Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

Hi gang I recently turned pro. I believe I'm reasonably proficient at shooting. Iam not edit savvy at all I need to know if I can fix peoples: zits, wrinkles and pale skin tone, also toddlers perpetually runny noses and forehead scrapes that they almost always show up with........ with lightroom...
Currently I send my stuff to a pro editor because people expect to look better than they do in person. I am hesitant to buy photoshop because I've heard it's hard to use and meant for more graphic art based image creation. I just don't want to find out that I can't make these corrections

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

If you're turning "pro" I'd recommend going "pro" and investing in the full blown version of Adobe's Photoshop.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Lightroom is the gold standard for managing and performing 95% of the alterations most professional photographers need in one industry standard, widely supported and very powerful program.

To do detailed editing and manipulation of specific elements in your photos, and special effects, layering, and composites, PhotoShop is the gold standard. But it can be difficult to use and master given the variety of tasks you may encounter and its vast array of options and commands. But anything that is easier to use will have some limitations.

For touching up "zits, wrinkles and pale skin tone, also toddlers perpetually runny noses and forehead scrapes" I would use a combination of Lightroom, Photoshop and Portrait Professional 10 (www.portraitprofessional.com, which is also a well integrated plug-in for Lightroom) depending on the task or your objective.

From what you described, I'd give a quick look at Portrait Professional 10. Like Lightroom, they have a free trial that you may download.

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

thankyou

Iduno Loc: Near Tampa Florida

Don't give it another thought. Just buy it, especially at the prices they offer it at today. I seldom need to go elsewhere.

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

Before you chill out hundreds of $$$, I strongly suggest for you to explore GIMP 2.8

GIMP 2.8 Resources

I do strongly recommend GIMP 2.8
It has thousands of presets.
It is as powerful as Photoshop and it's absolutely FREE!

GIMP 2.8 Official website - After downloading, check out the right column for Documentation (Manual, Tutorials, Books), Plug-in Registry
http://www.gimp.org/

Before and After by Katherine Landreth
This eBook costs $12 including a 1 year subscription to her loaded website with articles, tutorials, tips, goodies and library.
http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/gimp-book/

Free eBook:
Grokking the GIMP
http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-5.html#1173485

GIMP USERS
http://www.gimpusers.com/news/00447-first-official-mac-build-gimp-2-8-2

Brushes
http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/62335977

Square Brushes Pack
http://pkgam.deviantart.com/art/FREE-Square-GIMP-Brush-Expansion-290725057
Plug-Ins: Under attachments:
(do not copy but after unzipping, double click on the executable.

http://registry.gimp.org/node/24520

Photo Editing Tutorials
http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/#Photo

Harbor Photo was supplied free by members of: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Photographer: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho from Lahti, Finland.

Wikimedia is a good site to find free work photos.

Nurse photo and child photo were supplied by Serif.com with one of their programs

GIMP Keyboard Shortcut (pdf)
http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/gimp-shortcuts-pdf

GIMP Tutorials
http://www.gimpusers.com/tutorials

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

GIMP Tutorials by Shakey and his GGS Kevin.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1165232
________________________________________

Chapter 1: Crop Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1165331

________________________________________

Chapter 2: Zoom Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1165682
________________________________________

Chapter 3: Eraser Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1165859
________________________________________

Chapter 4: Perspective Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1166285

Download: Two Castle Images to Work on it
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1166545
________________________________________

Chapter 5: Understanding Save Options
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#1168165
________________________________________

Chapter 6: How To Get Rid of Purple/Blue Fringing
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-2.html#1168719

Ep 6-a: Removing Purple/Blue with a Selection Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-2.html#1169048
________________________________________

Important Resources
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-3.html#1169911
________________________________________

Chapter 7: Clone Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-5.html#1172481

Chapter 7-a: Clone Tool in Use
Download: Image to work n it
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-5.html#1172567
________________________________________

Chapter 8: The Heal Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-5.html#1174255

Chapter 8-a: Heal Tool: Practice photos
Download: Girl Bath and Baby to Heal
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-5.html#1174300
________________________________________

