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opinions please
Jul 26, 2013 00:08:28   #
stephen s
 
i run elements 11, and want to expand my ability to get a bit more creative ,even arty. can you give opinions on what is best. i am thinking of subscribing to creative cloud and am aware of pros and cons. but would you think i am better off buying other soft wares ;maybe combinations off more than one such as topaz, photomatix for hdr , nik soft wares, so many to choose from on one seems good with package deals also. am i right to think that these are easier to learn than photoshop and still offer great options. thanks if you can give me some insight as to best way to go.

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Jul 26, 2013 00:51:15   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
I think you are sitting pretty with PSE 11, you can get as artsy as you like, the sky's the limit. No need to get yet another program.

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Jul 26, 2013 01:17:18   #
marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL
 
stephen s wrote:
i run elements 11, and want to expand my ability to get a bit more creative ,even arty. can you give opinions on what is best. i am thinking of subscribing to creative cloud and am aware of pros and cons. but would you think i am better off buying other soft wares ;maybe combinations off more than one such as topaz, photomatix for hdr , nik soft wares, so many to choose from on one seems good with package deals also. am i right to think that these are easier to learn than photoshop and still offer great options. thanks if you can give me some insight as to best way to go.
i run elements 11, and want to expand my ability t... (show quote)


Define what you mean by arty... the word is a bit too general. Some people use a graphics program along with photo editing. Other people create HDRs but never buy a graphics program. You may want to sharpen up photos but keep them realistic. Yet somebody else may want to do weird things to photos so they aren't realistic at all. Some people like to mix realism with artistic deviation. Others like complete surrealism that has no realism at all.

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Jul 26, 2013 01:44:03   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
marcomarks wrote:
Define what you mean by arty... the word is a bit too general. Some people use a graphics program along with photo editing. Other people create HDRs but never buy a graphics program. You may want to sharpen up photos but keep them realistic. Yet somebody else may want to do weird things to photos so they aren't realistic at all. Some people like to mix realism with artistic deviation. Others like complete surrealism that has no realism at all.

I understood he meant everything of that, arty, no realism, surreslism etc. . All that can be done in PSE11.

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Jul 26, 2013 02:24:55   #
stephen s
 
thanks people, yes i do like to experiment after taking a photo. and do like to make hdr. i guess it is my lack of ability; but can never seem to get the finished look i am after, especially in hdr and filter fx. that pop out at you look you good photographers seem to manage.

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Jul 26, 2013 07:35:56   #
brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky
 
stephen s wrote:
thanks people, yes i do like to experiment after taking a photo. and do like to make hdr. i guess it is my lack of ability; but can never seem to get the finished look i am after, especially in hdr and filter fx. that pop out at you look you good photographers seem to manage.


Perhaps you would benefit from some training on the tools you have. Take a look at Kelby Training. It's not overly expensive, and is very good.

Knowing what the tools are capable of is part of it. Good luck!!

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Jul 27, 2013 07:49:57   #
dusty3d Loc: South Florida
 
It all depends on two things: What can you afford and is it something you will use often. I started out using elements but wanted more so I spend $$ on Photoshop (CS5) In conjunction with that I also use Lightroom (LR5). Those two programs to me are a must. Now there are new plug-ins which gives you effects like right away. So, I also have OnOne Software (which I use a lot) NIK Software (which I also use a lot and Topaz Software (which I use on occasions. I would suggest, as I did, download a free version and check it out. Go to U-Tube and watch tutorials as this will make it easier for you to make a decision. You may want to keep PSE11 and use some of the plug-ins to help you become more creative. Hope this helps.

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Jul 27, 2013 08:42:54   #
Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.
 
speters wrote:
I think you are sitting pretty with PSE 11, you can get as artsy as you like, the sky's the limit. No need to get yet another program.


My sentiments exactly! Check out this site for many helpful suggestions and videos on Elements by Rick Peterson. Great help!
http://www.essential-photoshop-elements.com/

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Jul 27, 2013 11:29:06   #
sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD
 
I found that there are neat/arty things on PSE 11 that I would never found if I had not taken a course, watched many tutorial videos, (there are plenty) and purchased the Koslosky/Kelby book. Many neat things explained, and in my case, most of them! And many compatible plugins if Elements 11 isn't enough
Still exploring.

soda

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Jul 27, 2013 11:33:23   #
mvy Loc: New Hampshire
 
I believe onOne's Perect Photo Suite is a worthy add on for PSE 11. I use PSE 11 as an 'external' editor for my Mac's Aperture application, It's been working well for me for about 4 years. For creative splurges onOne's Perfect Effects app (included in the PPS) is hard to beat. The entire onOne Suite goes for about $149.

All the best,

Martin

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Jul 28, 2013 18:11:29   #
Wayne93 Loc: Montrose, Colorado
 
stephen s wrote:
i run elements 11, and want to expand my ability to get a bit more creative ,even arty. can you give opinions on what is best. i am thinking of subscribing to creative cloud and am aware of pros and cons. but would you think i am better off buying other soft wares ;maybe combinations off more than one such as topaz, photomatix for hdr , nik soft wares, so many to choose from on one seems good with package deals also. am i right to think that these are easier to learn than photoshop and still offer great options. thanks if you can give me some insight as to best way to go.
i run elements 11, and want to expand my ability t... (show quote)


Photoshop Elements Techniques is designed for Elements user. Everything you'll ever want to know about elements is on that site. 1 yr. subscription is $59.00 and you have access to all the tutorials plus a quarterly magazine. Plus right now you receive 3 bonus gifts. Check it out at: http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com./

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