Adobe’s latest shake-up in its subscription offerings is turning heads, particularly for those reliant on its cost-effective Photography (20GB) plan. With changes effective January 15, 2025, photographers both seasoned and budding must navigate these shifts to determine the most cost-effective way to continue their creative work.
Breaking Down the Price Changes
Starting January 15, the monthly Photography (20GB) plan jumps from $9.99 to $14.99 — a 50% increase. Annual subscribers, however, can breathe easier; the $119.88 upfront price remains untouched for existing customers. But for anyone hoping to join Adobe’s ecosystem at its most affordable tier? Bad news. The Photography (20GB) plan will no longer be available to new customers, regardless of their willingness to pay the higher monthly fee.
What’s left? The Photography (1TB) plan, priced at $19.99 monthly or $239.88 annually, becomes the sole entry point for Photoshop and Lightroom. For photographers who’ve relied on the lower-tier plan, this marks a significant leap in cost.
Adobe’s Lightroom-only plan also sees changes. The annual commitment remains at $119.88, but the monthly price rises from $9.99 to $11.99. This plan gains a noteworthy addition in January: Lightroom Classic, long beloved by traditional photographers for its desktop-focused interface.
The Options for Current Subscribers
If you’re an existing subscriber to the Photography (20GB) plan, you have several choices ahead of the price hike:
- Stick to the current plan: If you pay annually, nothing changes. Monthly subscribers, however, must brace for the increased fee when their renewal hits.
- Switch to an annual commitment: Lock in the $119.88 rate before January 15 to continue enjoying Photoshop and Lightroom at the lowest possible price.
- Upgrade to the Photography (1TB) plan: While pricier, it offers significantly more cloud storage.
- Cancel altogether: For those feeling priced out, stepping away from Adobe entirely might be a consideration.
These shifts emphasize Adobe’s growing focus on high-storage plans and annual commitments, leaving fewer flexible options for casual users.
What New Customers Can Expect
Starting mid-January, Adobe’s offerings for new photography enthusiasts tighten considerably. The once-accessible $9.99 plan will no longer exist. Instead, the cheapest choice is the Photography (1TB) plan at double the price.
For those who primarily use Lightroom without needing Photoshop, the Lightroom (1TB) plan offers some solace. At $11.99 monthly, it provides a slightly cheaper route, plus access to Lightroom Classic, Lightroom CC, and mobile tools.
However, Adobe’s lack of transparency in these changes hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company has largely tucked these adjustments into blog posts, with little fanfare on its subscription pages. Critics argue this approach leaves potential customers in the dark, especially given the rapid timeline for implementation.
Is It Still Worth It?
For many photographers, Adobe remains a cornerstone of their creative process. Both Photoshop and Lightroom continue to set the standard for photo editing, with powerful features and integration unmatched by competitors.
But alternatives are gaining traction. Tools like Affinity Photo, Capture One, and ON1 Photo RAW offer strong standalone options without the subscription baggage. These platforms appeal to those wary of Adobe’s yearly commitment and rising costs.
Still, for those already deeply embedded in Adobe’s ecosystem, leaving isn’t so simple. Projects, presets, and workflows are often optimized for Creative Cloud, making the transition to alternatives time-consuming.
Summary of Key Changes
To keep things clear, here’s a snapshot of Adobe’s new pricing landscape:
| Plan | Price (Annual Commitment) | Monthly Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photography (20GB) | $119.88 | $14.99 | Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop |
| Photography (1TB) | $239.88 | $19.99 | Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop |
| Lightroom (1TB) | $119.88 | $11.99 | Lightroom, Lightroom Classic |
| Photoshop Only | $22.99 | $34.49 | Photoshop |
Photographers who want to avoid higher costs should act swiftly. Locking in annual plans at current rates before January 15 can save substantial amounts over the long term.
Adobe’s decision to sunset its most affordable plan for new customers signals a shift in strategy, likely targeting professionals who require greater cloud storage and are willing to pay more. Casual photographers, on the other hand, may find these changes a harder pill to swallow.
For now, the advice is clear: assess your needs, explore alternatives, and if Adobe remains your go-to, make your move before January 15.
