An advice on a simple photo editor for a not-very-experienced photographer (Page 4): A variety of editors and a variety of prices. A major prob with most editors is a lack of...

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

A variety of editors and a variety of prices. A major prob with most editors is a lack of comprehensive user instructions. Yes - there's the tube etc. but it's not everyone whose into social media, including me.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

To crop, adjust exposure, color, and sharpness, you can edit for free. You can also pay, of course.

Processing Easy -
https://skylum.com/blog/best-photo-editing-software-for-beginners
https://wp-modula.com/best-photo-editing-software-beginners/
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-easy-use-photo-editing-programs-newbie-photographers/

Processing free -
https://www.darktable.org/
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59324818
https://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-edit-rawtherapee/
https://www.lightstalking.com/free-photography-software/
http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-photo-editor
http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/

Others -
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-lightroom-alternatives
http://digital-photography-school.com/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-right-post-production-software/
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/photo-editing
https://www.reviews.com/photo-editing-software/
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-photo-editing-software,review-1972.html
http://www.redmondpie.com/best-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-for-windows-and-mac-list Affinity
http://www.shutterbug.com/content/affinity-photo-software-review-has-photoshop-met-its-match#d1c5lY5EQ03QoLjh.97
http://www.diyphotography.net/affinity-photo-can-give-adobe-run-money/
https://photographypro.com/photo-editing/

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

Chris63 wrote:

For years I have been using the simple editor my PCs came with.
Now it may be time to graduate to something more powerful.

With the multipicity of various softwares, what would be a good place to start?

I am looking for general sharpening, perhaps changing from color to sepia, B&W, etc.; changing the perspective in architecture, replacing skies, darkening, brightening, removing undesirable objects, changing contrast, etc.

Thanks

I have a question.
You say that you are using a simple photo editor that came with Windows.
Is it the one where you simply double click on the file name and select an edit from there?
Mine used to have a clarity selection I could adjust.
Lately I found that feature missing.
It still had all the other adjustments but clarity is now missing from the tools.
Have you found that to be true?

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Chris63 wrote:

For years I have been using the simple editor my PCs came with.
Now it may be time to graduate to something more powerful.

With the multipicity of various softwares, what would be a good place to start?

I am looking for general sharpening, perhaps changing from color to sepia, B&W, etc.; changing the perspective in architecture, replacing skies, darkening, brightening, removing undesirable objects, changing contrast, etc.

Thanks

Based on your stated needs, it looks like you want to transition to something a bit more capable, but perhaps not to the level of Photoshop, Lightroom, etc. The one editing program not mentioned, but one that is pretty capable and will do all the things you list, is Snapseed. It’s free and it’s pretty easy to use. Their website includes a decent basic tutorial, too. Snapseed will edit both JPEG and RAW images, as well. It’s not a program a professional would likely choose to use, but then it all depends on how deep you want to go and what you want to use your photos for.

bittermelon

The manufacturer of your camera may provide a free editor. I know Cannon does.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Delderby wrote:

Would be grateful if you could advise which one for Leica

You got me. Leica doesn't bother to provide a RAW converter.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Chris63 wrote:

For years I have been using the simple editor my PCs came with.
Now it may be time to graduate to something more powerful.

With the multipicity of various softwares, what would be a good place to start?

I am looking for general sharpening, perhaps changing from color to sepia, B&W, etc.; changing the perspective in architecture, replacing skies, darkening, brightening, removing undesirable objects, changing contrast, etc.

Thanks

You might try a trial of ON1. I don't like the subscription model of lightroom, so I purchased ON 1 Raw 2024, with brilliance AI. There is a learning curve with anything but there are many Youtube videos.

Bill_de Loc: US

jerryc41 wrote:

To crop, adjust exposure, color, and sharpness, yo... (show quote)

Which one works best for you?

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chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

47greyfox wrote:

For a novice recruit? I can’t think of a better way to frustrate and turn her/him against post processing.

...I started with LR when it came out. Had my 1st DSLR for maybe a year. Since then I've tried most of the independent offerings (and actually use ON! to give me options for IR work). Don't be intimidated, jeeze it's just software...learn it!

dgilliam

I second (or third or fourth) what Linda from Maine (Yakima) suggests.
Try Photoshop Elements.
(All of the other tools are capable but, Photoshop is considered THE standard).

frangeo Loc: Texas

Chris63 wrote:

For years I have been using the simple editor my PCs came with.
Now it may be time to graduate to something more powerful.

With the multipicity of various softwares, what would be a good place to start?

I am looking for general sharpening, perhaps changing from color to sepia, B&W, etc.; changing the perspective in architecture, replacing skies, darkening, brightening, removing undesirable objects, changing contrast, etc.

Thanks

ACDSee. Easy program to use. Will do all that you want to do.

kenArchi Loc: Seal Beach, CA

I use PSE professionally, architectural, interiors, commercial, 15 years.
I shoot raw, convert to tiff for editing, save final in tiff and save in jpeg large file.

I am still learning how much more you can do in PSE.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Linda From Maine wrote:

Photoshop Elements has a 30-day free trial:
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/free-trial.html

Of particular interest may be the three separate layouts and sets of tools:
Quick, Guided, Advanced