I've been using PSP as my go to since it was first put out, updating it every two or three versions depending on what's new. It's definitely worth taking the time to investigate and learn all the basics because unlike other software, those things pretty much stay the same rather than making changes with new versions. When new things come out, it makes the learning curve much easier. There are also a ton of simple tutorials available where even the old ones are still applicable because of its consistency. There's no doubt that Photoshop is King, but there is so much that the average person will never need or use and PSP can duplicate many of them.

I have the SX60 as a bridge camera for ease of carrying. I've found that low light conditions produce a lot of noise but it could be that I need to pay more attention to its settings. The thing I love about it is the telephoto lens. It has enabled getting shots that would require changing lenses on my DSLR.

I'd be happy with this degree of sharpness... The only time I'd take it to beyond 100 percent is in the editing process to see what effects sharpening might be doing. The average resolution of today's cameras is well beyond what the screen will allow.

I use Flickr and 500 px primarily. I've looked into SmugMug. I enjoy feedback on the images I upload. Although SmugMug offers beautiful sites it doesn't seem to be traffic oriented unless the owner promotes it. Belonging to groups on Flickr generates feedback.. but too often it's "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" leading me to believe that that the responses are not always genuine. 500 px has a system that registers viewers and "likes", giving an indication of the standing of any photo uploaded. There is a continuous flow of "new" submissions and frequently there are responses in minutes...the problem here is that new submissions quickly overrun your upload and it can wind up being missed. There is also a limitation of how many images can be uploaded within a time period on free accounts.

If you own the bundle, you can go in and download the modules again. There have been upgrades to several of them.

Here's another way of using the da Vinci preset along with layers..the combination is endless.

I have Smart Photo...no comparison to what Impression can do

I'm hooked...you can have it as painterly as you like or choose a milder effect. Results vary from user to user...not the program..depends on the type of painting you like and your own vision.

Had the same problem...I'm using a PC...my security program was the culprit...I turned it off for the time it took to get the download. No problem with the installation.

Of course I know that joining the service is voluntary...I'm referring to the choice of being sent on this particular mission. To me, this is above and beyond the normal risks a military person expects to face...3000 troops on the ground...to do what?

I agree that assistance needs to be given to help combat the African Ebola outbreak however I do not think that sending 3000 American troops is a very wise decision unless voluntary. I think that it opens a door to bringing the disease to our shores. I'm aware that contagion is through bodily fluids and seemingly that cuts down the risk if they are far removed from local populations. However, all it would take is one local worker in their midst in an early yet undiagnosed stage to cause infection. Since we don't have the answers on this disease so overwhelming fatal, we don't need any exposure risks.

This is a very interesting image. Not sure just what you are looking to do since there is very little color to work with. The only thing I noticed are some random white spots that I'd clean up. The colors can be boosted with saturation but its a very delicate balance.

This is the postworked copy.....

(Download)

I am not using Photoshop...Corel's Paint Shop Pro is my base software along with On One's Suite 8 and all of the Topaz apps. It's my understanding that there is no right or wrong using the Histogram adjustments depending on the mood the photographer is trying to achieve. other than to adjust either an over or under exposure and my tendency is to think of it as a camera adjustment.

The original was taken on a misty day with poor visibility. The second image is comprised of the same photograph brought to its bright and dark limits. The three images were merged which brought out a pseudo HDR appearance. The sailboat, buildings and water colors were improved but the water also took on too many shadows and looked rough, the sky too dark and dreary. The sky and water's saturation were lightened. I feel a further action should have been taken on the sky, replacing it if not able to bring it inline. I don't usually work with a histogram but I will next time. Thank you.