Elcon

Hi All,
I am currently using a mac laptop and do not have any editing programs or software installed(beyond the iPhoto that was already there). I have never used one before and there are so many to choose from. I have several cameras but mostly shoot with a Nikon D3200 and a Canon SX50. I'm not looking for anything too complicated with a huge learning curve. Any ideas for one that is easy to use, won't break the bank and yields good results?

Thanks,
Ellen

stableduck Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

Lightroom

Gralex Loc: Rolla, Mo.. USA

Check the App Store there are a couple of good ones made especially for Macs.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

You already have a free program that will do quite a bit, and it's easy to maneuver and operate: your copy of iPhoto. Many folks look down their noses at it, but it will do a good job and give you the basics of post-processing. You might also add Picasa (it's free from Google) to perhaps do some further refinements such as framing, manipulating, sizing, and the like.

Then, after you master these programs to learn the basics of post-processing, move on up to Lightroom or another more complicated program. Lightroom is a rather sophisticated program, and I wouldn't suggest just jumping into it with no post-processing experience. One of the really nice features of all three of these programs is that they are non-destructive, meaning that the changes you make can be undone if you don't like what you've changed. Some programs are destructive, meaning that once you make a change, you can't undo it.

iPhoto can't do everything, but it's a good place to get your feet wet.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

She said..." I'm not looking for anything too complicated with a huge learning curve. Any ideas for one that is easy to use, won't break the bank and yields good results?" Lightroom has a pretty stiff learning curve.

Therefore she could get a very easy program like Photo Shop Elements 13 and could be off and running in a very short time, and it includes and organizer. Especially if she get's Scott Kelby's book to go with it.

Elcon

Thanks! I have used the program on my mac, however, it has been updated and I don't like it as much as the former version.I have heard good things about Lightroom but think it may be too complicated for me at the moment.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Then I will second the Photo Shop Elements 13.
It has a "quick" mode that only does basics, then it has a "guided" mode that takes you through more advanced tasks step by step. Then later you can move up to "expert" where what you basically have is Photo Shop Lite.
There are many resources that can show you how to use the "expert" level.

One hint from my personal experience. Save an extra copy of the photo on another drive before starting to edit. That way if anything goes wrong with your main drive you have the originals to start over. You can also save copies of your edited work to that drive with a different file name. This is a good backup in case of a drive fail and also lets you start over from scratch with each photo.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Photo Shop Elements 13. I have found that just about every tutorial on the web or in magazines uses either Photo Shop or Elements as their editing program.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I agree Jake, I got my PSE 13 for $40 with rebate and it is heads and shoulders above PSE 10.

I would also recommend Topaz programs ... this month Adjust is on sale at $40. Topaz makes life easier because it uses presets and sliders to give beautiful effects. (July special)
http://www.photographybay.com/2015/07/16/topaz-adjust-is-40-off-for-july/#more-59940

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's what everyone is waiting for. :D

There's Adobe, and there's everyone else. Here are some choices.

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/03/23/best-photo-editing-software-photoshop-cc-and-7-photoshop-alternatives-tested/1/
http://www.redmondpie.com/best-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-for-windows-and-mac-list/

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

Look to see if Faststone is available for Mac - the easiest to learn, and does most of what you want - NOT Picasa . . . . . (IMO)

First week with Faststone, I can clone !

(Download)


(Download)

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

There are a lot of different program to choose from and everyone has a favorite or two. Adobe software has become pretty inexpensive since they began offering CC (creative cloud), a subscription service for $10 a month and it is quite popular.

Corel has a quite capable editor called Paintshop Pro and I believe it is still on sale for under $40 - but usually when you see these sales they are just about ready to bring out a new edition of the editor and that will be closer to $100. However, in all likelihood, the new edition won't have much that the old one did not have already.

One feature you will find in Paintshop Pro as well as in Photoshop CC is support for layers. This allows you to build up modifications to an image and blend them together in various ways. This is a more advanced editing feature that you probably don't need at first - but it is a powerful feature that allows you to edit just an area or two that you specifically want to change.

But there are editors that don't support layers and some are quite powerful. One that I like is called Raw Therapee; it's a free download and there is a good user's manual and user's group for it. Gimp is another free editor that some people like. In fact there are probably dozens of simple that various people will recommend, ranging from very simple (but low in capability) to the more complex but more capable (like Raw Therapee and Gimp).

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pixelbased/tp/freephotoedm.htm

I'm a PC user and know nothing about the Mac so no recommendation here. Just thought this might provide some options.

drmarty Loc: Pine City, NY

I use DxO pro Optics on my raw files. You can make it automatic and simple or apply more complex solutions. The presets are great!