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Artificial intelligence is being integrated into just about everything nowadays, and one popular use case is taking and editing photographs. If, like me, you prefer to edit your photos manually, here are the best apps I’ve tried that use little or no AI.
1Affinity Photo 2
Affinity Photo is a multi-award-winning editing app that can be used on macOS, Windows, and iPad, which means you can work on the same file using any of these devices. Standout features of Affinity Photo include skin retouching and blemish removal, a huge library of filters and effects, and extremely precise pen and brush options. While Affinity supports various AI plugins and extensions, these, thankfully, aren’t mandatory for editing your images.
The latest iteration, Affinity Photo 2, has a much-improved user interface layout, which is smoother and more intuitive. In addition, the most recent update allows for non-destructive editing of RAW files, which means you can edit and developRAW images(such as those created with a DSLR camera) without losing a copy of the original RAW file, making it an excellent choice for professional and keen photographers.
Download:Affinity Photo 2 forWindows and Mac|iPad($33.99 for Mac and Windows, $8.99 for iPad)
2Capture One
If you work as part of a team or want to instantly share photos with collaborators, then you might want to check out Capture One. This software allows you to shoot images directly to a desktop, iPad, or iPhone, without any uploading or downloading, allowing for instant feedback from friends or clients.
Capture One features all the expected editing tools, along with a large range of preset filters and styles. While Capture One does incorporate AI, you can choose the level integration, and just leave the boring jobs like exposure balance and cropping to the robots, thus saving your time for the artistic touches.
you’re able to take advantage of the 30-day free trial, after which there are various paid packages available, from the dedicated mobile app to the full studio subscription for professionals.
Download:Capture One forWindows and Mac|iOS(Free, subscription available)
Similar to Instagram,VSCOis an image-sharing and editing app that works across Android, iOS, and desktop devices, allowing photographers to share their photos with other users on the platform. Whilethere is a free version available, it only provides limited access to the VSCO community and the editing functions. To take advantage of over 200 preset filters and advanced editing tools, you will need to purchase a monthly or yearly subscription.
Standout features of VSCO include access to imaging effects and GIFs that aren’t found on other platforms, a unique range of movie-inspired effects and overlays—think graining, scratches, or dust—and the ability to group collections and galleries together, and choose who can see them.
Download:VSCO forAndroid|iOS(Free, subscription available)
4Afterlight 2
Afterlight and the all-new Afterlight 2 are both software applications designed for Apple devices. However, there is now a version that runs on Windows. It is aimed more at beginner photographers and has a simple, user-friendly interface with large, clear icons. It supports importing RAW images and exporting files in HEIC, orHigh-Efficiency Image Compression format.
Along with a full suite of editing features, the app also allows you to adjust some of the settings on your phone camera before you take a photo, such as white balance, exposure, shutter speed, and ISO. The app also allows you to add layers of graphics and text to create stunning and unique visuals, and then upload them to social media.
Download:Afterlight 2 forWindows|iOS(Free, subscription available)
While artificial intelligence is certainly a useful and welcome addition to our lives, there are some things that the artistic among us would just rather do ourselves. To the discerning photographer, an editing tool that allows full user control is much more useful than an AI-powered tool that churns out run-of-the-mill photos.
