Post-processing
May 24, 2018 08:29:26 #
GIMP has a free on-line manual to use in learning the software https://docs.gimp.org/2.10/en/index.html , if you use GIMP and want to process raw files (such as NEF) you will need another free raw processor like Dark Table to process the raw files and then you can open them in GIMP. If you are a Photoshop user and want to use GIMP, then GIMP can read PSD files.
JMCPHD wrote:
I am your age and like you recently got into digit... (show quote)
May 24, 2018 10:10:40 #
If you don’t want to be suckered into the monthly LR charge, I’d strongly suggest the new ON 1 2018. It’s easy to use and is only about $80 right now.
May 24, 2018 10:15:42 #
Good software and I concur. There are so many great photo editing packages available from free to expensive that it becomes an individual taste as to what package to use.
jaymatt wrote:
If you don’t want to be suckered into the monthly LR charge, I’d strongly suggest the new ON 1 2018. It’s easy to use and is only about $80 right now.
May 24, 2018 10:16:29 #
jaymatt wrote:
If you don’t want to be suckered into the monthly LR charge, I’d strongly suggest the new ON 1 2018. It’s easy to use and is only about $80 right now.
Come on, just because you don't see the value of something, to call it being suckered? I save a TON of money (and make money) by using the CC service over the old stand alone model.
May 24, 2018 12:27:47 #
jaymatt wrote:
If you don’t want to be suckered into the monthly LR charge, I’d strongly suggest the new ON 1 2018. It’s easy to use and is only about $80 right now.
Wow, there are 9,000,000 suckers out there according to you . . .
Or maybe anyone who pays for software, whether they do it monthly, annually, or by version upgrade - is a sucker. BTW, On1 is $80 for now, and next year it will be another $80 for the upgrade to the 2019 version, and so on. Wow, that sounds just like a software subscription just being marketed to a bunch of suckers who think that paying for a software license on a monthly basis is a sucker move. I guess we're all suckers, aren't we. . . Just sayin'
May 24, 2018 13:25:54 #
Gene, let him be in his own utopia, it is not worth the argument. Personally I have the subscription and a host of other editors including ON1 for my own personal reason and if I couldn't afford it I wouldn't have them.
Gene51 wrote:
Wow, there are 9,000,000 suckers out there accordi... (show quote)
May 24, 2018 13:49:17 #
Adobe Photoshop Express is a free software that would be easy on your mind to learn and will teach you the basics of PP without all the confusion of multitudes of controls found in higher end programs. Just be patient and work through your nerves. Here is the link and I would strongly urge you to start here in your PP learning: www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/adobe-photoshop-express-image-editor-adjustments-filters-effects-borders/9wzdncrfj27n
Once you become more accustomed to the basic controls and how the program works then advance to more complicated programs like GIMP, photoshop, etc. Good luck.
Once you become more accustomed to the basic controls and how the program works then advance to more complicated programs like GIMP, photoshop, etc. Good luck.
May 25, 2018 05:21:08 #
May 25, 2018 05:53:22 #
LarryFitz
Loc: Beacon NY
Gimp is a very hour program. Yes the learning curve is hi. So is Photoshop. Many of the programs that develop raw images are simpler to learn and can be the job 90 percent of the time. I like SPP (Canon) and Luminar.
May 25, 2018 06:19:54 #
jumpingjim wrote:
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learn... (show quote)
Learning a new editing program always takes time and effort and that is especially the case with those that are worth learning. My point is NOT that Gimp is worth learning but rather that most of us do not know very many editing programs and that makes it difficult to do comparisons. We all have one or two favorites and we don't know much about the others.
LR is very popular but it does cost a bit of money. Mostly the good editing programs do but there are some free ones like Gimp, RAW Therapy and Dark Table. And these free tools are quite capable, but they also tend to be more difficult to learn and use than their commercial counterparts. I guess you have to pay - one way or another.
Getting back to LR, I find it to be a great tool for managing your photos, it was fairly easy to learn and it is easy to use. For special situations though it does not quite measure up so I turn to other editors - primarily Topaz Studio - for special situations. For a beginner though, LR seems to be a good place to start provided you decide you can afford it.
May 25, 2018 06:23:42 #
miked46 wrote:
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
I agree with MikeD46, Luminar 2018 by Skylum is a product you should check out. Luminar is much easier to learn and should be a less expensive option. There are many tutorials by Jim Nix and Anthony Morganti to get you rolling.
You can save $10 is you use my Coupon Code, "Tidelandsphoto"
May 25, 2018 06:35:13 #
Gimp made my head hurt too. Now I use PhotoScapeX and it works very well for me. It can be used accurately with 3 or 4 clicks or you can REALLY get into serious editing. Here are a couple of sites for you, Enjoy. Be sure to select Mac/or Windows. Get the free version first (it never expires), and you can always upgrade. Also, please do yourself a favor and watch the following youtube video both to see if you would be interested and for training if you are interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWC-SAuYOzw&t=325s Instruction and download info http://x.photoscape.org/. May you always enjoy your photo journey! JimmyT Sends
jumpingjim wrote:
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learn... (show quote)
May 25, 2018 07:07:21 #
Get involved in a photo club or 2 in your area , they in almost all cases help and advise you. In my club we are always happy to help in anyway but we use LR,PS and On1. You will never be alone in your quest to succeed.
May 25, 2018 07:40:51 #
jumpingjim wrote:
Ok, So I'm right in the middle of this giant learn... (show quote)
The OP asked about free software and only got a couple of replies referring him to free software. No matter what software you use, there is a learning curve, so whichever free software you decide on (and I would recommend starting with whatever software Nikon gives you with your camera. [you may have to download it]), go to Youtube and find free tutorials on how to get started.
If you’re serious about learning raw I believe you will figure out relatively quickly the advantages it provides over jpeg photos and will want to move on to Lightroom or Luminar or ON 1 as they are so much better than the free programs.
I wish you luck.
Walt
PS. Welcome to UHH
May 25, 2018 08:14:43 #
NCMtnMan
Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC
Adobe Bridge with Adobe Camera RAW is a pretty good place to start. Topaz Studio is free, but it does have some significant hardware demands similar to what the most current version of Lightroom.
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