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Hi everyone
i am looking for a decent free photo editing program, i am new to photography so while i learn i'd like to use something free beofore i buy, also is photoshop the best to use?
thanks
You can go to the Adobe/Corel websites and download the latest versions of their products on a 1 month trial version - there are plenty of Adobe tutorials on here to help you.
Gimp is totally free and used by a number of people on here, and I think they've added a few tutorials on here for it as well.
Personally I prefer Adobe Elements as it's the one I'm familiar with.
Simon
I think it is a question of getting what you pay for.
Very simple editing can be done with Picasa the free download from Google.
For about £40 you can get PhotoPlus X3 Digital Studio which I know many swear by followed by Adobe Elements £50/£60, but have a look HERE for some more suggestions
Nowadays I use Photoshop CS2 but it's not easy by any stretch of the imagination. GIMP is probably the most like it so far as the freebies go but it's a long way behind in terms of performance. I learned the basics using Picasa and FastStone, both free and both quite capable if you're just starting up. Most of the freebies Mike's linked to will do a pretty good job as well.
If you want something more powerful, however, I'd suggest Serif PhotoPlus X3 as Mike said. Many people say it's about the equivalent to Elements (which I've never used so I don't actually know). You can get it from Amazon (I'd avoid Fleabay) quite cheaply, or alternatively if you ring Serif directly and express an interest, they'll sell you a huge bundle of software for silly money.
Each time they offer you something, tell the person you'd like it but it's too dear. They'll go quiet for a moment while they "speak to their supervisor" (yeah, right) and come back with a better offer.
I bought PhotoPlus X3, DrawPlus X3, ImpactPlus X3, PagePlus X3, resource discs, manuals and three books of colour charts for less than £30.00!
A friend who tried it bought PhotoPlus X3 on it's own for about £10.00.
You'll need to be a bit cheeky and have some resolve. Don't give in too quickly; I think my friend did, she could have held out for more!
PhotoPlus X3 will do all you need for some time to come. There are loads of tutorials on here and don't be put off if they're written for another programme. The theory's just about the same whichever you use, it's just the names and locations of some of the tools that will be different.
My advice would be to look around before you buy anything and avoid the expensive ones, at least for the time being.
Learning how to use the software is more important than which software you use.
You can do an awful lot without spending too much, if any, money.
Hope this helps.
Jester.
https://www.photoshop.com/ is probably the best one to start with, its a free online, and presumably cut down or older version of Adobe's elements programme.
Free doesn't have to equal bad ... GIMP is absolutely great and with all the multiplicity of plugins far outweighs Elements for versatility.
It is designed to be 'like' photoshop so if you are used to photoshop moving over is easy or vice versa (although why you would I don't know).
It comes highly recommended from me.
GIMP DOWNLOADS
I think getting picasa 3 which is owned by Google would be a good idea. It's a free download, and it's the best organiser I can find. I've used all of the Elements programs from 1 to 7, and most of the CS programs, and I'm still using Elements 3 for editing, by choice.
Here's a link to the newest Picasa version 3.5, plus reviews. It is rated 5 out of 5.
Try it, it's the easiest basic program to start with.
I think it really comes down to what you want to do - if you're mainly wanting to basic adjustments (cropping, straightening, changing colour etc) then google picasa is a great place to start as people suggest - it's free, and not overly complicated.
If you then find you're wanting to do more complex stuff, such as making adjustments to specific areas of your photos, then i'd try gimp or photoshop elements (personally i'd go for gimp, since it's free and very powerful).
Tommy
Thanks for all the info. Ive downloaded adobe so gonna try this one out first. Im a total beginner at all this so its all hectic confusing at the moment. Im gonna need lots of help with all this!!!! I have a basic camera to start with. Its a fujifilm 8100 and am trying to set it up at the moment but not even sure what half of the functions mean but ill get there. All in fun 
Quote: not even sure what half of the functions mean but ill get there. All in fun
I like your attitude!
You'll get loads of help on here. All you need to do is ask; it's all too easy to get stumped by something that's a breeze to someone else, simply because they've learned how to do it already. Trust me, I've been there!
We were all in your position once; in fact we're all still learning.
The shots in your pf. aren't bad at all so you're off to a pretty good start.
As for editing/manipulation, as I've already said, there are plenty of tutorials on here so keep practicing. There's no substitute for experience!
Good luck!
Jester.
Question - What editing software can lighten shaded areas of image?
I have downloaded GIMP - but after a few hours I am not sure I want to invest the time required. I saw a post that said gimp didn't lighten shaded areas? or maybe just not easily?
I am considering Sagelight. It seems to have lots of functions and look easier to use.
Are there any other programs I should consider?
I have lots of pics and have only used programs like came with camera.
Thank you for any help
Cheryl in NC
You have a choice of tools you could use.
First off you have the simple brightness and contrast, but that affects all the image.
Levels could be good if you move the mid point left you can alter the shadows.
Probably the best is curves, where you can pin down the mid and higher levels and lighten just the shadow tones.
You will find them in the Tools
Colour tools menu of the image.
Try looking in the Techniques section and you will see tutorials on how to use the GIMP.
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