Doe Loc: N, Augusta, South Carolina

Hey to all of you. I am new to the forum and photography. I am really looking forward to what I can learn from everyone on here.

My first visit here and the first thread I read was about "real photographers". I will let everyone know now, I love editing (post processing, a term I learned on this forum) because of the awesome end result. I am looking for a program that I can understand how to use. Photoshop is just to difficult. I am using Gimp now, but I can't do all the things I want to and I can't do most of the things Gimp offers. I just need to keep it simple so that my "train of thought" doesn't hit a cow, just opening up the program! LOL For example, I love the B&W w/one colored object!! I also would like to watermark my pictures. I would think that Gimp offers that.......but that dang cow keeps getting in my way!

I would like to post a few pictures that I have taken recently but I think I will wait until I get my nerve up because I want to take the critiquing from all of you and learn from it......

I also have many questions to ask!

Doe/Susan

Mary P

LOL You sound like me. I took that cow (bull?) by the horns and used YouTube to learn how to use PS. I certainly don't know it all, but got enough basics that I get around pretty well on it. I wish you'd share some photos. There are folks from all levels here and everyone is kind that I've run into....

Doe Loc: N, Augusta, South Carolina

Oh, I hope I didn't make it sound like I thought others would hurt my feelings intentionally. I have read a few comments of others work and everyone seems very supportive. I like how some will take a picture and correct it for others. I just know so little about what I am doing and it is kind of scary putting it out there for those who do know what they are doing to give their opinions. I get good comments from family and friends........but they don't know anything about photography. Like.......I do. LOL

I am really excited about this website and what I can learn!!

Thank you Mary for your response. I look forward to your input on my photos when I post them as to whether I hit a cow or bull! LOL

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

Welcome to another South Carolinian!

I'll try to help with one of your questions ... spot color on a BW photo.

There are several ways to have spot color on a BW photo. Here is a free program that will let you do this:
http://tintii-photo-filter.soft32.com/

Have fun!

~~Wilson

SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina

Just for fun, check these out. You might find something you really like.

http://savedelete.com/20-best-photo-editing-software-for-free-download.html

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Photoshop Elements would be a good software package to learn. Not near as complex as full-blown Photoshop, a lot cheaper too, but with most of the important editing capabilities.

You can usually find an older copy, PSE 9 is the current version, for less.

Also since more people use Elements, it would be easier to get questions answered.

Give it a whirl,

Eric

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

welcome to a wonderfull site full of helpfull people and some amazing photographs. Depending on how involved into photediting ypu want to get will determine my recomendation. gimp is as hard as photoshop without the level of support. I fyou just want to do the basics elements is a little overkill but it is easier to learn than photoshop. there are many programs in the 30 to 75 price range that will do the job. just google photo editing software. if on the other hand you want to work with layers to maximize the quality of your photos, than elements is the way to go. it is the number one selling editing software for a reason. now as to posting your photos, come on in the water is fine. Im sure you have some interesting shots, everybody does. Post away. rember what everyone iis going to tell you are SUGGESTIONS. 100 photographers will look at the same subject 100 different ways. In the end the only opinion about your photos that matters is yours. if your photo gives you an emotional response then it is a perfect photo no matter how many technical flaws it might have. 8-) :mrgreen: :-)

Doe Loc: N, Augusta, South Carolina

Thank you for the advise. I know I should take the time to learn one of the good photo editing programs, it's just hard to find the time to figure out all the symbols, word usages and what they all do. By the time I have figured out how to do one thing, by the next day I have forgotten it and then I get frustrated.

I guess I need to come on in the water (I liked your term) or I am not going to know whether I have what it takes to be a photographer. (yes, I would love to make money)

Thank you for responding and I look forward to picking your brain!

Doe Loc: N, Augusta, South Carolina

Thanks Eric, I have been reading about Elements, but it still looks more complicated than what I can handle in the program area. I do like Portrait Professional and plan on buying it. Although, I don't have an eye in the people area. I just figured......even if I can't see a good pose, I can at least make them look like they are flawlessly beautiful. Or I can take some years off of myself! LOL

Thanks for your thoughts....

Doe Loc: N, Augusta, South Carolina

Wilson............THANKS! I went and played with it real quick before responding to you. Simple to use and I keep my photo on my computer and not out in cyberspace. Oh, and it's FREE!!! Going to check out the other one you suggested..........