Photo Software

[Gaz]

I am sure there will be many opinions but just wondered what is a good photo editing software, one that will not break the bank.

i have seen many a post on here about layering, etc etc, not really knowing how to do it. i would like to start and build my knowledge of photo editing to see how much better my pictures can become.

So not only can you please post about editing software, but also a bask of knowledge for beginners

[warpig]

Adobe Photoshop if you're really serious (and rich!), Adobe Photoshop Elements if you want a more down to earth price. Try adobe for trial version software to see if you like it without parting with any money

[warpig]

Here's a direct link to the trial version of Elements

adobe/uk/products/pho...?promoid=BPCXA

[Guest]

Just been looking at THIS site, seems good

[Chelle27]

I use Photoshop - accompanied by Photoshop for Dummies.

[rusty30]

Elements is the sensible choice really. Its industry standard and nearly all photo mags you buy these days have excellent tutorial DVDs on the cover which are ideal for getting you going. Its cheap, easy to use and the results are excellent.

I do use CS3 which is the full version, but to be honest, Id probably be fine with Elements - but we put software through our business so cost isnt an issue in that respect - but for a non trader, then £60 for Elements or over £400 for CS3 - its a no brainer!

Layers are quite simple really - they allow you to mess around with your pic without actually "touching" the bottom layer - which is your photo. The possiblities are endless.

[daviewat]

Start with elements as suggested or paint shop pro, that does layers.


Layers are actually fairly straightforward to get to grips with really :-) and Elements 5 allows filters to be added as layers allowing you to see the difference they make.

Its when you get into the belly of Photoshop for real you realise just what a massivly difficult piece of software to get to grips with.


However decide what you want say layers for ? in elements its as easy to just adjust levels, contrast,brightness,sharpness, etc as a duplicate layer, generated with one strike of the keybord or click of the mouse from layers pallet menu.


But do not go into all thinking i will be confused for ever with all this :-) have one project in mind to do and keep doing that one until the things like brushes etcc become understandable then strat anothe r one and so on so forth.


As already sai d many a mag has lots of those dvds giveaways that are a great help.


littlephotoshop.com is a wonderful source as well.

[andyhayley]

Does anyone still use Paint Shop Pro? I used to use it before I moved to a mac and it worked well.

Now I use Photoshop and find it a lot more confusing, probably just need to take the time to get into it properly!

Andy

[Guest]

One thought. If you seriously do need layers then yes, Photo shop or Elements would be the right thing. But for basic edits - getting the brightness right or making the horizon straight - Picasa from Google is free and very effective!

regards,
/alan

[BevS97]

I like Photoshop Elements, it seems to do everything I've ever needed to do, even Photoshop tutorials I've read always translate into elements (although sometimes the menu options are in a different place).

i do actually use Picasa for basic stuff quite often as well.