Hi Rick!

I finally realize I need to learn some sort of editing software.  I have Elements but have not taken the time to learn it because I have heard so many say it is no good.  If money was no object, what software would be at the top of your list?  Then what would be the best software for the money?  Easiest to learn and use? 

Thank you so much,
Stephie

For the money, I really like PaintShop.  I won't begin to say it has all the functionality of PhotoShop, but it does everything I need it to and then some.  I taught myself as I went along and it was pretty easy to figure out and use.  It's not the top of the line software, but IMO, it's a good starter!

My best software is my thinking about the thing in front of camera.

Combine it with decent hardware in my hands and basicaly the computer + PS(CS2) in my case becmes just a tool to convert raw files and have some BW or other fun.

Really, it a comes back to basics of nailing it with a camera and use any software just as either enhancing or art creating tool.

Best advice for you - do no think about PS or whatever as about ultimate I-will-fix-it tool.
However, PS Elements is just not full featured PS, missing some of the options, but frankly, I'd stick with it being you.
I think after about 6 years of continuous learning of PS I'm using about 30%, maybe 40 of it's capabilities. And I think that I can do a lot with it, no beginer here, but no proffesional either.

Tomas

Trust me...  If you already have Elements, you're well on your way...  Learn it!

Photoshop is THE standard for editing (and I fully expect some people will take exception with that statement). Elements, while it's not full featured and a VERY slimmed down version of Photoshop, learning Elements will get you familiar with the Adobe interface and prepare you to move to Photoshop when you become rich and famous and are a whiz at photography and editing...  

Stephie, these guys are right.  If you already have elements, get yourself comfortable with that first.  There's just no point in upgrading until you do.  There have been rumors around that CS3 is coming out in April 07, so you might want to wait anyway.  

Thank you all so much for your advice.  I wasn't sure which way to go.  If there is one thing all my photog friends know me for it is trying my best to get right in the camera.  That's actually one of the reasons I have held off as long as I have.  Well, thanks again to everyone for all your advice.  I really appreciate it.

Stephie

If anyone else has any other advice for me, post on!!!!!

If money is a concern, you might try Gimp. It's free.   Very  powerful for the price... :) 

http://www.gimp.org/ 

I've been using PS Elements for about 4 years now, and I love it.  I have never tried the full version of PS, but I can do everything I need to and then some with PSE.  Once I have it mastered, I'll upgrade.

Really, it is a great program, and there isn't really a need to spend more money on something else.

Wendiandtravis,

I prefer a more natural look to my shots that some others.  In other words, I don't want to do much to my pics unless i absolutely have to.  With this in mind, you think Elements is the way to go?

Stephie

stephie:

Wendiandtravis,

I prefer a more natural look to my shots that some others.  In other words, I don't want to do much to my pics unless i absolutely have to.  With this in mind, you think Elements is the way to go?

Stephie

 

That is precisely what I strive for with my sessions.  If the shot is good SOOC, you should need an advanced program with all the bells & whistles, just a program to make minor adjustments and fixes.

The way I see it, regardless of the type of photography or the goal for an image, unless you or the customer prefer a lot of digital extras in a photo, Elements is sufficient.  The only thing it does not have that I sometimes wish it did is curves, but the important stuff, like Contrast/Brightness/Levels/Saturation are all still in there.  I use OptikVerve (sp?) for additional effects.  Even on the occassional photo that does need a lot of work, or the customer wants something beyond the usual, I can do it in Elements.

All programs take some time to learn.  Save yourself the money and learn Elements really well since you already have it before buying something more advanced.  You may find that it is all you need, but if not at least you will already know what you are doing if you move up to the full version of PS or to one of the CS's.

Thank you so much, wendiandtravis!

I'll get on it right away!

Stephie

I have elements 5.0 and it does have a curves adjustment.  You don't have as much freedom with it as in cs2 but it is still nice to have.

hi stephie

stephie:

If money was no object, what software would be at the top of your list? 

 

The industry professional standard and not surprisingly the costliest application is Adobe Photoshop CS2.  Given that "money is no object", then it would have to be Adobe Creative Suite 2.3 Premium Plus - the whole shebang.   only $1199 (MSRP) in full version and every part of the suite that you might possibly (but probably never will) need. 

I believe that the industry standard is still to have this on a Mac too - dedicated and optimized for this particular use. 

This, of course, being based on "money is no object" 

Betty,

I had no idea.....guess what?  Money IS an object!

PhotoBlast:

Photoshop is THE standard for editing (and I fully expect some people will take exception with that statement).

Hmm, I won't take exception with the statement.  It is true.  BUT, if you are just wanting to fix up pictures, then Elements can do a lot.  If you decide you would like to upgrade to very-near-PhotoshopCS2 functionality, at about 1/6 the price - the Paint Shop Pro is an extremely powerful, and relatively easy-to-use program at that price.

It will do layers and 95% of what CS2 is capable of, for less than $100.

I would say this - if you already have Elements, play with it.  If you are buying for the first time and you aren't planning on becoming a magazine layout editor, try Paint Shop Pro.  If money simply is NO OBJECT at all, and you must have the very best, then PhotoShop is your choice.

Given the choice though, I'd take Paint Shop Pro and a 50mm f/1.4 lens over Photoshop CS 2 at the same price.

wendiandtravis:

I've been using PS Elements for about 4 years now, and I love it.  I have never tried the full version of PS, but I can do everything I need to and then some with PSE.  Once I have it mastered, I'll upgrade.

Really, it is a great program, and there isn't really a need to spend more money on something else.

That depends.  I've played with Elements and there are some things you can't do with it.  If it is working for you, then stick with it.  But some things just aren't possible in Elements.

Also, since I'm here - I agree with the crowd that says, "Get it right with the camera."  BUT, when you don't, sometimes a good editing program can save your picture.  And it can let you do some neat effects that you can't get with the camera.  Especially if you like to play with B&W or if you are using bracketing to get a good photo.  By bracketing a high contrast shot, you can use layers and get a properly exposed photo that just isn't possible "in the camera" in some cases.  Good example, and if you ever want to try for some CHALLENGING photography, visit the Grand Canyon and prepare to be humbled.  Such a beautiful scene, and so hard to photograph!