Software: Since I'm only an amateur photographer I simply can't see myself spending lots of money for Photoshop. Would anyone have any suggestions about what would be a fair substitute...

Lille Loc: Upstate, NY

Since I'm only an amateur photographer I simply can't see myself spending lots of money for Photoshop. Would anyone have any suggestions about what would be a fair substitute for that software for a bit less money ?

Thanks !

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Er...... GIMP $0

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

Lille wrote:

Since I'm only an amateur photographer I simply can't see myself spending lots of money for Photoshop. Would anyone have any suggestions about what would be a fair substitute for that software for a bit less money ?

Thanks !

Photoshop Elements 11, less than $100.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Gimp is free

RaydancePhoto

JR1 wrote:

Er...... GIMP $0

I second that. Gimp has a steep learning curve but so does Photoshop. I have Ps, PSP, Corel Draw and others, I use Gimp 99% of the time. Since Gimp is open source, developers all over the world contribute and constantly improve the software. If you decide on Gimp, there are many here that can help with "how do I" and there are 1000's of tutorials available on the web. Also, there are 1000's of plugin filters for Gimp for just about anything you would want to do.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

RaydancePhoto wrote:

I second that. Gimp has a steep learning curve but so does Photoshop. I have Ps, PSP, Corel Draw and others, I use Gimp 99% of the time. Since Gimp is open source, developers all over the world contribute and constantly improve the software. If you decide on Gimp, there are many here that can help with "how do I" and there are 1000's of tutorials available on the web. Also, there are 1000's of plugin filters for Gimp for just about anything you would want to do.

I think that because it is free many see it as a second rate program, how little they know

RaydancePhoto

JR1 wrote:

I think that because it is free many see it as a second rate program, how little they know

I agree.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

RaydancePhoto wrote:

I agree.

Read this

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2370402,00.asp

Lille Loc: Upstate, NY

Thanks very much for your suggestions. I'm going to go give Gimp a try.

Appreciate your help :)

Lille

EstherP

Lille wrote:

Thanks very much for your suggestions. I'm going to go give Gimp a try.

Appreciate your help :)

Lille

Lille, when you go to download the program, also do a search for "Grokking the Gimp" - the online manual for the program. I believe there is a pdf version as well, not certain though.
EstherP

kit_kit Loc: NYC

Lille wrote:

Since I'm only an amateur photographer I simply can't see myself spending lots of money for Photoshop. Would anyone have any suggestions about what would be a fair substitute for that software for a bit less money ?

Thanks !

Gimp is good, but if you don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to use it check out Picasa, Photoscape and FastStone. They are free and much easier to learn.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

JR1 wrote:

I think that because it is free many see it as a second rate program, how little they know

It is a second rate program - for ease of use.
Of all the software I have attempted to use, the hardest by a mile was Gimp, then there was a fair bit of daylight, then all the rest.

Elements is a very good discount Photoshop.

Hedgophile

If you are not averse to spending a little money, do check out Lightroom. MacWorld said this of the latest iteration: "Busy photographers may view this as the release where they can let go of Photoshop."

LC_PhotoNut

onOne is the creator to a lot if different programs that work in conjunction with Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture. These programs can also be used as standalone software, meaning you don't need PS, LR, or Aperture. You can buy each program individually or you can buy them as a bundle.

http://www.ononesoftware.com

GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.

GIMP is an excellent freeware pp. There are tutorials here on UHH for help. I also have a $5.00 book on pdf that is a very good starter to get you going on the basics. You can get it at http://www.howtogimp.com/gimp-book/