Photo Software (Page 3): That problem is quite prevalent on the Internet. I solved it by switching my computers from Windows Defender, McAfee, and Norton to just one program...

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

tmorgen wrote:

I downloaded the software but my anti-virus prevented it from opening. Call that strike two. In advance:
No, I cannot/willnot defeat my anti virus when it prevents my system from a possible virus.

That problem is quite prevalent on the Internet. I solved it by switching my computers from Windows Defender, McAfee, and Norton to just one program, Malwarebytes.
What's cool about Malwarebytes is that it will let you download what you want to download and all the viruses, malware, spyware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), etc., it will either
prevent them from downloading/installing and/or isolate/quarantine and let you decide on any specific program's usefulness.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Some others are: ACDSee, FastStone, Picasa, if you have Windows 10, Photo Gallery. The last three are free.
Mark

Glasgow wrote:

Does anyone know of any good software that's free or a one time fee, I don't like this monthly or yearly payment software

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

jeep_daddy wrote:

Probably the best one to get is Photoshop Elements 15 otherwise known as PSE 15. It's $50-$70 depending on where you get it. I think the best price would be from Sams club or Costco.

If the OP can find out if Adobe will be issuing A PSE 16 this fall and can wait until about November, they will probably introduce 16 at about $39.00 in the big box stores. Costco and Sams generally have the "Intro" version; don't worry about it being the intro price, it's the same program, but usually with some "special" included at N/C.

anotherview Loc: California

Right. Besides, I detect a marketing ploy here, likely to upsell you later if not at first. I'd just say no thanks to this apparent reach into your pocketbook.

tmorgen wrote:

I downloaded the software but my anti-virus prevented it from opening. Call that strike two. In advance:
No, I cannot/willnot defeat my anti virus when it prevents my system from a possible virus.

robertcbyrd Loc: 28754

I tried Adobe Photoshop Elements and it was OK until I tried Affinity Photo.

Being a newby, I was largely unfamiliar with what post-processing software can do and I found the Photoshop Elements interface to be quite intimidating. Then, along comes Affinity Photo for Windows and there is no turning back. The interface is far easier to understand that Elements and is much less intimidating than Photoshop. And it is VERY capable software with a one time low cost with lifetime free updates.

mediaman123 Loc: Poulsbo, WA

Is Photoshop Elements still available for Mac? Is so, what is the latest version- 15?

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Affinity is $49.95 one time and competes well with Lightroom and photoshop

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I do not mean to hijack this topic, but I am just a beginner at post processing. I have Photoshop Elements 12. Is there any good reason to upgrade to PS15? Now, my PSE 12 can't handle RAW so that may be reason enough; but I would like UHH opinions and advice. thank you and sorry if my question is out of line here.

fjrwillie Loc: MA

Glasgow wrote:

Does anyone know of any good software that's free or a one time fee, I don't like this monthly or yearly payment software

Personally I am using Paintshop Pro for my primary editing software which can probably accomplish 100% of your needs. Currently on sale for 64.

http://www.paintshoppro.com/en/products/paintshop-pro/ultimate/?currency=en-US&sourceid=psp9-xx-ppc_brkws&lpt=pla&skuId=UG&gclid=CjwKEAjwgZrJBRDS38GH1Kv_vGYSJAD8j4DfhdPbrcxCrJWqFo3oMaXa4BxUQHVF2rnrWuPcq6biahoC3MXw_wcB

PSP could be replaced with GIMP which I have used for editing. ( https://www.gimp.org/ ). I started down this path many years ago, but picked up PSP cheap and took that path instead. GIMP is free.

While I could use the raw converter within PSP, I choose Rawtherapee ( http://rawtherapee.com/) as my raw converter. It is free and I can't imagine wanting any more flexibility that this program. It interfaces nicely with PSP.

I also use NIK software by Google for additional processing with is also free and also works well with PSP ( https://www.google.com/nikcollection/ )

Good luck with your hunt

Willie

blackest Loc: Ireland

tmorgen wrote:

I downloaded the software but my anti-virus prevented it from opening. Call that strike two. In advance:
No, I cannot/willnot defeat my anti virus when it prevents my system from a possible virus.

This link is for the windows version of topaz studio (I have installed the Mac Version)

https://open_beta.s3.amazonaws.com/topazstudio_online_installer.exe

This will be a small download which then fetches the rest of the installation around 500MB

As it comes you get a number of presets for different settings but no way of adjusting.
If you go 'pro' or the 30 day trial to go pro then the sliders are enabled.

Some settings are free and others cost. E.g to enable the sharpness setting is $10. Paying for each setting separately is around $270 but you can get the lot for $135

On the plus side you get some high quality basic processing to try for free but if you stick with it you are likely to go pro.

There are other alternatives that may suit you better

Glasgow

True, But nowadays if you can get something free that will help you with a chore and does all that you would have to otherwise pay for is the way to go. I use to be in photography years ago when you were only able to use film and now it's all different so I have to re-learn, Yes they still have camera's that use film but to stay up with everyone else you need a camera with an SD Card. I just want to edit pictures and crop when needed to and whatever else you need to do to stay in competition with others. If I have to pay to do that then so be it.

SS319

I would suggest that you download a copy of PaintShopPro X9 and try it for a month. Their trial software is complete and does not limit you in any way. While you are at it, you can also download a 30 day copy of Aftershot Pro3 to give you full and complete RAW manipulation. If, after 30 days, you like it, it will cost your less than $80 to keep - for both the PSP and AfterShot Pro3. Most PS plugins will work in PSP.

There is nobody like yourself to tell you what you like or dislike.

Note: I have used PSP since version 0.1 (mid 1980s) when it was a format change tool (GIF <>JPG<>TIFF). I believe it is on par with Photoshop and I believe Aftershot is better than Light Room - but that is me - maybe not you, how would I know?

Glasgow

Thanks for the help and will try

whitewolfowner

Lightroom 6 is available for a one time fee. $142.95 from B & H. Only draw back is you don't get updates.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Almost all photo processing software has free 30 day trials. So, you have ample time to explore and see what fits.
Mark

russelray wrote:

That problem is quite prevalent on the Internet. I solved it by switching my computers from Windows Defender, McAfee, and Norton to just one program, Malwarebytes.
What's cool about Malwarebytes is that it will let you download what you want to download and all the viruses, malware, spyware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), etc., it will either
prevent them from downloading/installing and/or isolate/quarantine and let you decide on any specific program's usefulness.