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Photoshop is an amazing piece of software, but it's so complex that it's spawned a whole *industry* in books & tutorials - seaching on Amazon finds 958 books !
It's also really expensive, so people either spend enough for a good lens or two on a legal version or use a hooky one.
I also resent the way that all the magazines seem to be sponsored by CS... they all have articles with tips on editing but assume everyone uses photoshop.
So does anyone else use an alternative? Something simpler, that has 95% of all the features that most people use from CS for a much smaller price in pounds & memory?
(me, I use picture window pro. Doesnt do Raw, loses most of the EXIF data but is quick, powerful and 'lite' compared to CS.)
anyone else?
Am currently trying out gimp, which while it doesn's seem to have quite as much funtionality as Photoshop, but has the major advantage that it's free. Ok, so this trial might have been brought on by the fact that I have just got a mac and only want to use legit software on it- really can't justify the 600 for photoshop, but elements doesn't have masks or anything like that.
Sad thing is - if I don't gimp, there's a chance I'll start looking for a hooky copy of PS - if it were about 150 though would happily buy it. Either way Adobe don't get my business.
I have a number of photo editing applications: Photoshop Elements (version 2), Photo Impact XL, Paint Shop Pro 8 and a number of less well known and some free packages. I've tried them all but invariably use Paint Shop Pro 8 for the majority of the work I do; mainly because I like it and know it much better than the others. But they all have their pros and cons. I'm presently trying to become more familiar with Photoshop Elements and am impressed by many of its features. I would dearly love to own Photoshop CS but can't afford it. My advice would be go for Paint Shop Pro 9 - unless you are a professional, you'll find it has all you need. Haven't tried PSP 9 yet but I understand it's every bit as good, and more, than version 8. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I use Paint Shop Pro 8 and Paint Shop Photo Album and find them perfectly adequate for my needs,and they are a lot cheaper as well.
"I also resent the way that all the magazines seem to be sponsored by CS... they all have articles with tips on editing but assume everyone uses photoshop."
Yes, I agree. I am discontinuing my subscription to a magazine for this very reason.
I use MS Digital Image Suite 10, cost about 30 from Amazon. I also use The Gimp v2 (freeware). They may not do everything that Photoshop does but I can live with that. I'd rather spend the cash on something more important. You can even get the most important part of DIS 10 (Picture It v10) for 20 from Amazon.
Obvious alternative is Paint Shop Pro. I have version 7 which is pretty good. Might upgrade soon.
Also have PhotoShop Elements early copy loaded for occasional use, and recently had a look at The Gimp.
Gimp seems awkwardly different at first, but also seems to have come on a lot. Probably has most stuff you need.
Note, I believe its a new beta that I downloaded.
I use three bits of software. The first is a very old version of Photosuite. It has some useful features. The second, main one, that I use is Elements 2, and then I was given a copy of MS Digital Image suite, and that's useful for other stuff like easy frames etc. I'm not sure that I'd have the time to use PS to its full extent so it wouldn't be worth the cost.
958 books on photoshop
It has been said that to learn ALL its features would take around 7 years. The problem with books is that they are written by those with full knowledge and have no idea where to pitch the start. This is easily demonstrated by telling someone else outside your area of work just how and what you do.
Workshops are the answer but we only have so much time to spare and expense The fact is that you will never use all its features hence Elements is adequate
Just shows how complicated or at least heavy it is. Why it has got such a hold is down to all the magazines that say you should have it or else you are stupid. Most pros and amateurs use it because that was the one used at college or university. Crawley computers sell it for just under 100 that has been aired on here as to its legality. It apparently is but you just get the CD.
Paint Shop Pro 8 is excellent that I use and has features that photoshop doesnt. Paint Shop Pro 9 is said to be even better, of course.
There is Picture Window that I have tried on a 30 day trial and that is good for 50.
I would go for Paint Shop Pro9 that will suffice your needs, unless you intend to go into publishing as a pro with PS then claim it on expenses from the IR.
Paint Shop Pro9 has a very good album feature and a layout feature where you can print several images on one page at whatever size for each image. No contest.
Ken
Quote: Does anyone else *not* use photoshop?
*Cough* *splutter* LOL
Well of course there are other programs that I'm sure are cheaper and more than adequate for many photographers.
However, Photoshop is the original and the best! Its basic structure hasn't changed much in 10 years and I know some designers who still use version 3! While it can take a lifetime to master its not as complex as many would think. The complexity arises from the nature of the work rather than the program itself. As a designer I use it everyday for a 101 different reasons and mostly nothing to do with photography. If its only photography you wish to work with then go for one of the cheaper clones but try and ensure it has cmyk mode as well.
If I was only allowed one software program, Photoshop would be my choice and I say that without any hesitation 
have psp 9 did have 7 then 8, brill piece of kit love it, sis have ps but didnt get along with it matter of taste really, for me psp 9 has about as much as cs does - maybe 95% (i know there will be others who disagree) once you get used to the interface you will love it, only other thing i use as well is photoimpression 4, got it with an old camera and find that it does red eye easier(lazy bugger)
i too have stopped reading one the mags because they think that ps is the b all and end all oh well dont think they will miss my 5 lol
stuart
Think you miss the point Guys - Photoshop is the best for more reasons than you realise and for me to explain in detail. From what I understand PSP9 looks impressive but that's it!
If you are not from within the design/photography industry I suppose you have no way of telling so I can only repeat what 99% of all Graphic Designers who make a living from using such software will say, and that is something like, "You can drive your old banger and be contentish or you can drive an Aston Martin and arrive on time and in style!"
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