My photo editing workflow without subscriptions
Free and open-source tools that do everything I need — from import to final export.
For years I paid a monthly subscription for editing software. Last spring I cancelled it and moved everything to free tools.
Import and culling
I copy cards to an external drive with a simple date-based folder structure, then go through the pictures quickly and reject anything out of focus. Being strict here saves hours later.
Editing
darktable handles RAW files and film scans. My edits are simple: exposure, white balance, a gentle tone curve and some local dodging and burning. If a photo needs more than five minutes, it probably isn't a good photo.
Backup
Two copies at home and one offsite. It sounds paranoid until a drive dies the week after a long trip.
Tip: Export a small JPEG preview of every keeper — it makes finding photos years later much easier.