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

Workshop: Paper Bag Challenge

A fun activity where teams are presented with a mystery object to photograph as creatively as possible. Props, lighting, backgrounds, models etc are encouraged. Bring your camera gear, a laptop (if you have one) and any props you think might be handy.

The images will then be presented and critiqued with a winning image selected by all in attendance.

Walker Close Community Centre
25th November 2025 7:30 pm
Judging: End of Year Awards & Dinner

Join us for a night of fun as we award our winners from the year. Awards are given for aggregate point winners and for the images of the year.

For the new members, we have spit roasted meats and salads brought into the Clubrooms. We have found that this works really well as it gives members a chance to chat prior to the EOY Awards presentations. You can bring along some wine/beer and some of the members bring a dessert to share.

Price for the meal is $18.00, please pay into our bank account by November 22nd, with your member number and name as reference: eg: 013Malbon

Walker Close Community Centre
9th December 2025 7:30 pm

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