What’s Your Preference?

bigben6 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 10:27 PM

I want to go past just shooting images and into the realm of some post processing. I have ssen and tinkered with Photoshop and it is entirely too much. What I am hoping to find is a good program with an intuitive interface for 50-100 bucks. Something to adjust some levels, contrast, saturation, eliminate some noise, just basically fine tune my pics not completely combind and rework them, HDR would be a plus but not nessecary.

Suggestions...

Liz Caldwell · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 10:51 PM

There are a few decent free programs out there, but I can't remember a single name at the moment.. Personally, I think learning Photoshop is worth it. Most people don't think about the fact that they can take classes at the local community college for pretty cheap (cheaper if you qualify for financial aid) You also get the advantage of getting offered the student version of PS for 1/2 price.

I realize I totally didn't answer your question, lol, but just another idea to ponder

RLucas · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 10:58 PM

GIMP..... Some say the learning curve is high. I didn't/don't really get that with it. Some of the terminology is different than PS, but once you figure that out, you can pretty much use any PS tutorial available. Oh, and it's free, which makes it worth the effort.

inkista · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 10:59 PM

RawTherapee, maybe? Or Photoshop Elements.

R lake · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 11:05 PM

Paintshop pro does all that

suzib · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011, 04:11 PM

I would give Elements a try

shruggy63 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011, 05:20 PM

FastStone Image Viewer is free. It's a bit like a poor man's Adobe Lightroom. There are quite a lot of HDR programs for free too. Have a look on Gizmo's Freeware site, it's a reputable site that double checks it's links for safety:
Gizmos Freeware Reviews

DawnSamara · #8 (**permalink**) 11-14-2011, 04:14 PM

I also really like Paintshop Pro, but have to agree, that learning Photoshop is worth it! (I use BOTH programs for PP)

As for photoshop, go online and find free tutorials...I havent paid one cent to learn photoshop!

Also, just keep playing with each tool, and see what they do. Dont be afraid to be "wrong", that is how you learn. I've been playing with photoshop for YEARS, and still only scratched the surface!

SimplyEuphoric · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2011, 02:35 PM

I'm using GIMP right now. Its free, and so far I've found I've been able to do a lot on it. There are also a lot of cool tutorials for GIMP around too!