htbrown Loc: San Francisco Bay Area

GIMP does well for what it is (and it's free to download). In its current stable version (2.8.x) it's about like Photoshop 7 (back before the CS versions). There are some things it does easier than photoshop, but that's after a long learning curve. It definitely has a different workflow than photoshop, and switching between the two is challenging. You can download version 2.9.x, which is not considered stable, but will allow you to work in bit depths greater than eight. Version 3.x, which has been on the horizon for approximately forever, looks to have some very nice features.

GIMP does not do raw, but there are two or three (depending on which OS you use) raw editors that work with it, all of which are free downloads. Ufraw is the most commonly used, but I've never understood how to use it.

I mostly use GIMP for various cartographic projects, for a quick edit when away from my main machine, and for quick conversions between file types.

If it's available on your OS, you can try darktable, which is supposed to be an asset manager similar to lightroom. I haven't tried it.

Lightzone is a free-for-download photo editor that does do raw files. It's based around the zone system, which I cut my teeth on back in the carboniferous age. I have done some nice things with it, enough to show (to my satisfaction) that it's a viable editor. There's a learning curve to it too.

The raw converter that came with your camera might be the best, at least if you're staying with free software. Use it to generate a tiff that you can refine in GIMP.

There are doubtless many different free and low-cost options out there, but these are the ones I'm familiar with. Free does not mean crappy, or at least it does not have to mean crappy. However, the best free software is a labor of love, done in the programmers' free time. As with the long-coming GIMP 3.x, this means that new features don't appear as quickly as they might in commercial software, and often it comes with quirks in the UI that take some getting used to.

Bill_de Loc: US

https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-tool-perspective.html

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Toment Loc: FL, IL

If u have a MAC, use Photos
(If you are using High Sierra)
The new Photos has lots of PP stuff

Yankeepapa6 Loc: New York City

You are part of an expensive hobby.

Kfallsfotoman

There are a couple of options -
But for clarity you mentioned Photoshop - of you're just getting into post processing - probably NOT the best option - lol.
Yeah if you can handle $10 a month the Adobe Creative cloud photographer package (lightroom & photoshop) is a good way to start and a way to grow into high powered software.
BUT - I know even $10 a month can be too much for us - been there - also if you're just starting post processing even these can be overwhelming.
If you're on a newer windows pc (win 8-10) - go to the "microsoft store" and search for photography - you'll find a lot of photo related software - many FREE.
I used to use Adobe Photo Express- good basic edits. (Still use it on my older tablet)

If you're shooting normal jpegs there's a lot of choices - if you're shooting RAW choices a limited
Good luck

Bill_de Loc: US

I can afford it today. But I can remember the days I wish I could buy 5 rolls of film and walked out of the store with two. It didn't stop me from pursuing photography as a hobby. After awhile I was able to pick up some $$$ with my photography to buy my next lens.

With that background I don't feel anybody should be discouraged or talked into something they feel they can't afford.

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Kfallsfotoman

DITTO!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

https://www.gimpshop.com/

--Bob

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

I am by no means a "PRO".
Meaning that I do not charge for photographic work.
But....
Mind you I plan on getting a lot of ridicule here for what I'm about to say.
I bought & use Corel Print Shop Pro and find it does most of what I want in a software.
It's not free, but for the money you won't need anything else for quite a while.
It's price really isn't that bad...

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Affinity costs $50. As good as photoshop.

Bill_de Loc: US

I'm pretty sure that Paint Shop Pro could be a lifetime path if they continue their current innovation and business plan. Once you own it, if you don't jump the gun, they offer you the update dirt cheap. I think I got 2018 for $25.

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charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

Thanks for correcting me...
I meant to say Paint Shop Pro in my message.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

I pay more for the water filters in my fridge annually than the Creative Cloud subscription.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Bill_de Loc: US

That brought back memories. I met Jeff Shewe at the Javits center years ago. He put on an impressive PS demonstration. I see from the images that he had a Version 2 license.

I also remember getting Version 3, my first of many, on floppy disks. After many versions, I did not out grow PS, it out grew me.

Thanks for the post!

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