Best Photo Editing Software For Beginners 2020 - Easy Yet Powerful Photo Editing App For PC and Mac

In this photo editing software review, I take a look at why Luminar is the best photo editing program for beginner photographers - and why it can grow with you to become an indispensable tool for pro-level photo editing.

The AI tools within this app make this an incredibly powerful photo editor and photo management system. You're able to get going so easily with just one tool. Seriously - ONE TOOL! The AI Enhance feature analyzes each photo individually and then makes intelligent decisions on improving exposure, dynamic range, contrast, colour and more. So for a newbie photographer just starting with photo editing, this is perfect.

Other software packages such as Adobe Photoshop have a lot of power too, but the learning curve is steep! I've been working with Photoshop from the mid 90's and I still don't know everything there is to know. Luminar allows users an easy entry point to get started processing their photos. Furthermore, it allows a lot of creativity that is accessible through its simple slider-based approach.

I start the video demonstrating the photo editing power of the simple to use AI tools. I then show how using a very simple photo editing workflow that uses just a small selection of simple tools you can dramatically improve your photos. Again, perfect for a beginner. I finish up showing a few tools such as the AI sky replacement that I have used to enhance my professional photography. Basically it shows that it's a tool that is ideal for beginning photographers right through to seasoned pros. It's got something for everyone.

So here's an overview of the reasons I think this is a sound investment as the best photo editing software for beginners in 2020

1. Luminar's AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools can do most of the hard work for you making getting started super easy.

2. Cost-effective. No recurring subscription like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Pay once - own it forever.

3. Easy learning curve - unlike most other photo editors

4. LUTs (Look Up Tables) are a powerful yet simple way to colour grade your photos

5. AI Enhance - is the easiest and quickest tool to improve photos.

5. The AI Sky replacement tool is a game-changer. It has saved me soooo much time in creating accurate masks it's crazy!

6. Works as a complete standalone program OR as a plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop

7. Comes bundled with a host of presets - known as "looks" in Luminar lingo.

8. Edits are non-destructive so you can revert back to previous versions at any point

9. Filters and tools that aren't available elsewhere, for example, the sunlight filter, as demonstrated in the video, is amazing.

10 Free upgrades within any version of Luminar and your licence doesn't expire

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀:

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿! ⤵

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 ⤵

𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲:

Thelinks above are affiliate links to tools I use that you may find useful. They are not sponsored by the manufacturer and if you use these links it costs you no more than normal and in some instances will save you money, but I may get a small commission which helps me to keep providing free content for you and my viewers. Thank you for supporting the channel and free education. I really appreciate it. ​​🙏

[smarthousetech]

Was actually thinking about pulling the trigger on Photoshop, but this saved me the headache of that steep learning curve Thanks

[yvonneprance]

I have had Luminar 4.2 and now 4.3 for approx 6 weeks - and love it so much. I am amazed at how quick and easy it is to learn actions I was never able to understand on I am a beginner in editing.

[younus]

nice video bro. keep the hard work going and never stop growing

[JNOObs]

Thank you so much. I am a young photographer and I have recently been having a problem with finding the right software. Lightroom was an obvious one but I would rather not pay for a subscription and it is a lot of money. Just tried this one out and it does everything I want! very happy

[truevlogs]

love it. i’ll keep up to date w this channel. all things

[debbiebarker]

Just bought Luminar & pre-ordered the AI. I love this software. I'm not a professional photographer and needed something to make my eBay items look more professional as well as making my family photos more pristine. This does everything I need. So glad I found this video as I had never heard of Luminar! Your instructions are perfect, thank you so much.

[RonLudwin]

An amazing video love your enthusiasm about the Luminar software. I've been a photographer since 1971..retired now, but seeing this Luminar, I just might come out of retirement just to edit my photos! Great job, thanks so much Bless...This side of the pond!!

[kitnewlin]

Excellent video! You are a born teacher and I'm so glad I found you as I have thousands of photos to edit and I'm now looking forward to it instead of dreading it. You are a gem!!!

[tarellrowe]

BAM, DONE! Thank you so much for creating this video. It’s inspired me and given me deeper insight on my editing pathway

[hannahmountry]

Great review Anthony. I got Luminar 4 on your recommendation and as a newbie to photo editing I haven't looked back! I love it. Thank you. I notice you didn't talk about the AI tools for editing portraits which surprised me. I use these a lot and find them really easy to use and get great results. Keep up the good work!

[richietwinz]

This looks amazing, definitely on my wish list.

[TheDavcoll]

The best starter video for Luminar out there.
Dave

[miltonwelch]

You're real alright, Anthony; thank you!

[leemarks]

I am a beginner and this is a great video, thank you.

[patrickthompson]

very informative! I'm a musician who's getting into photo editing to aid with the visual aspects (cover art, etc) and this was really great helping me get started. Cheers!

[jaxmanglona]

Hi! Is luminar 4 compatible with Mac OS Monterey? I really loved your tutorial and I want to buy it asap🥰

[markielinhart]

Fabulous vid Anthony! Does the AI you talk about rely on your camera/lens gear or just the photo. Also are you processing Raw files? Thanks again✌️

[Dswag]

Great video! I just starting taking photos this week with my new camera and I’ve been looking into photo editors. This video sold me. Just subscribed too!

[michaela]

"Spot on" mate! Was gobsmacked when I reviewed Adobe's "subscription" program. Your video was exceptional, especially for one just learning about the photo editing process. Look forward to obtaining Luminar AI. Thank you!

[mindfulinthescottishhighla]

Thank you so much for this video, I have been wanting a good editing package for ages but didn't know where to start but this one looks amazing and easy to use