AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

I've been searching UHH for information on this software but most of the postings are 2 years old, meaning the software has a moved a couple of generations. I recently tried PortraitPro trial on a photo of my wife and it looked really good, skin was nice, not plasticky at all. I wonder what the other 2 programs are like. I am aware that I can accomplish similar, possibly better results with PS and LR, but man was this program FAST. I'm considering buying but I'll wait for the Hogs to weigh in: strengths/weaknesses of the programs, is one clearly better than others, etc.

These programs aren't terribly expensive by photography standards and if the Hogs aren't using them perhaps I'll jump in and then post some comparisons for you. Some advice: you'd rather comment than look at photos from me!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Those programs don't offer anything one can't accomplish in PS. Why spend money on them?
--Bob

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I use landscape pro as I think it's the easiest and quickest way to replace a sky. That's about all I use it for though.

AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

Bob, I KNEW I'd hear from you on this. Thank you.

The simple answer is time. I know I can do all of the adjustments myself in a few PS layers, 20 minutes, but the program popped up a nice result with two clicks along with sliders to dial back what I want, 8 seconds. I don't think making all of these adjustments myself in PS vs PortraitPro is less artistic.

Regards,
Anthony

AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

I've seen a lot of ways to replace skies. If that's the only use then I'll forgo the LandscapePro. PS has good content aware tools now that enable me to handle this type of job.

Thank you

Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

I have PortraitPro 12, which I'm sure is at least a couple of generations old and have really liked it as a subtle help for older complexions. As stated, it's quick, easy to use and makes no demands on my nearly non-existent skills in other editing programs. This is not work for sale (those days are over, thank God) but simply fun or record shots for family and friends.

I can only imagine that newer versions have been improved, though what I have is fine for what I do,

AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

I think they are up to v.17. I was quite impressed when the sample program produced nice retouching of a few random photos. I wonder if their other products will expedite my computer time...
Thank you for your input. Really appreciate your time.

Anthony

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

I have all three and like them. I do have the latest Portrait Pro and really like it. I do still use PSE, LR, and Photoshop but the more I use any of these programs and learn more using them I lean more to them. They are fast and easy to use and if you want something way out of norm for what ever reason you can use the sliders to make something different. I have found that it is easy to over do it with them if you get carried away so often I will take a short break and come back and look it over before saving it. The more you use them the faster and better the results you get. Would not consider doing a full body retouch with out using the Body Pro the final results are amazing. I do a nude every now and then and the response is usually that the woman says I haven't looked that good since college. I usually do these both with basic improvements and BodyPro, often they like both and want both. I don't do any thing professionally any more all my photography is just for me and friends these days.

AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

MCHUGH,
Thank you for your input. Bob suggested that paying for these programs is unnecessary but I think you've made the valid point that they help organize the retouching process so your final decisions are made on an overall image rather than the many steps you took to get there. It's easy, for me at least, to overdo it when I get involved with PS so I can see how walking away and then reviewing will help whether I use PortraitPro or not.
Regards,
Anthony