Sannye Loc: Oregon

My grandson has become interested in photography. He bought himself a used Canon G10 and is loving it! I want to get him either PS Elements or Lightroom for his birthday the end of this month. But which one? He'll be 15 and is pretty sharp on the computer. I use CS6 which isn't a beginner program. Would appreciate you thoughts or recommendations. Thanks

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

lightroom for enhancement. pse for enhancement's, and photo manipulations. he'll grow out of lightroom faster.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

For a 15 year old? Definitely Elements. He won't appreciate what Lightroom can do and he won't be able to manipulate objects for special effects in Lightroom.

Sannye Loc: Oregon

Neither is really that expensive. I could get one now and the other for Christmas.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

they make a good combo.

Sannye Loc: Oregon

Which one first?

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

depends...

what has he expressed more interest. just adjusting the photos, or just outright twerking the photo. changing the content of photo all together. i'm sure he would enjoy and get right into adjusting photos, using his own program. at same time he might give yuh big ole hug being able completely alter photo, after learning and getting familiar with adjusting. but knowing some kids give me the one i'm going to enjoy most after time.. gonna be interesting which way you go. come back let us know which way you go. he can download ps2 from adobe it fully free free.

he can go to you tube and adobetv to watch tutorials.

FM Racer Loc: Sacramento, CA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNPWD_PyA4

I found this video to be the best explanation of the differences. I have Elements and like to mess with one photo at a time instead of batch process a bunch which apparently LR is much better at.

If he's likely to be moving on to more power, then he may find the transition to PS to be easier with Elements.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

If he is just starting out, I would purchase for him Photoshop Elements.
While Lightroom has editing capabilities, it is more suited to photograph management.
As he progresses, and adds to his photographic collection you could then treat him to Lightroom.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Buy him the $10/month subscription to Photoshop/Lightroom CC. Photoshop CC and Elements is similar enough that the learning curve can be similar, AND there are no restrictions on commands and capabilities. Lightroom is primarily useful as a file manager and raw converter, which will help get him to organize his photos and explore the benefits of recording raw images. Raw is no longer for experts - everyone should be done a raw workflow. The $10/month price is a no-brainer - but it is only valid through 3/31.

Nic42 Loc: Cardiff, Wales

As he is unlikely to start shooting in RAW straight away; I agree that Elements would be the best option. LR is better for processing RAW files than Elements.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Still the entry point of Photoshop/Lightroom at $10/mo is the best deal, and allows him to grow. LR can still apply most of the raw adjustments to jpg/psd/tiff/dng files anyway.

Is there a reason why a beginner can't start off using raw as a file format? Especially if he is unaware of any other way to do things? I teach my students to start in raw all the time, and they have absolutely no issues understanding the workflow. I am careful to differentiate jpg, which is a highly compressed, low bit depth output format that is not the best choice for image editing, and the raw/psd/tif or jpg workflow, which preserves image data throughout the process, and produces superior image quality. Again, no issues whatsoever. The reverse is true when I work with intermediate shooters that have nothing but trouble with the whole concept, due to what they have read, opinions of others that don't use or understand the raw workflow, and have all sorts of preconceived notions about how hard it is to work with raw files. It takes them 3x longer to "get it" - which is why I start them off right. They can always use a jpg only workflow - and I show them that. But most reject it as a primary choice because of the ease of working with ACR or Lightroom for coarse adjustments, and PS or Elements for creative work.

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

I recently bought a Wacom tablet from BH Photo for about $90. It came with several relevant software packages including Elements 11. He might enjoy the tablet. Of course, if he already has a tablet just ignore this suggestion. :)

GWR100 Loc: England

For a beginner, Elements defiantly, then with experience on to use both

Geoff

Picdude Loc: Ohio

At 15 and already computer literate, I agree with the consensus - go with Elements. Nothing wrong with Lightroom and it definitely has a spot in processing, but it can't do everything that Elements can and 15yr olds are very inquisitive and quick learners (when they want to be).