would like to get a bit more
Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 2:37PM Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I enjoy taking pictures and am looking for some cheap software to play around with the photos I take. I've just been using windows media so far (messing around with contrast, shadows, saturation, etc), but I would like to get more effects. Anyone have any recommendations?
software vs. hardware
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 5:32PM - in reply to would like to get a bit more Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
For organizing/minor editing:
iPhoto if you have a mac
Picasa from google

If you want to spend some money:
Adobe Photoshop
Apple Aperture

A bunch of free photoshop alternatives:

http://www.thephotoargus.com/freebies/11-outstanding-free-alternatives-to-photoshop/

And a quick google search will bring up a billion excellent photoshop tutorials that you could use. Also check out photography magazines at Barnes or wherever.

Good Luck.
Hopkinton
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 6:04PM - in reply to would like to get a bit more Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Adobe Photoshop Elements is $80 and is all you'll need. The professional version, Photoshop CS5, costs > $550.
Rick
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 8:57PM - in reply to Hopkinton Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
ADOBE LIGHTROOM!
Terms and conditions
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 9:26PM - in reply to Rick Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
http://www.gimp.org/

Free, works on windows, mac, linux. Not quite photoshop but much of the same functionality. Very good.
Brent.
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 9:36PM - in reply to Rick Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I think Lightroom is an excellent idea. If one is planning to spend money, I'd seriously put Lightroom up there at the top. If one doesn't want to spend money, then Gimp.

I only have a trial of Lightroom and have played with it a little. It can do a lot, quickly. A lot of hardcore full Photoshop users are quite happy to do all of their needed edits in LR and only touch Photoshop in certain cases. I have a full version of PS 5 and some other plugins and may not purchase Lightroom myself, but it's very, very tempting.

Probably every recommendation you'll get will have a trial version that can be downloaded and tried for a while.

So:

Lightroom (for money, but very reasonable)

Gimp (for free)
Kevin52
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/13/2012 9:39PM - in reply to Brent. Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

Brent. wrote:

I think Lightroom is an excellent idea. If one is planning to spend money, I'd seriously put Lightroom up there at the top. If one doesn't want to spend money, then Gimp.

I only have a trial of Lightroom and have played with it a little. It can do a lot, quickly. A lot of hardcore full Photoshop users are quite happy to do all of their needed edits in LR and only touch Photoshop in certain cases. I have a full version of PS 5 and some other plugins and may not purchase Lightroom myself, but it's very, very tempting.

Probably every recommendation you'll get will have a trial version that can be downloaded and tried for a while.

So:

Lightroom (for money, but very reasonable)

Gimp (for free)


+1
Open Source
RE: Best software for the amateur photographer? 4/14/2012 2:50AM - in reply to would like to get a bit more Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
The Gimp. You can get it for free at www.gimp.org


http://www.gimp.org/downloads/