Post-processing
May 24, 2018 05:44:45 #
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learning curve called Photography. I've owned cameras in the past but at 71 years old I am now jumping into Digital photography. I bought a Nikon D5600 and have been taking pictures like a wild man. I have yet to start shooting raw but want to learn. I don't want to spend a lot of money on post-processing so I've been looking at free software. I was recommended Gimp but when I went there and began It made my head hurt. Serious, serious learning curve. So my question is... Is gimp worth the time to learn or would you guys recommend another program?
May 24, 2018 06:05:31 #
I retired at71 and learned Lightroom and went on to learn photoshop. For me they are the best PP programs
May 24, 2018 06:18:32 #
jumpingjim wrote:
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learn... (show quote)
Free -
https://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-edit-rawtherapee/
https://www.lightstalking.com/free-photography-software/
http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-photo-editor
http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/
May 24, 2018 06:23:45 #
miked46
Loc: Winter Springs, Florida
I own Lightroom, but lately I am testing LUMINAR and it is easy to use, and is less in price.
https://skylum.com/luminar
https://skylum.com/luminar
May 24, 2018 06:32:50 #
For free software, I would just download Nikon View NX-i and Capture NXD. View NX-i has a transfer function that creates a new folder for you when it transfers and numbers the folders sequentially.
May 24, 2018 06:40:47 #
CO wrote:
For free software, I would just download Nikon View NX-i and Capture NXD. View NX-i has a transfer function that creates a new folder for you when it transfers and numbers the folders sequentially.
+1, especially if you are going to shoot raw. If you shoot raw (.NEF) and utilize any of the Picture Control functions, only the Nikon software will apply your in-camera settings.
May 24, 2018 06:45:38 #
I learned the cloud version of Lightroom over the winer. It's more intuitive than the desktop version. The Adobe tutorials were excellent.
May 24, 2018 06:46:47 #
jumpingjim wrote:
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learn... (show quote)
Plain and simple, they all have a leaning curve. The ones that have minimal learning do minimal editing and will only frustrate you. Regardless of the tool, make youtube and videos your friend. I learned LR/PS at 69 and invested some hours in Anthony Morganti Videos - all free. I thought old age brings patience? :) :)
May 24, 2018 06:51:49 #
Not true, ACR can apply your in-camera settings.
LensWork wrote:
+1, especially if you are going to shoot raw. If you shoot raw (.NEF) and utilize any of the Picture Control functions, only the Nikon software will apply your in-camera settings.
May 24, 2018 06:59:26 #
Please Take a breath... of course it's all overwhelming right now because its new. But you can learn it. Just remember all of the post processing software are just tools. Without blinking an eye you know the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver. Why? Software programs like GIMP & Photoshop just have more tools to use. Some others listed above have less tools. Go to "you tube" and put in post processing basics. It will walk you through, especially if you are a visual--like most photographers are.
Basics of post processing: Never work on your original photo--That means you are always making changes to a copy. How do you make changes: Layer by layer, or piece by piece. One way to think of layers is they are cellophane overlays (but in software terms: layers). You are improving your photo to each layer. If you don't like a change, just eliminate it, and/or start anew. Break the software down into tools you can use and it won't be so overwhelming.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Basics of post processing: Never work on your original photo--That means you are always making changes to a copy. How do you make changes: Layer by layer, or piece by piece. One way to think of layers is they are cellophane overlays (but in software terms: layers). You are improving your photo to each layer. If you don't like a change, just eliminate it, and/or start anew. Break the software down into tools you can use and it won't be so overwhelming.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
May 24, 2018 07:00:39 #
Brucej67 wrote:
Not true, ACR can apply your in-camera settings.
And so too can Lightroom.
May 24, 2018 07:05:57 #
May 24, 2018 07:08:33 #
May 24, 2018 07:19:46 #
Yes, I know, but I don't use LR anymore.
CHG_CANON wrote:
And so too can Lightroom.
May 24, 2018 08:04:15 #
I am your age and like you recently got into digital photography. I am working on learning post processing and like you wanted to save money if possible. I use the Nikon programs View-NXi and Capture NXD. I am also working on learning Gimp, and found a cheap book that offers a set of lessons.
As for learning curves, I would point out that the term is used incorrectly. A steep learning curve would be associated with rapid learning and behavior change. A long involved learning process would produce a flat learning curve. The term comes from automated plots of responses in psychology learning experiments.
As for learning curves, I would point out that the term is used incorrectly. A steep learning curve would be associated with rapid learning and behavior change. A long involved learning process would produce a flat learning curve. The term comes from automated plots of responses in psychology learning experiments.
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