Chapter 9: The Fuzzy Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1175685

Chapter 9-a: The Fuzzy Tool in Practice
Downloads: Towers for Fuzzy Tool - Sky for Fuzzy Tool Work
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1176153
________________________________________

Chapter 10: Select By Color Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1176960

Chapter 10-a: Select by Color Tool (continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1177258

Chapter 10-b: Select by Color Tool – Download Photo
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1177543
________________________________________

Note: To save work as JPEG
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1178284

File Menu
Click 'Export'
Write name of file and format (picture.jpg) in the top (Name) slot.
Click Export button.
Select degree of quality. Click Export button
________________________________________

Chapter 11: The Quick Mask
Download: Cat to work with it
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-6.html#1180172

Chapter 11-a: The Quick Mask (continued.)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-7.html#1180374

Chapter 11-b: The Quick Mask (continued.)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-7.html#1180398
________________________________________

Q&A:
Q: can you tell us where this "content aware" / resynthisiser feature is hiding in GIMP? Not being 'negative' but can you or your 11 year old tutor tell us if it actually is in GIMP or has to be downloaded seperately from yet another site and then installed?
A: Yes, this is a free plugin for GIMP. It is updated regularly. The resynthesize plugin for Gimp 2.8.2 has not yet been announced. We are all waiting and hope to see it soon. The previous version was 2.6 which works in 2.8 after a fashion (not good). I'll keep the forum posted when the update becomes available.
In the mean time, try the heal tool or the Clone tool. Manual operation but excellent tools.

Chapter 12: The Scissors Select Tool
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-7.html#1185069

Chapter 12-a: The Scissors Selection Tool (continued)
Download: Fish photo to work with
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-7.html#1185087
________________________________________

Chapter 13: Blend Tool (aka Gradient Tool)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-8.html#1188372
________________________________________

Chapter 14: The Rotate Tool: To Level the Horizon
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-8.html#1189921
________________________________________

Chapter 15: What is Noise and How to Eliminate it with GIMP
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-8.html#1192596
________________________________________

Download Practice Image: Remove hair from girl’s face
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-8.html#1193395

After Image, hair removed
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1193813
________________________________________

Chapter 16: How to Install Plugins and Scripts
Download Image: Sequence to Install Plugins in Gimp
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1199566

Chapter 16-a: How to Install Plugins and Scripts (Continued…)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1199601

Chapter 16-b: How To Make GIMP Work With Photoshop Plugins
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1201936

Chapter 16-c: Photoshop Plugin Settings (continued):
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1201950

Chapter 16-d: Recommended Plugins for GIMP
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1203996
________________________________________

Chapter 17: How To Make Your Photos 'Pop' with GIMP
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1208254

Chapter 17-a: Make your Photos 'Pop' (continued)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1208270

Chapter 17-b: Make your Photos 'Pop' (continued)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1208282

Chapter 17-c: Make your Photos 'Pop' (continued)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-9.html#1208297

Chapter 17-d: Make your Photos 'Pop' (continued)
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-10.html#1208309

Chapter 17-e: Make your Photos 'Pop' (end)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-10.html#1208331
________________________________________

Practice image to use the Heal Tool (opacity 30)
Objective: Remove shine from front head, chin and nose
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-10.html#1211811
________________________________________

Out of Order:
Chapter 18-h: Images to work with
Download Images: Background,Tower, Eagle
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-12.html#1216151

Chapter 18: Let's Get Started with Layers:
2 Download Screen Images
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1215993

Chapter 18-a: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1216010

Chapter 18-b: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1216032

Chapter 18-c: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1216047

Chapter 18-d: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1216065

Chapter 18-e: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-11.html#1216090

Chapter 18-f: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
Download Image
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-12.html#1216108

Chapter 18-g: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued):
2 Download Images
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-12.html#1216114

Chapter 18-h: Images to work with
Download Images: Background,Tower, Eagle
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-12.html#1216151

Chapter 18-i: Let's Get Started with Layers (continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-12.html#1216479
________________________________________

