Skip to main content

Linux photography

This image of a seagull was processed out of RAW using UFRaw and Gimp, running under Ubuntu Hardy Heron (Linux).

I've been using Linux OS and free Open Source software to process my pictures on and off for a week now. There's a lot to learn and I've only scratched the surface.

My early impressions are that it takes a lot more effort and fiddling about to get the results that I want. Using Lightroom and Photoshop is like driving a Bentley to get from one place to another. Everything is comfortable, fast, smooth and easy. The Linux image editing tools I've used so far are more like driving a very basic small car (not naming brands here). It will get you to your destination too but you are going to feel the potholes more, you're going to have to top up the oil, the windscreen wipers aren't great...well I am sure you get my drift.

Sadly from a professional photography workflow point of view Linux is too cumbersome. It is possible to use and to generate high quality beautiful professional images. And I know that there are several professional photographers who use Linux applications exclusively. But for me the process is not slick enough and would harm productivity. So I remain enslaved to Windows.

However I am going to work with the Linux community and one day we will get there. I do prefer the OS (particularly Ubuntu) GUI. Open Office is superb and it does everything that I could possible want. All the other applications, surfing the net, music, video etc are excellent. The answer for me in the near future will be to run Windows and Linux side by side.

I will keep you posted on any further developments in my experiments with Linux. Please do contact me if you are a photographer using Open Source image editing programmes. I would very much like to hear about your experiences.

Cheers,

Paul
www.indigo2photography.co.uk
Labels:

Comments

Unknown said…
Thanks much for the update !
18:40
Anonymous said…
Good for you.
Linux is already way ahead of Windows in the reliability stakes. All that is missing is similarly efficient software for the whole image workflow.
07:04
airplane5312 said…
I've been using gimp off and on for years, but more so with the recent 2.6.3 windows version. I use it primarily for experimenting with effects using the FX-Foundry plugin, and for rotating photos by small amounts. Believe it or not, the Canon Digital Photo Professional software that came with my camera does not have the ability for small rotations of photos, to level horizons for example. Why not escapes me. Other than that it does a nice job.
22:08
Unknown said…
I too am just scratching the surface in trying to use Linux to manage my workflow. I agree with you that Windows is simply ahead of the game when it comes to this. Best of luck to you and others attempting to look for a solution.
17:43
Unknown said…
I've have been using Linux for many years now. I use Bibble Pro, which you have to pay for but well worth the money. Digikam is also very good to file and store images. The only problem with GIMP is 16bit or the lack of. I use Suse and now OpenSuse 11.1 which is wonderful. How about no virus and system failure in 10 years. Using Lllinux fro Pro Photography is possible but not easy.
00:13
Anonymous said…
I had the same thoughts, and finally I managed to switch to Linux.
For RAW developement the Linux alternatives are as good as the Windows software, from the commercial ones (Bibble - which is my favorite and Lightzone) to the free ones (from RawTherapee to UFRaw). They all have color management and everything you need.
The only "weak point" is GIMP, as it doesn't have any color management and non-destructive editing. But it seems that both features will be implemented in the next version(s), they are working on it.
But till then you can use Photoshop which runs perfectly under Wine. (to install it, simply run wine setup.exe from the Photoshop install CD).
20:11
Macro photography said…
I like to use Linux and glad to be updated about new things.
22:44
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The portrait photographer's motivation

Easy access to the Internet and digital photography has resulted in an ever growing number of photographers uploading their images for comments and ratings from peers. Online communities evolve and these mini-societies each have their pecking order, internal groups and communal preferences. Photographers learn from each other. On sites that have a rating system there is often pressure to conform to certain styles, techniques and even subject matter. Although I participate in numerous sites (it's great fun), I recognise the danger of becoming a herd animal and losing the edge of individual creativity. There will always be the creatives that lead the way and the imitators that can only try to follow in their footsteps. This lead me to think about classifying photographers according their inner motivation. So as a bit of fun here are a few different types: The innovator Driven to always find something new, different and creative. Wants to be leading edge. Motivated by creative satisfa...
6 comments
Read more

Beyond the Obvious: Lessons from the Masters of Photography

  In photography, there’s more than technical skill or gear; the real art is in connection, storytelling, and moments that matter. In this blog, I’ll explore what I have learned by taking master classes with photographers like Steve McCurry, Joel Meyerowitz, and Albert Watson. One of the surprising outcomes of learning from them was discovering just how closely my  thoughts and practice aligned with theirs although I've always carved my own path. There is something delightful about finding kindred spirits. I wanted to share what I've learnt and remind us of our true practice as photographers behind the lens. Storytelling Through Human Connection A photograph should convey more than just skill—it should capture a story that resonates. Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl does this beautifully, capturing strength and vulnerability in a single frame. Like McCurry, I believe photography should reveal the depth and uniqueness of our subjects. This requires empathy, patience, and a ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why do you take photographs?

Have you ever asked yourself why you photograph? It's a question that can be answered with a simple one-sentence answer until you start delving deeper. The answer then becomes increasingly complex and challenging to unravel. I've again undertaken this journey recently, and my answer is below. Portrait of Paul Indigo by Magda Indigo. Thanks Magda! I also reviewed my images over the last ten-plus years, selected 30 of my favourite photos, and compiled them into a slide show. This was a challenging task. My favourites change by the day, probably by the minute. Still, eventually, I got to a selection I titled "That's Life." Please click through to YouTube to view the full screen. My approach to people and landscape photography is characterised by a distinctive blend of documentary and fine art techniques. I aim to create images that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through portraiture, I strive to showcase the broad spectrum of human experience. I a...
2 comments
Read more