Photoshop- is it all that?
Discussion
Quick question from one who doesn't own or use Photoshop. Is it worth it? Let me quantify that a bit - I am not a professional but love to take pics. I only shoot in RAW and I am very happy with the Pentax RAW software. I also have a very old programme for converting image size, B&W and generally messing about. So I wonder if anybody would be able to post pics before and after photoshopping, advise on whether elements or Lightroom would be better and whether its worth it anyway. Computer runs XP and is 5 years old which may rule newest versions out anyway. Here's a bit of what I do without it. Thanks in advance.
ps After reading the recent thread 'are you guilty of these' I thought that many of those were Photoshop things. I think I would find the tool where you add a bit of colour to a B&W quite useful but dunno if its worth it just for that. Ta
ps After reading the recent thread 'are you guilty of these' I thought that many of those were Photoshop things. I think I would find the tool where you add a bit of colour to a B&W quite useful but dunno if its worth it just for that. Ta
The bottom line is that Photoshop is a tool, it can only do what you tell it.
It will not do amazing things for you without really knowing how to create it yourself (although content aware fill is pretty amazing if you do a lot of object removal).
If you do intend on learning and become a bit of a pro with photo manipulation etc then Photoshop is worth investing some time with.
Try downloading the trial and see if it suits you. You will only know by cracking on and using it, but dont expect fireworks and flashing light going off the first time you open a file in it.
It will not do amazing things for you without really knowing how to create it yourself (although content aware fill is pretty amazing if you do a lot of object removal).
If you do intend on learning and become a bit of a pro with photo manipulation etc then Photoshop is worth investing some time with.
Try downloading the trial and see if it suits you. You will only know by cracking on and using it, but dont expect fireworks and flashing light going off the first time you open a file in it.
Photoshop Elements will probably do all you need for basic processing, though you can do some quite advanced work when you get used to it. You can pick up the older versions for a song on Amazon. Elements 6 and on will do RAW, though you may need the .dng converter depending on your camera, but that's a free download from Adobe.
There are loads of tutorials on the web, and place like, um, here to ask questions. Some good books as well. I like the Scott Kelby ones as they take you through step by step without getting too geeky.
The free trial is a great idea to get a taste.
There are loads of tutorials on the web, and place like, um, here to ask questions. Some good books as well. I like the Scott Kelby ones as they take you through step by step without getting too geeky.
The free trial is a great idea to get a taste.
Edited by mythos on Thursday 14th April 07:34
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