Chapter 19: Layers 2: Brushes and Other Magic Stuff.
Download: Clouds and Scissors Tool Setup
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1225857

Chapter 19-a: Layers 2: Brushes and Other Magic Stuff (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1225894
________________________________________

Chapter 20: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228696
Chapter 20-a: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228710

Chapter 20-b: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228719

Chapter 20-c: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228737

Chapter 20-d: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228751

Chapter 20-e: Out of Bound Tiger Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-13.html#1228763
________________________________________

Chapter 21: Out of Bound 2
Download Work Photo
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236372

Chapter 21-a: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Work on her Eyes
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236387

Chapter 21-b: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Work on her Eyes 2
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236393

Chapter 21-c: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Little Girl Work Photo 3
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236404

Chapter 21-d: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Little Girl Work Photo 4
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236410

Chapter 21-e: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Little Girl Work Photo 5
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236421

Chapter 21-f: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Little Girl Work Photo 6
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236433

Chapter 21-g: Out of Bound 2 (Continued)
Download Little Girl Work Photo 7
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-14.html#1236439
________________________________________

Chapter 22: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus
Download Work Photo
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243531

Chapter 22-a: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus (Continued)
Download Screen Image 1
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243540

Chapter 22-b: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus (Continued)
Download Screen Image 2
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243548

Chapter 22-c: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus (Continued)
Download Screen Image 3
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243555

Chapter 22-d: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus (Continued)
Download Screen Image 4
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243564

Chapter 22-e: Under Exposed Rescue Using Layers Plus (Continued)
Download Screen Image 5
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1243571
________________________________________

Chapter 23: Quick Under Exposed Rescue
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-16.html#1244900
________________________________________

Chapter 24: Layers Command: 'Merge Visible Layers'.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-17.html#1246375

Chapter 24-a: Layers Command: 'Merge Down'.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-17.html#1246405
________________________________________

Chapter 25: Over Exposed Photo Rescue Using Layers Plus
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-17.html#1251102

Chapter 25-a: Over Exposed Photo Rescue Using Layers Plus
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-17.html#1251112

Chapter 25-b: Over Exposed Photo Rescue Using Layers Plus
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-17.html#1251119

Chapter 25-c: Over Exposed Photo Rescue Using Layers Plus
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-18.html#1251126

Chapter 25-d: Over Exposed Photo Rescue Using Layers Plus
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-18.html#1251136
________________________________________

Chapter 26: Quick Over Exposed Photo Rescue
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-18.html#1253911
________________________________________

Chapter 27: Fill-Flash Effect Using Layers for Best Result.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1257251
________________________________________

Chapter 28: Fill Flash Effect
Download Work Photo
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1254915

Chapter 28-a: Fill Flash Effect (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1254927

Chapter 28-b: Fill Flash Effect (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1254946

Chapter 28-c: Fill Flash Effect (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1254956

Chapter 28-d: Fill Flash Effect (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-19.html#1254964
________________________________________

Chapter 29: Fake HDR Plugin Tutorial
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-20.html#1263105

Chapter 29-a: Fake HDR Plugin Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-20.html#1263124

Chapter 29-b: Fake HDR Plugin Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-20.html#1263142

Chapter 29-c: Fake HDR Plugin Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-20.html#1263158
________________________________________

Chapter 30: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1276786

Chapter 30-a: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1276833

Chapter 30-b: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1276881

Chapter 30-c: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1276955

Chapter 30-d: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1277024

Chapter 30-e: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1277066

Chapter 30-f: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1278359

Chapter 30-g: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1278545

Chapter 30-h: The GIMP 'Curves Dialog' Tutorial (Continued).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1278558
________________________________________

Chapter 31: Curves Dialog - Color Channels Tutorial.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-21.html#1281685
Chapter 31-a: Curves Dialog - Color Channels Tutorial (Cont…).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1281697

Chapter 31-b: Curves Dialog - Color Channels Tutorial (Cont…).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1281727

Chapter 31-c: Curves Dialog - Color Channels Tutorial (Cont…).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1281796

