5 Free Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in Real Estate Photography

For most people, the notion of being free equates to less quality or simply being inferior. This state of mind is not the case all the time, especially when talks of real estate photography are involved. In other words, real estate photography is an art where the tools and the man behind all of it matter in contributing to the final output of their work. It is not just the means to achieve the work, but also the talent and skill behind all of it. One of the things that professionals would not normally tread on is going for free real estate photo editing software. We understand the tightness and familiarity that surrounds the liking behind Adobe Photoshop and its sister applications but what if there were real estate photo editing software that are just as good as those?
Here we explore the top 5 best alternative real estate photo editing software that can stack up to the prowess of Photoshop. They may range from being very close to respectably close depending on how your real estate photography needs are fulfilled. Nevertheless, exploring such dimensions of the real estate photo editing software market will open your mind to the possibilities that are waiting to be discovered.
Understand Why You are Opting for a Free Software
While most people would argue that getting a subscription for a paid software will eventually pay off, why would you ponder of saving a few bucks if it could make a difference in your real estate photography practice? For one you can channel the money to somewhere you believe you can maximize. Take into account the possibility of saving $150 annually which can go into outsourcing photos for added capacity on your end. Another reason why people choose to be frugal in this aspect is that they are able to maximize the use of the free software, relying on talent to help drive the offerings of these applications to their highest level.
5 Free Software You Can Consider
Checking out the top 5 free real estate photo editing software that can be an alternative to Photoshop, these are just some that graze the surface of the entire landscape. The world of real estate photography is girthy, and its options for real estate photo editing software are boundless.
Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
Features: Various flexible selection tools, limitless backtracking (undo and redo), programmable scripting compatible, multiple file format compatibility and support, layers and masking, improved color management in the latest update, multiple filters, and pre-sets.
Why it works: GNU Image Manipulation Program, or abbreviated as GIMP, is a complete end-to-end real estate photo editing software that can compete with the hard hitters. Its completely free-of-charge price tag makes it all the more attractive because it can do the job that Photoshop does, and best of all, its updates improve even the most intricate tools such as selection and color correction. It is the entire package and could be the best one in this list. It can also do batch processing which Lightroom can do, but not through Photoshop, making GIMP combine the best of both real estate photography software.
BeFunky
Features:Automatic background removal, background transparency tools, localized retouching capabilities, complete set of basic enhancement tools (color and light correction, sharpening, noise reduction, vibrancy, etc), batch editing.
Why it works: BeFunky may sound more playful than professional, but do not take your eyes off of it as this real estate photo editing software brings a whole lot of punch into the mix. This application’s ability to cater to more than just the real estate photography industry makes it one versatile software. It can handle the basic requirements and more needed for real estate images to shine including all of the retouching tools you could ever ask for.
iPiccy
Features: Up to 800% zooming, localized retouching (dodge and burn, replicating objects, and color adjustments), available pre-sets and filters, organized editing and retouching tools, social media linkages.
Why it works: The nature of iPiccy can be useful especially for beginners in the profession of real estate photography. It boasts of an organized toolbar, grouped into easy-to-find categorizations for efficiency. It can also mash together HDR photos as part of its filters feature, allowing you to import bracketed images and stacking some stunning creations. The main reason why it is a great alternative is that it provides all the foundational needs of editing at no cost.
Photos Pos Pro
Features: Filter effects, background removal and replacement, capability in layers and masks, compatibility with RAW image formats along with standard jpeg and png configurations, batch enhancements, object selection tools, visual enhancement options.
Why it works: Being on the free side of things, Photos Pos Pros is a software that is ripe for tinkering. It has all the basic tools that can constitute the foundational real estate photo editing techniques plus retouching requirements. As an alternative real estate photo editing software to Photoshop, Photos Pos Pro can recreate the same processes as Adobe’s application with its basic features with its ability to retouch, making it a good choice as a free alternative.
Pixlr
Features: Layer management, Lasso selection tool, photo retouching, filter availability, enhancement effects, color and brightness adjustments, magic wand tool.
Why it works: Some people call Pixlr a Photoshop-like software. This means it carries the same complexities and depth that Photoshop has for absolutely no charge at all. Those who are familiar with Adobe’s flagship photo editing software might find a home in Pixlr, especially with its tools whose names provide similar functions to those of Photoshop. Therefore, it could be a good contender when put side by side with GIMP, but as always, give it a try because it is after all, free of charge.
Conclusion
Being on the frugal end doesn’t mean you advocate for lower quality. It just means that you are resourceful enough to look for alternatives that also get the job done and are confident of the fact that you can utilize them to the best of your potentials. Real estate photography takes money to make money, but it doesn’t necessarily have to if you are resourceful and creative.