Adobe’s subscription price model for popular software like Photoshop and Lightroom wasn’t well-received by creatives who prefer a more one-and-done cost than a recurring monthly expense. The feedback didn’t change Adobe’s mind – but while you can’t get a lifetime license of Adobe’s creative tools, budding photographers can get Photoshop Elements for three full years for just $60 as part of the Black Friday deals.
Photoshop Elements is the beginner-friendly version of Photoshop. It can’t do quite the same things that Photoshop can, but it’s far easier to learn. A rare Black Friday deal puts a three-year license down to just $60, which comes out to about $1.66 a month, a steep discount from the $10/month cost of the full Photoshop.
We loved the three-year cost, AI-based tools, and guided editing tools in our Photoshop Elements 2025 review. While the software can at times feel dated, it’s great for photographers who shoot JPEGs.
If you dabble in both photos and videos, you can add in Premiere Elements, the newbie-friendly version of Adobe Premiere Pro for another $10 with the $70 bundle that includes both programs for three years.
Photographers that shoot RAW may want to consider Affinity Photo instead, which is also discounted for Black Friday and is a lifetime license. Or, browse our guide to the best photo editing software.
