Best Photo Editing Software for Amateur Photographers

So you’ve taken a photo you actually like. The light hit just right, the subject looks great… but something’s missing. You want it to feel the way it looks in your head. Maybe a little brighter, maybe the colours need a push, or maybe that random background guy needs to vanish.

That’s where editing comes in.

Now, before you panic and imagine complicated tools with 100 buttons, take a breath. Editing photos as a beginner doesn’t mean you need to become a software engineer. It just means learning a few tools that can help you make your photos look right. And no, you don’t need to spend a fortune or learn Photoshop overnight.

This guide is here to help you find your match. We’ve listed tools for every kind of beginner whether you're posting on Instagram, building a portfolio, or just editing pics for fun. No tech jargon, no fluff, just honest thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and who it’s best for.

Best Photo Editing Software for Amateur Photographers

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get into the real stuff — which software should you actually use? Each tool here brings something unique to the table, depending on how you work and what you’re looking for.

(Note: All tools listed here support high-resolution images, allow colour correction, and offer non-destructive editing options to various degrees.)

1. Adobe Lightroom Classic

Lightroom is one of the most beginner-friendly tools from Adobe. It helps you fix lighting, colours, contrast and clarity without touching the original photo file. It also lets you organise your photos into albums and edit a full batch at once.

Best for: Clean, consistent edits for travel, portraits or events
Type: Non-destructive RAW editor
Pricing: ₹797/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html

2. Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is the most powerful photo editing tool available. It allows full control over every part of your image. While it takes some practice, it’s a creative playground for editing, retouching and graphic work.

Best for: Retouching, background edits, creative design
Type: Layer-based raster editor
Pricing: ₹1,675/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Website: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html

3. Skylum Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is made for photographers who want simple tools with great results. Its AI tools make complex edits like sky replacement or portrait enhancement super quick — no tech skills required.

Best for: AI-powered quick edits and one-click effects
Type: AI-driven photo editor
Pricing: ₹5,000 one-time or yearly
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: https://skylum.com/luminar-neo

4. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a strong alternative to Photoshop, especially for one-time buyers. It has similar tools but costs only once. Great for hobbyists and freelancers who want to own their software.

Best for: Photoshop-like editing at one-time cost
Type: Raster editor with layers
Pricing: ₹4,500 one-time
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
User Level: Intermediate
Website: https://affinity.serif.com/photo/

5. GIMP

GIMP is an open-source tool that gives you many features similar to Photoshop — but for free. It’s best for students or hobbyists who want to learn editing without spending money.

Best for: Free editing and learning basic tools
Type: Open-source image editor
Pricing: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
User Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Website: https://www.gimp.org/

6. Canva / Adobe Express

These are drag-and-drop design tools that also allow basic photo editing. Perfect for content creators who want to make flyers, thumbnails or Instagram posts quickly.

Best for: Social media visuals, posts and design
Type: Online design tool with editing
Pricing: Free plan or ₹3,999/year (Pro)
Platforms: Web, Android, iOS
User Level: Beginner
Website (Canva): https://www.canva.com/
Website (Adobe Express): https://www.adobe.com/express/

7. ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 is a full-featured photo editor with built-in organising tools and no subscriptions. It offers AI features and is perfect for anyone who wants to edit photos and manage them in one place.

Best for: All-in-one editing with no monthly fee
Type: RAW editor and photo manager
Pricing: ₹8,000 one-time or subscription
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Intermediate
Website: https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/

8. DxO PhotoLab

DxO PhotoLab is perfect if you struggle with noisy, blurry or low-light images. It fixes these automatically and makes your pictures look more professional.

Best for: Fixing low-light and lens-related issues
Type: RAW image editor with lens correction
Pricing: ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 one-time
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Intermediate
Website: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/

9. Capture One (Pro or Express)

Capture One is great for studio photographers and those who want true-to-life colours. If you shoot with Sony or Fujifilm, the free version is a bonus.

Best for: Studio setups, colour grading, tethering
Type: RAW editor with professional tools
Pricing: ₹1,800/month or Free for Sony/Fuji
Platforms: Windows, macOS
User Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Website: https://www.captureone.com/

What About Client Delivery & Photo Sharing?

You’ve nailed the edit, the tones are stunning, and everything’s looking sharp. But what now? For Indian photographers who are constantly shooting and sharing — the post-edit hustle is real. Getting galleries out to clients fast (and beautifully) is just as important as the photos themselves.

That’s where Samaro.ai comes in.

This isn’t your regular drive link or old-school gallery. Samaro is built for modern Indian photographers who need a fast, smart, and professional delivery system. Think branded galleries, smooth mobile experience, GIF previews, client uploads — all under your logo.

And here’s the best part: with Camera-to-Gallery transfer, you can skip the laptop hustle. Your photos go straight from camera to a ready-to-send client gallery. No SD cards, no cables, no “I’ll send it tonight.”

If you’re running a studio or freelancing solo — this is the kind of workflow upgrade that saves you hours and makes you look way more pro in front of clients.

So while the best photo editing software polishes your photos, Samaro makes sure your clients experience them the way they deserve.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to editing tools. But the good news is — there’s something for everyone.

Want speed and consistency? Go for Lightroom. Need deep creative control? Pair it with Photoshop. Prefer simplicity and AI help? Luminar Neo’s a great pick. Tight on budget? Affinity and GIMP will have your back.

And once you’re done editing — don’t forget the final touch: deliver like a pro with something like Samaro.

In the end, it’s not about the fanciest tool. It’s about what works best for you.

Now go on, pick your tools and let your creativity fly.