Chapter 31-d: Curves Dialog - Color Channels Tutorial (Cont…).
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1281844
________________________________________

Chapter 32: Replace Sky
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1288533

Chapter 32-a: Replace Sky
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1288574

Chapter 32-b: Replace Sky
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1288590
________________________________________

Chapter 33: Blend Two Photographs To Make One Image Tutorial
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1293825

Chapter 33-a: Blend Two Photographs To Make One Image Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1293838

Chapter 33-b: Blend Two Photographs To Make One Image Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1293846

Chapter 33-c: Blend Two Photographs To Make One Image Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-22.html#1293855

Chapter 33-d: Blend Two Photographs To Make One Image Tutorial (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-23.html#1293867

Chapter 34: Practice - Blend Tools Tutorial
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-23.html#1301473

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-23.html#1301508

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-23.html#1301522
________________________________________

Chapter 35: Blend Three Photos With Oval Feathering
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1308405

Chapter 35-a: Blend Three Photos With Oval Feathering
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1308421

Chapter 35-b: Blend Three Photos With Oval Feathering
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1308432

Chapter 35-c: Blend Three Photos With Oval Feathering
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1308448

Chapter 35-d: Blend Three Photos With Oval Feathering
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1308464
________________________________________

Chapter 36: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1337842

Chapter 36-a: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-24.html#1337862

Chapter 36-b: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337872

Chapter 36-c: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337905

Chapter 36-d: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337915
 
Chapter 36-e: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337926

Chapter 36-f: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337933

Chapter 36-g: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337944

Chapter 36-h: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337950

Chapter 36-i: How to Transform Pitiful Portraits (Continued)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-25.html#1337956
________________________________________

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

I whole heartedly concur.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi loudbri,

In addition to the great answers you've already gotten you might consider Photoshop Elements (10 or 11). I have and use PS CS5 but bought PSE 9 (a couple years ago) so I could teach a PS class to a group of semi-pro photographers AND to my daughter-in-law. I like it so much that I often use it instead of CS5; it's a great photography tool. CS5 does everything plus a bunch of other stuff I don't use but a graphic/advertising designer might use while PSE fits most of my needs. NOTE: I am not a pro photographer; I'm an outdoor writer who uses photography to support/augment the written word in magazine article or books. Anyway, PSE is well worth looking at and I just got PSE 11 for $49.00. Take care & ...

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Photoshop Elements will do all the editing you will ever need and is much easier to learn then full-blown Photoshop. Lightroom is probably the best program for organizing and processing large numbers of photos but you will still need an editing program to do retouching such as you describe. My recommendation is go with Lightroom for organization and Elements as your editor. If you can only afford one then go with Elements first then add Lightroom when you can afford it. Elements Organizer will handle all your organizational needs until you are ready for Lightroom. You can convert your Elements catalog into Lightroom with a few mouse clicks.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

This is good advice. However, I would start with Lightroom.
The newer versions (4.2) offer so many sophisticated image editing capabilities that Elements or Photoshop will be used infrequently while Lightroom will be used daily. Also, Elements (and PhotoShop) are used as plug-ins from within Lightroom for a seamless workflow integration.

In addition, try Portait Professional 10's free trial to see what it offers.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I use lightroom for 95% of my editing. I will use CS6 for content aware,but I just found a plug in for lightroom that will do the same thing. I guess what I'm saying is buy lightroom and install the free plugins you can find on the internet.

Here is a link for free plugins for lightroom.

Pappy

http://lightroomkillertips.com/2011/video-installing-and-organizing-presets/

bgtmd Loc: San Angelo, TX

Yes

jdventer Loc: Wallingford, CT, USA

I also agree, but start with Photoshop Elenents instead of the full version of Photoshop if you have not done any editing.

CanonFire Loc: Phoenixville, PA

Definately Lightroom 4. You might also want to check out the SLR Lounge Lightroom Preset System. Along with some great PP filters, it has a good selection of easy to use Adjustment Brushes for cleaning up portraits.