Awesome Open Source Photography

A curated, community-maintained awesome list of free and open source software, libraries, and resources for photography and related video work.

• Type: Themed directory / curated list
• Category: Themed Directories
• Focus: Photography & video tools
• Tags: awesome-lists, photography, open-source
• Source: GitHub – ibaaj/awesome-OpenSourcePhotography

Overview

Awesome Open Source Photography aggregates open source tools, libraries, and learning resources covering the full photographic workflow: from camera firmware and RAW development to organizing, editing, HDR, panoramas, and video post-production.

It is structured as an “awesome list” in GitHub, with items grouped by topic so photographers and developers can quickly discover relevant open source projects.

Features

1. Curated topical sections

The list organizes content into clearly defined categories:

• General
  General-purpose image manipulation and editing software.

  • Example: GIMP – "a swiss knife for image manipulation"
  • Example: PhotoFlow – non‑destructive photo editor (from visible snippet)

• Camera Firmware Mods
  Modified or extended firmware projects for cameras.

• Libraries
  Programming libraries and SDKs related to camera control, image handling, or photography workflows, including vendor-specific subsections:

  • Canon
  • GoPro
  • Sony

• Utilities
  Miscellaneous helper tools that support photographic workflows (e.g., batch operations, conversions, automation).

• Analogue Photography
  Tools and software relating to film and traditional/analog photography processes.

• RAW Image Developers
  Software for RAW file development and digital darkroom work.

• HDR Specific Software
  Tools specialized for creating or processing high dynamic range images.

• Panorama Stitching
  Software for stitching multiple images into panoramas.

• Photo Organizers
  Applications focused on cataloging, tagging, browsing, and managing large photo libraries.

• EXIF Editors
  Tools to view, modify, or manage EXIF and related metadata.

• Photo Downloaders
  Utilities for transferring/downloading photos from cameras or online services.

• Camera Tetherers
  Tethering software to control cameras and capture images directly from a computer.

• Monitor Color Correction
  Tools to calibrate and profile monitors for accurate color reproduction.

• 360° Images
  Software dealing with spherical/360° imaging workflows.

• Alternative Image Viewers
  Lightweight or specialized image viewers as alternatives to default OS viewers.

• Useful GIMP Mods or Scripts
  Extensions, plugins, or scripts that enhance GIMP for photographic work.

• Communities
  Links to communities focused on open source photography (forums, groups, etc.).

• Resources
  Educational materials, documentation, and reference resources related to photography and open source tools.

2. Video-related sections

The list also includes free and open source tools for video, relevant to photographers who work with hybrid photo/video workflows:

• Video – General Tools
  Broad video editing and processing tools.

• Compositing Software
  Video compositing and VFX applications.

• Video Libraries
  Developer libraries for video handling and processing.

3. Scripts

• Scripts – Video to Panorama
  Scripts and automation tools that can turn video content into panoramas or otherwise support photographic tasks.

4. Open-source & free focus

• Every entry is free and open source software, library, or resource, making the list particularly suitable for:
  • Open source enthusiasts
  • Budget-conscious photographers
  • Developers integrating photographic capabilities

5. Community-driven maintenance

• Hosted on GitHub with:
  • A visible CONTRIBUTING.md file for contribution guidelines.
  • Open for pull requests and additions to keep the list current.

Pricing

• The list itself is free to access.
• All listed tools and libraries are described as free and open source; any specific licensing or costs would be defined individually in each linked project, not in this directory.

Suitable For

• Photographers seeking open source alternatives to commercial tools
• Developers building photo- or camera-related applications
• Educators and students exploring photography software ecosystems
• Hobbyists experimenting with camera firmware, RAW workflows, or video post-production