Troubleshooting Photos –

About Photo-Editing Programs

Snapshot: In photo-editing programs, there are lots of really good options. Here are some thoughts on how to choose one that will suit what you want to do, what you want to pay and that you'll enjoy using. Similar suggestions about cameras and accessories can be found on the cameras and equipment page.

In Troubleshooting Photos, there are frequent references to Adobe's Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Do not assume that these are the only photo-editing programs out there or that they are necessarily the best for you (and don't assume that, because it's a program for experts, that possession of Photoshop will automatically make you an expert – there are lots of ham-fisted blowhards who think that possession of the latest version automatically makes them hot-shots, forgetting that the hand that holds the tool is more important than the name on the tool). Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are the best known names in photo-editing, in part because they are good but also because they've been around long enough to define the field (to the point where you can say you've Photoshopped a picture and everyone knows what you mean).

If you've got Photoshop, you may want to stick with it – unless you've found it simply too complicated (earlier versions of Photoshop were focussed on graphic arts professionals, not photographers, and its vast feature set still reflects this origin). On the other hand, if you're working with a program that was included with your camera or computer and you'd like to move up, you have a number of alternatives. It's worth bearing in mind that while the 'other' photo-editing programs may lack stunning features like the healing brush found in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, the better 'others' have all the core features necessary for image manipulation, they often have valuable features of their own and are always significantly less expensive (PC-based Paint Shop Pro Photo, used by many professional photographers, is one-tenth the price of Photoshop, yet has many sterling features and really first-class help files) while still including features like the ability to edit in color spaces other than RGB, a curves dialog for more precise control of color balance – or simply really good autofix controls, as are found on Apple's iPhoto.

It's not the intent of this site to review software, a task that is problematic at the best of times. Nor do we recommend software. The programs we mention frequently, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro Photo, are all really good, but that doesn't mean they're the best for you. Nor do we suggest that this listing is comprehensive; the list below includes choices for beginners, intermediates and experts, with an emphasis on beginner programs that offer a growth path. If you are interested in a new editing program, the best idea is to check the sites below. Narrow the options down to a shortlist (a very short list – imaging software tends to impose a serious learning load at the front end), download their trial versions and walk them through a set of the tasks that you normally apply to your photos, then buy.

Speaking of buying – you may see ads or receive spam for software at amazing bargain prices (with lots of !!! to help make the point). The usual rule of thumb applies – if the price is too good to be true, it isn't. What you'd get, if you get anything at all, would be pirated software with no tech support and no upgrade path. If that doesn't put you off, consider that pirated software is a major vehicle for computer viruses (which may defeat any protection you have, because you're giving the software permission to install). And you're giving your credit card info to crooks – an extreme case of buyer beware. There are deals out there, but make sure you're buying from a company with some history and credibility.

Since the Web is a fluid medium and changes frequently, these links normally take you to the first page of the company site.

 

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