Prevent Apple's Photos application opening when you connect your camera

It can be frustrating when you're a Mac user and a Lightroom user and everytime you plug your camera, your phone or card reader in Apple's Photos application (or iPhoto) appears automatically to help you take care of your images. But you don't want it to. Here's how to stop that and/or change it to Adobe Lightroom being your default photos application in a few simple steps.

  • Insert/connect your memory card or connect your camera and turn it on. Photos is likely to launch. You can ignore that for a second.
  • Hit command + spacebar to have the Spotlight bar appear. Note, it may appear in the top right corner on older MacOS operating systems.
    Spotlight Search Bar, MacOSX 1010
  • Type in "Image Capture" and the results will appear.
    Spotlight Search Results
  • Hit return to open the Image Capture application.
  • In Image Capture you'll see your device appear in the top of the left side bar, you might need to hit the number to reveal the device.
  • If the options panel in the lower left isn't showing hit the arrow to make it show.
    Image Capture Screens
  • You'll now see the options panel, here it will likely say "Photos" or "iPhoto", click on the dropdown list and select "Other"
    Image Capture ScreensImage Capture Screen - Options
  • Navigate until you find the Lightroom application. Usually found in Applications > Adobe Lightroom. 
  • Click on the application icon, then select "Choose"
    Image Capture Screens
  • Your "Connecting this camera open" should now read Lightroom.
  • You can close image capture and you're done. Lightroom will now launch anytime you add this device.

An annoying thing is you have to do this for every device that you connect. If you use a different card reader with a new card you'll likely need to redo this procedure for that connected device.

Upcoming

Presentation: Infrared Photography - David Marland

We will take a look at the art of Infrared Photography and the equipment used to make such beautiful imagery.

Entries due for VAPS Competition subject is open - Prints and Digital images accepted

Walker Close Community Centre
25th February 2025 7:30 pm
Photo Opportunity: Blue Lotus Water Garden

Join us for a day out at the Blue Lotus Water Garden. A great location for a few different types of photography. 

Read More

Blue Lotus Water Garden
2nd March 2025 11:00 am

View full calendar