burkphoto wrote:
It sounds like what you need is a parametric editor that can make tonal adjustments such as white balance, hue, tint, black levels, shadow levels, exposure, highlight levels, white levels, etc., and THEN add a bitmap editor to do some dodging and burning or masking.
You may get deeper into software than you wanted to, but it can be a fun adventure!
Hopefully, you recorded raw files and not (just) JPEGs. Raw files are adjustable over a wider range of tones and will yield better final results. But JPEGs can be edited with decent results, within their limits.
Start with anything your camera manufacturer makes available on their website for download. Chances are, it will be free with your serial number, or cost under $200, and usually runs on Macs and Windows.
Serif Affinity Photo is a good bitmap editor. It runs on Macs and Windows ($55) and iPads ($20).
Photoshop Elements is Adobe's offering. It also runs on Macs and Windows. ($100)
There are some shareware/freeware programs such as GIMP and Dark Table worth looking at, but remember that support can be lacking. If you aren't self-sufficient with computers, think twice.
Mac users should look at the EXCELLENT Raw Power ($40) from Gentlemen Coders. It combines well with Apple Photos (free with Macs), Affinity Photo (see above), and other programs. It is essentially the raw file editor from the old Apple Aperture, but on steroids. It can be a plug-in for Apple Photos or run as a stand-alone application. Some Mac users use Apple Photos as a simpler file manager than Adobe Lightroom, add Raw Power in place of Adobe Camera Raw, and use Affinity Photo in place of Photoshop. There is a LOT of power in combining those three programs.
It sounds like what you need is a parametric edito... (
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parametric editor....how appropriate.....good advice given....UHH is so valuable for helps and concerns.