What’s Your Preference?

Tstandiford · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2011, 04:12 PM

Hello everyone! My name is Alex. I dabble in photography, but specialize in photo-editing using the open-source alternative, GIMP. For a few years, I ran Photoshop, but I switched to Gimp after realizing that the cost of Photoshop couldn't justify what little more it can do than Gimp.

I have what some call "photo-editor's vision," when I take a photo I am looking at how the final photo-edited result will be. I see the Photo-Editing process as an art form, and treat it as it's own thing, not as a way to "enhance my photos," but instead a way to "create my final product."

I also do Gimp tutorials for those interested. I joined this forum to help show people how to use gimp and to learn a bit more about how to use my camera. I hope you guys enjoy what I have to offer, and look forward to learning from all of you.

KurtM · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 04:56 PM

As a noob to photo editing software, I find it interesting that nobody has made a single comment to this post. Specifically, I wonder if GIMP is generally considered worthwhile or not? And for that matter, can a person get along well without paying for software? Not that I have difficulty affording it, or am cheap; but so far I seem to be doing amazingly well with Picasa 3 and and Digital Photo Pro that came with my Canon. As I said, I'm new to all this and haven't quite gotten there yet, but imagine I'll soon reach a point where I want to do some serious manipulation ....... but Photoshop is awful expensive and GIMP is freefreefree.

So what am I missing here? Is GIMP useless? Are the OP's tutorials stinky? What?

tsy72001 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 05:10 PM

I downloaded and tried to use it. Could not do anything with it. I know how to work PSP and some Photoshop, but can not afford to buy those now. I did delete Gimp, but wish I could get it to work.

Tstandiford · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KurtM

As a noob to photo editing software, I find it interesting that nobody has made a single comment to this post. Specifically, I wonder if GIMP is generally considered worthwhile or not? And for that matter, can a person get along well without paying for software? Not that I have difficulty affording it, or am cheap; but so far I seem to be doing amazingly well with Picasa 3 and and Digital Photo Pro that came with my Canon. As I said, I'm new to all this and haven't quite gotten there yet, but imagine I'll soon reach a point where I want to do some serious manipulation ....... but Photoshop is awful expensive and GIMP is freefreefree.

So what am I missing here? Is GIMP useless? Are the OP's tutorials stinky? What?

GIMP can easily do most-everything that photoshop can do. Like I said, I used PS for a few years before I switched to gimp, and it's worked out pretty well so far. You may enjoy this post on that topic:
Why most people assume photoshop is better than gimp (and why they're wrong)

So, to answer your question, yes! With gimp, Inkscape, UFRaw and the other FOSS programs out there, it's mighty hard to justify the cost of photoshop for what little you get over gimp. Especially if you're new to photography.

Jim Bryant · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 05:25 PM

GIMP...............doesn't even compare to Photoshop, but what the hell,,,,,,,,,,it's the right price for some...FREE!

Tstandiford · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsy72001

I downloaded and tried to use it. Could not do anything with it. I know how to work PSP and some Photoshop, but can not afford to buy those now. I did delete Gimp, but wish I could get it to work.

I'd be happy to help you out if you ever need it. Never hesitate to shoot me a message.

metallion58 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 05:56 PM

GIMP is a powerful program but it's not as powerful as Photoshop (unless you also install a lot of plug-ins) and it has a steeper learning curve.
However, since it's free, you may want to give it a go. Nothing to lose if it's free.

The OP's tutorial seems pretty good to me so that would give you a good start.
Just my 2 cents.

doctorjames · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tstandiford

GIMP can easily do most-everything that photoshop can do. .

GIMP might be able to 'easily do most-everything that photoshop can do'

Most people cannot easily do with GIMP what they can do with photoshop.

There are countless more (good) tutorials and how-tos for PS when you get stuck

Its nice that you are offering your help to people who want to use GIMP, but I wouldnt want them to think they are the same thing.

There are some very good reasons that PS costs what it does, and not all of it is the product.

Tstandiford · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 06:08 PM

I'll admit that there are a lot of things that make Photoshop more user-friendly than Gimp, and they're definitely different programs, but I insist that the learning curve is not as steep as it is often made out to be, and in reality most of the processes are the same.