Shoot Happens

I currently use Lightroom with the NIK suite of programs for almost all of my post processing and I am quite proficient with them. I also have Photoshop Elements which I am mediocre with at best. I am now ready to move up and start using layers/masks and more creative techniques for my photography but I struggle with the monthly leasing fee for the full version of Photoshop so I could use your help. If you use either Photoshop or Paintshop I would appreciate knowing why you chose that program; given my experience what sort of learning curve will I have and how should I move forward.
I really don't want this to get into a mine is bigger argument, please tell me why you like one over the other? What challenges will I have moving my existing files and processing over to Printshop? If I go with Photoshop am I not now married to it and changing back would create a very messy divorce? What are the pros/cons of using neither and getting more use of my Elements?
Thank you for your help.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

For me, it is the learning resources, first, second and third. Doesn't matter if you like books, classes, YouTube or online tutorials. Adobe's share of the market is big enough to support a third party industry of teaching.

Since you have Photoshop Elements, use that to "start using layers/masks and more creative techniques for [your] photography".

If you've been lead to believe Elements is weak in the area of layers and masking, that would be incorrect.

FWIW, $25 for a month of access at Lynda.com with Jan Kabili was worth more than I can explain. She had me going on Element's layers and masks in an afternoon.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have been using PhotoShop since Adobe first bought it. I still use it, CS5. I will not buy into the rent until you die business model.It works for some, just not me.

I recently purchased PSP x8 Ultimate when Amazon had it for $40 on a lightning deal. I haven't used it yet, but rather decided to go through their video tutorials first. They are available on their site, no purchase necessary.

It seems it will do just about anything I ever did in Photoshop, plus has a ton of one click solutions. Raw files open in their 'Camera Raw' with the typical adjustments available.

It doesn't have a history brush. But, the things I used history brush for in PS, can be applied by brush in PSP.

I believe the hardest part (not very hard) will be getting used to the location of menus and submenus.

I hope to try it in earnest this weekend.


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Shoot Happens

Thanks for the info. I will look Lynda up.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I use PSP, and staying within the boundaries of your question, and avoiding getting into a "mine is bigger argument," I will simply relate how I made the decision. I did extensive "test drives" of the available programs back in 1998, spending at least a month on each program. I found PSP to be more intuitive and easier to use than the others, less expensive, faster, and fully functional for working with masks, layers, selections, vector layers and objects, unsharp mask, etc.

I have stayed with PSP partly from habit and familiarity, and partly because it does everything I need to do. Periodically I revisit the decision and spend some time with PS. Also, I still use the pre-Corel PSP, though I do have the later versions. In find the newer versions much more complicated with little or no gain in functionality.

The main basis for my choice is this: the less time and attention I have to put on the tool and the more attention I can put on the work, the better. I don't want a tool that does things for me, I want a tool I can do things with. PSP is that tool for what I do.

Now, here are some of the possible "downsides." I use the camera manufacturer's software (Canon DPP) for handling raw files as an initial step and then convert to TIFFs before opening them in PSP, so I am not relying on PSP to handle raw files. I don't use filters and plug-ins for special effects, so I don't look to PSP for that.

Mike

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I use both Photoshop and Paintshop Pro Ultimate, as well as Corel's Photo-Paint. I use all three of them because my Clients use them, and I need to know how to help my Clients.

I think there really are only two significant differences between PS and PPU: (1) price, and (2) tutorials.

Since PS is the de factor industry standard, there are many more books, YouTube tutorials, etc., for PS than there are for PPU. Other than that, if you understand layers and masks, you'll be able to use both programs even with the proprietary idiosyncrasies of each program.

Bare Loc: SoCal

You can buy earlier Photoshop versions online for around $400. I have CS5, but found that I really need CS6 as it handles the latest versions of Canon's RAW files. If you're using an earlier Canon, or Nikons CS5 is fine. I do my Canon RAW files in Photomatix, then I can use the TIF or JPG files in Photoshop. I have absolutely no interest in getting into the new wave of leasing software.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Jan Kabili's course on Photoshop Elements 13:
http://www.lynda.com/Elements-tutorials/Photoshop-Elements-13-Essential-Training/174494-2.html

She has courses there for versions 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. She's been doing it awhile!

Jan Kabili's course on using Lightroom and Photoshop Elements together:
http://www.lynda.com/Elements-tutorials/Using-Lightroom-Photoshop-Elements-Together/156959-2.html

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

I have never used Photoshop because of the price. I have used Paintshop for many years and currently have X7. I have no problems using RAW files with it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PS is really overkill for me, but I own it, so I'll keep using it. If I had to replace it, I'd go with Paintshop. Although there is more PS instruction available, there is plenty out there for someone to learn Paintshop.

tropics68 Loc: Georgia

Paintshop Pro sounds like something I would like to try. Since I will never own Photoshop unless it drops to under $100 (not likely in my lifetime) this thread has whetted my appetite with all the positive PSP reviews. Can someone tell me exactly what is different between PSP and PSPU? Is the main program the same in both, with Ultimate having a few extra goodies, or are the two different other than the goodies? In other words, is Ultimate worth $10 more.

Thanks

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

There is not enough space to list all the reasons why to used PS, Just note 65% of all professional photographers do their work in PS and exclusively in PS. If you have an issue or a question, you are likely to find a answer or a solution. There are so many online support tutorials and blogs. You're not going to find that with Printshop. I have seen many digital processing programs come and go. If you convert to printshop, there is more risk. Small companies come and go. If that happens, you are now lost.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

$400 is still too much.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

Yes, Ultimate is worth the extra $10. It offers features not in the regular version. Go to the Corel Website and look at a comparison chart they have. You can decide for yourself.

Shoot Happens

Thank you everyone who has responded. I see there are clearly two camps regarding this issue.
Could I use PSP with Lightroom as a cataloguing program? Since LR and PS do not actually alter the original file, how do I keep the changes to the images I have taken in the last 5 years or so? I find it frustrating being a 'technodope' and not fully understanding the ramifications if I move away from LR.