Photoshop Elements yay or ney?

[Chill Winston]

Hello chaps and chapettes,

Until now I have just taken my photos straight from my camera and been happy with them save for the odd occasion where I've used the functions on my camera to touch them up a little. I've been thinking for a while about editing them more so I can improve them further and get rid of stray reflections etc as I do the majority of my photo taking at night.

(FFWD to the bold bit down the page if you don't want to read why I'm now going to buy photo editing software.)

The straw that has broken the camel's back, however, is now I need to put my own unremovable stamp/watermark on them as a couple of nights ago I went out around town and did some night photography and light painting with a friend of mine.
In the morning my mate asked me if I could drop my memory card round so he'd have the full set, I said yeah no problem and came round thinking no more of it. FWD to today and he's put all of my photos on Facebook and taken all the credit for them. I'm not a pro or anything but I have a serious problem with this as they're receiving quite a lot of praise from other photo types. I wouldn't be so fked off if he'd credited me as the snapper but he's lapping the applause up.
I want to make sure the next time I send anyone some photos "so they can complete the set" my name is watermarked into them.

So, long story short, how easy is it to get to grips with Photoshop/ is it worth the money?

Sorry for the long windedness and what is probably a petty rant but I don't see why someone else (who styles himself as an artist and photographer) should get the credit for what I did. Especially as his camera rarely makes it past the auto modes and I've taken the time to learn how to use all of my camera.

[Simpo Two]

Have you asked your (ex)mate to take the photos down? is there any money involved?

'Watermark' seems to mean two things http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

One is a visible caption - but this either spoils the image by being plastered across the middle, or if it's at the edges can be cropped or cloned out by the dishonest.

The other 'proper' version is electronically incorporated as per the link.



I think the main answer is to be older and wiser next time


NB That's Napoleon isn't it?

[Ireland]

I response to your other question it's not easy for a total beginner but it is possible to use it with a small bit of help.

There are loads of instruction videos on YouTube on various aspects of it.

I'm learning by trial and error and I'm also picking up tips from YouTube and various forums like here.

Also I joined my local camera club and several of the members there have helped me a lot over the last few months so this may be worth looking into for you too.

[Chill Winston]

There's no money involved, but as I'm seeing the person in question tomorrow they're going to have no option but to either take the photos down or tell all his new admirers who actually took the photographs. I'll have a look into Digimarc, thank you for bringing that to my attention

Like you say, next time I will be older and wiser, although you don't really expect to be ripped off by someone you've known since primary school. It's one for the experience book I suppose.

As for learning to use Photoshop if there are YouTube videos about I'm sure I'll pick it up quuickly enough.

Thanks for the responses

P.S Napoleon?

Edit: I clicked when I remembered what my picture is. I liked the GSXR better than the white horse

Edited by Chill Winston on Sunday 24th April 23:21

[xrrr]

If you just want watermarking then Lightroom might be an option.

It won't help if you just give out your memory card though! You seriously ought to have words and get him to credit you or take the pics down if he is passing them off as his own.

[Chill Winston]

Normally I wouldn't think anything of it - I've let him borrow the card I was using in the camera loads of times (He's probably got a good 400 of my pics from Goodwood last year.) but for whatever reason this time round he's gone and ripped his mate off so now there will be no borrowing of anything or photo trips with said person. Like Ireland suggested I'm going to have a look at camera clubs local to me.
Lightroom might be more suitable, After researching Digimark I think as I'm no pro paying out for a year's worth of Digimark might be a step too far.

Either way the photos are coming down or the rightful owner is getting a mention.

[JABB]

If it is just a watermark wanted, there are a few good free editors available to do such a task, and in batch form if needed.