what tools do I use for photos? Here are the main ones and a few reasons why:

iMac 2015 27″

For the way I work, the Mac OS is far less annoying and cumbersome than anything else. I have used Windows in many iterations; I have used various Linux distros. I used to build my own computers. Nowadays, I focus on efficiency and use tools that I don’t have to fight.

I used an iMac 21″ for years but held on to it even though it was growing long in the tooth. Why? There was no longer a matte screen version, so I waited until this option returned and then moved up to a 27″. Now that I’m here, there’s no going back, baby. 🙂 Previewing photos is so much closer to the real thing now.

Dual Kensington Slimblade Trackballs

Trackballs were part of the cocktail that allowed me to beat and recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. I’ve used the Orbit too (the optical one I felt was the best), but I find that the Slimblades are rock-solid reliable and last for years. Highly recommended.

Oh yeah, the dual part? I’ve been mousing er using both hands ever since college where I decided to even out the wear on my hands (programming since age 9 or so). I alternate hands to give the other one a break.

Satechi USB-3 hub

I run out of ports on every computer I’ve ever used, so I end up with a whole galaxy of hubs and extenders. Yes, I’m that guy. However, finding a hub that fit well with the aesthetics of the iMac and was reliable was difficult. Enter Satechi’s USB-3 hub. It’s powered, so no worries about not having enough juice. It’s also fast. USB 3 > USB 2 for importing images, definitely. It also looks good.

ON1 Raw

Quite an improvement over my previous workflow (another post for another time), I find that ON1 Raw keeps getting better with every release. Is it perfect? No, but it does allow me to process and edit pictures with alacrity. Plus, it’s not Adobe.

Noiseless CK

I don’t use this as much as I used to, however, occasionally there’s a need for more advanced denoising than what On1 provides. Noiseless CK is efficient, easy to use, and delivers superior results. It doesn’t break the bank either.

PhotoLine

I used to use Photoline as an integral part of my workflow, but now I use it just now and again when I need a tool more powerful than On1. For instance, I used this to scan in and design the signatures for the prints. I started using it because it wasn’t Adobe (I do not like being trapped into the SAAS model), and it offered some tangible improvements over Photoshop.

Now to be fair, these are the main tools. I have other hubs and the backup system is also a whole different article. Got any favorite tools that you use for photography? Let me know in the comments below.

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