In my opinion, the ideal photography workflow would be to use Lightroom 4 (LR) for managing and basic editing of your photos (RAW capture I assume). When in LR a simple right click on the desired image will allow you to jump it over into Photoshop. On completion of your editing a simple 'Save' will allow you to jump back into LR with your edited image.
The learning curve for LR is not near as steep as that of Photoshop. Hence, you can be using LR on a day to day basic while slowly grinding away gaining Photoshop knowledge. Yes, you incur aditional cost if you have to purchase two programs, but, if you are serious about photography you should have serious photo managing and editing tools.

OK Ziastars, i've got your answer.

I had a similar problem until I found that a fellow Hogger, Kat Landreth had a superb GIMP course and it makes GIMP as easy as 123, no BS. For a subscription amount of $12 dollars you get access to all the stuff and a downloadable e=book (Before and After) that will hold your hand and lead you through the steep learning curve. Kat has a real laudable talent when it comes to making a difficult subject understandable. Best $12 bucks I've spent!!!!

PareandFocus.com
Check

I strongly support the previous suggestions to begin with Adobe Photoshop Elements - PSE - (either 10 or 11). This robust and affordable program is probably the best and most popular photo management and editing software out there for the non-professional. It contains three (3) levels of editing/enhancement options: for beginners (Quick Photo Edit), novices (Guided Photo Edit) and enthusiasts (Full Editing Mode). For around $50, PSE gives you about 80% of the features of Photoshop itself and it provides a training platform to transition to the full Photoshop program if you ever decide that you have progressed to the point where you need it.


the many video tutorials provided by Adobe (and elsewhere)get you started quickly as do the many books available (including 2 "PSE for Dummies" books that are excellent).

Side note: in my constant quest to improve the world, I have been working in my lab to create a program that would allow novices and masters alike to edit their images near instantly by simply envisioning the final outcome in their mind. Think it and the program effortlessly translates your thoughts into a finished image! I'm getting close. The stumbling block is every time i use the program my result seems to come out the same: a picture of Angelina Jolie walking on the beach wearing a bikini! :P

Bada-boom.

Ziastars, I feel your pain.

Unfortunately, to be able to take advantage of the incredible power of most editing programs, one has to resign oneself to the fact that there is a learning curve that has to slogged through before one can do many of the creative things these programs are capable of doing. In the beginning, this can be frustrating and annoying, but have faith. Much of what you find numbingly complicated now will seem easy and routine later, if you just stay patient and focused.

The good news is that digital editing tools exist in a digital world. There is a mountain of good books, magazines with free discs containing tutorial, and tons of free how-to articles and videos online. You mentioned you have GIMP; do a search here on Hog. I recall one member posting a LONG list of links to detailed tutorials for that program. (actually, I think it was just posted recently in the now active thread about jpeg vs. raw). Start there and start mastering the program. Eventually, the creative techniques you seek will be within your grasp.

Side note: in my constant quest to improve the world, I have been working in my lab to create a program that would allow novices and masters alike to edit their images near instantly by simply envisioning the final outcome in their mind. Think it and the program effortlessly translates your thoughts into a finished image! I'm getting close. The stumbling block is every time i use the program my result seems to come out the same: a picture of Angelina Jolie walking on the beach wearing a bikini! :P

Bada-boom.

Ziastars, I feel your pain.

Unfortunately, to be able to take advantage of the incredible power of most editing programs, one has to resign oneself to the fact that there is a learning curve that has to slogged through before one can do many of the creative things these programs are capable of doing. In the beginning, this can be frustrating and annoying, but have faith. Much of what you find numbingly complicated now will seem easy and routine later, if you just stay patient and focused.

The good news is that digital editing tools exist in a digital world. There is a mountain of good books, magazines with free discs containing tutorial, and tons of free how-to articles and videos online. You mentioned you have GIMP; do a search here on Hog. I recall one member posting a LONG list of links to detailed tutorials for that program. (actually, I think it was just posted recently in the now active thread about jpeg vs. raw). Start there and start mastering the program. Eventually, the creative techniques you seek will be within your grasp.

Side note: in my constant quest to improve the world, I have been working in my lab to create a program that would allow novices and masters alike to edit their images near instantly by simply envisioning the final outcome in their mind. Think it and the program effortlessly translates your thoughts into a finished image! I'm getting close. The stumbling block is every time i use the program my result seems to come out the same: a picture of Angelina Jolie walking on the beach wearing a bikini! :P

Bada-boom.

I want a good photo editing software program that is user friendly.
I have downloaded Gimp and find it very complicated, I am a novice and have no idea where to go to get help regarding "how to" sites etc. Before I get a PS or Light room, I want to have an idea of how to do things. Is this unreasonable? I want a program that will turn my photos into paintings, allow me to manipulate the paint applied and do many other things I see on digital sites. I guess I want input on which program would be the most appropriate for a true beginner. I am using a free version of Pixarra and figuring some things out, but find the program freezes up and it get frustrating. Also, do you recommend a course in Photoshop first?

GIMP Doctor here again...When I first got GIMP I too felt overwhelmed with all the buttons and controls I did not understand, however after some practice and tutorials you should have it mastered very soon. Here is a link to purchase a CD tutorial of 28 lessons on EBay for 4$.You will need to install a free download FLV player (like a media player) I downloaded from GOM site. And you can refer back to the lessons on CD anytime .It is audio/video lessons..Best four bucks you'll ever spend...!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160775432878?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Once you learn GIMP you can add feature to it on your downloaded files and have it custom made for you...I have added borders,textures,fonts,brushes...The works...Custom made just for me..Love my GIMP...