msmelanie Loc: land of wisconsin

So much to learn. I purchased a MAC, with the aperature program that is factory installed. I'd like to learn more about layers and do more than a simple adjusting of red eye with my basic program. What kind of post processing program do you all recomend for a beginner with a nice Nikon who likes to shoot RAW? (But I don't want to spend more than $150 for a program.)

notnoBuddha

The one that is used most often {yes, me too} in that price range is Photoshop Elements. Last I heard they are up to version 9 or 10 and very likely you can find older versions around for under $100. This program is the small sister of
the PhtoshopCS5 {full price around $700} that most pros use and contain the bulk of the options. Having said that you should know there are several others for one hundred or even free that others can tell you more about.

msmelanie Loc: land of wisconsin

Thanks for the input. I'll check it out.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

Love your avatar photo. looking forward to seeing more of your work. Not bad for a cheeshead :thumbup: :!: Why yes I am a steeler fan how did you know? :lol: You cant go wrong with photoshop elements. first it comes with a raw processor so you can work on your photos then import them into elements. second it comes with an organizer to keep track of your photos. Third if you decide to go to school for photography and then go pro, you are going to run smack in to photoshop.(try not to as it hurts :thumbup: ) if you master elements you are at least 75% of the way to mastering photoshop. In addition most photo magazines articles on photoediting give out instructions in photoshop/elements commands only. good luck.

SnapHappy Loc: SW Florida

Hi and welcome! I agree with the opinion about PElements but make sure you match the Elements version to your Mac. If it's a newer Mac (min. dual core) then you'll need a newer version of Elements. Older ones simply won't run on the newer Macs. Boy, don't I know! :cry:

msmelanie Loc: land of wisconsin

Thank you all, it seems Elements is the way to get started.