Is Adobe Photoshop Good for New Photographers?

[Keethjon]

I'm still working on my little website but was just wondering?
Do you think Adobe Photoshop is good for beginner photographers? Specifically, I mean how much attention will the beginner pay attention to getting things like a "proper" exposure correct in the beginning if they know they can just fix it later? I have adjusted some of my own photos with Photoshop, but do you think it can be a crutch? Please note that I am not talking about creative stuff like changing the color of the sky to something unnatural. Just plain old getting it right the first time.

Keith Jones
Easybasicphotography.com

[Niresangwa]

While we're throwing hypotheticals around... what does it matter if you get it right in camera or in post? If you're happy with the final shot, and ok with the amount of time it took to get it, who cares?

Personally, I think a beginner will only use a small fraction of PS or other advanced editing software, and in the beginning they generally do more harm than good ...better ways to spend a few hundred bucks...

..like upgrading your gear. That's what really makes you a good photographer right? Good gear? Right? Bueller?...

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

While we're throwing hypotheticals around... what does it matter if you get it right in camera or in post? If you're happy with the final shot, and ok with the amount of time it took to get it, who cares?

Personally, I think a beginner will only use a small fraction of PS or other advanced editing software, and in the beginning they generally do more harm than good ...better ways to spend a few hundred bucks...

..like upgrading your gear. That's what really makes you a good photographer right? Good gear? Right? Bueller?...

You make some good points and one really HUGE bad point; gear doesn't make a good photographer. A good photographer can take a great photograph with a simple point-n-shoot.

As for how much a new photographer would need PS? Probably just ruin any shot they take. Cameras are a lot easier to learn than PS.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

You make some good points and one really HUGE bad point; gear doesn't make a good photographer. A good photographer can take a great photograph with a simple point-n-shoot.

I may have been kidding. I thought the Bueller reference would have given it away

[TheDarkReaver]

Yeah, pretty obvious that was a joke

[sybren]

Originally Posted by Keethjon

Do you think Adobe Photoshop is good for beginner photographers? Specifically, I mean how much attention will the beginner pay attention to getting things like a "proper" exposure correct in the beginning if they know they can just fix it later?

This is exactly the reason I recommend novice/aspiring photographers to shoot in JPEG. It forces them to learn how to use the camera. If they look at me with doubtful eyes, I ask them the question "do you want to become a photographer or a computer nerd?" - then they usually get my point ;-)

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

I may have been kidding. I thought the Bueller reference would have given it away

My'bad. I was a little tired last night and it didn't register...

[Lindsie Nicole]

The only reason I use Photoshop is because it was just sitting in our garage unused and I had been using Picasa (which is a great way to learn about post processing. Its a pretty easy and simple program). I think if you have the money to spend on it, then get it. But if you don't then get Picasa for free and learn how to do that stuff first while you save up money.

And I also agree that PS in the hands of a beginner does more harm then good. I know I am still a beginner but I have been using PS for about half a year now and my photos have become better and better as I learn to use it better. You should have seen some of my photos from when I first used it. Not a pretty sight :\ haha


Lindsie