GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

I am not a pro or anywhere close, but as I approach retirement I want to master photography and the technology surrounding it.

I'd like other pros on the forum to respond to English Wolf's statement that a real pro does not do PP.......do other pros agree with that?
Dave

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Libby,
It is because it has such capabilities, this is a very powerful editing program that even pros have problems with. There are parts of this program I am still learning, I have taken many courses Kelby's course for one, at least three times. Then there are the U-tube videos they are wonderful. Learning the basics is not too hard, progressing to more advanced features is a steep learning curve. Still the most effective program out there.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Several years ago I attended a workshop for Capture NX2 that was offered by my camera dealer.

The fellow who lead the workshop was from Nikon and one of the first things he stated was that the learn this program and in fact anyother one needed to use it, if not daily then at least 2-3 times a week. Once in awhile creates an issue with the learning curve.

I would agree with George, the basic aren't hard, especially when used on a regular basis, it is all the other things we rarely use that drive us to U-tube, etc.

Before I discovered that PS would track all my "moves" i made notes so I could remember just what I did, especially when i was happy with the results.

It is also (IMHO) trying to be all things to everyone these days, which not only bloats the program, but it doesn't do everything as well as some standalone programs.

For many who don't use PS on a daily basis love plug-ins, they can make life so much faster and easier and even they can become more advanced as one doesn't necessarily just use the preset, but tweaks for a personal look.

BobD Loc: New Bern, NC

I use the free program FastStone for viewing and comparing shots side by side, and Paint Shop Pro X3 for more serious work. Also use Portrait Professional 10 for portraits. GREAT fun software, and so easy to use it's amazing. I've tried Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop Deluxe Home Edition (no longer available, probably because it was easy to use). I've taken courses online, read books, and still could not get comfortable with Photoshop. Takes too much time to learn, even simple stuff....

photogrl57 Loc: Tennessee

I'm not a pro ...however .... in a *perfect world* where the weather, sun, wind etc. all cooperate then I would agree little need for post processing, but since most of us live in a reality based world .... photoshop is my friend.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I'm not a pro, but I just attended a presentation by a pro(Tony Sweet) who regards the original photo as simply raw material for post processing. Not only does he use Photoshop but he also uses Nik, Topaz, Lucis Pro, Alien Skin, and Photomatix. His work is pretty impressive.

DJack

Where can I get a hacked version of CS5 for my mac?

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Hmmm. I don't know about hacking anything but per your question I'd say yeah get it - get some books as they will help - then sit down and start playing and keep playing till you know how to use it to process your images......and keep learning.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

Photoshop is designed to be a fully functional editing package. In over ten years I have yet to meet a single person who is a master at ALL of Photoshop. More often than not, you'll find people like Kelly who are master's at their own particular use of photoshop. The software is completely different including the set-up for individual users. There are also different levels of Photoshop depending on your needs. For example I use Extended to take advantage of Photoshops 3D engine. Gamers, Designers, and Photographers all have their specific needs from the program whether it's extreme compositing, texturing, filtering, or even basic adjustment.
Many photographers I know keep it simple. They take a great picture and use PS to give it a simple curve adjustment or they will use a profile converter so their picture looks great on paper, web, TV, and Film.

As for the the software pirate. Adobe uses a ping system to check liscense. If you have the mind of a low life criminal with low to no morals than you have the option of instaling the software with a bypass code. Just so happens the same code also allows OTHER similar minded people to come in and "borrow" your computer info, or place trackers and info exporters. But then again being a criminal it shouldn't be a problem right? I mean they offer stays in prison for free too right?
Stealing software drives up the price for legitimate professionals like myself, and it steals the money and jobs from those who make and improve the software for us to use! Do the right thing and be a professional. If you get paid for using it than pay for it! The cost is absorbed in your job if you're worth being paid for it
Sorry! But reckless morally-devoid uneducated statements like "steal the software who does it hurt" REALLY tick me off and make it hard to get a decent client with decent pay.
Also, those comments are directed to the person who is suggesting you break the law to make some money. Just like robbing a bank! Have fun with that.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

hey thats not Paul Simon!

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Actually, I read the other day that California has started billing in-mates for daily jail time and that white bread bologna sandwich and bunk only costs 140 per day. A steal I'd say

gizzy.whicker Loc: Cumberland Co., Illinois

Adobe Photoshop Elements is by far the finest, most comprehensive and easiest to learn of all the image editing software packages on the market. They (Adobe) was first, all the others copied them. Adobe Premiere Elements for video production is also a superior product, and works seamlessly in the green-screen environment, along with PhotoShop, these two software packages offer the finest, easiest to understand that money can buy. And you can purchase a package of PhotoShopElements/Premiere for around $150.00

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

Hahaha! Nice one! Maybe they can steal an extra sandwhich too! I mean the ingredients are there right?

effrant Loc: New Hampshire

Why not contact Adobe. I'm sure they would help you out......

gizzy.whicker Loc: Cumberland Co., Illinois

Yeah, and while you're at it, why not contact WalMart and ask for the best way to lift a new top-of-the-line laptop.