How to justify the expense of Photoshop

On the one hand, LR4 + PSE11 + plug-ins would cover 95% of anyone's photo editing needs (including professionals.)  CS6 is a beast and really requires a lot of work to get more out of it than you get from PSE11.

That said, you could take a college course on CS6 and get the software cheaply!

CS6 Student Edition is only $250 and is exactly the same program as the regular edition, you just have to show proof that you are enrolled in an accredited college, doesn't have to be full-time.

http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/education-faq.html

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