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10/26/2011 06:38:59 AM · #1 |
Woe is me...
I've been looking at my photos lately and wondering how to "take them to the next level". Not looking for greatness or ribbons or such... Just the next level.
I think I've identified an area where I could stand to improve by orders of magnitude... Post processing.
It could be the software I use. I often use Paint.NET or Gimp if I'm on my laptop in a hotel someplace (more often than not). I'm looking at getting Photoshop Elements, but can't justify a copy for my desktop and both laptops (sometimes I need to travel with different laptops). So my first question is "Is it possible to do decent post processing with free (or cheap) editing software?"
It could also be simple incompatence... So my second question is "Are there any good tutorials out there that you would recommend?"
and my third question is simple... "Can you suggest anything else to help me "Level Up"?
Thanks all
Mike |
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10/26/2011 07:33:32 AM · #2 |
So far as instruction goes, there are tons of posts about various techniques on the DPC forums, Tutorials, and How'd They Do that. I would suggest searching them heavily first. Go to www.google.com and use the search query "site:www.dpchallenge.com" (minus quotes) with whatever sort of technique you want. If you can't find it, ask.
Beyond that, Youtube is a huge resource. Most of the things you can do with PS you can do with GIMP, albeit it perhaps in a bit more complicated manner at times.
You can buy books as well, but so much of the info on processing is available online that it's questionable how good a use of money that is (IMO).
One thing, that is sorta outside the nuts and bolts of processing though, is considering the processing you will use with the shot before it is taken and before you get to your computer. Getting things right in camera and knowing where you will take it will help you in so many ways. Not only does it help you hone a style, but it also makes your time in PS easier and lighter. Think about the scene before you. |
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10/26/2011 09:31:16 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by myqyl:
So my first question is "Is it possible to do decent post processing with free (or cheap) editing software?" |
Yes. Gimp is very capable, but any editing application takes time to learn. Tutorials are easier to come by for the adobe products, but there should be plenty out there for Gimp.
I can suggest an affordable alternative, and it's what I use. Get an earlier version of Corel PaintShop Pro. The current version (X4) sells for close to what Elements goes for, but slightly older versions can be had for a song at Purplus software.
PSP v11, $.5.95 PSP v12, $18.95
Very similar to Photoshop, and actually has some features that Elements is lacking. Compatible with most Photoshop plugins. I normally use X2, but use X1 on my netbook because it requires less system resources.  Karennfld is still using PaintShop Pro v7 and it doesn't keep her from kicking butt on a weekly basis.
Message edited by author 2011-10-26 09:36:01.
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10/26/2011 09:35:42 AM · #4 |
| I personally love my photoshop elements 8 (time to upgrade) it wasn't really expensive and for me it has the power to do what I need...It also gave me the learning ground that I needed...I am totally intimidated with CS/? It's not an expensive program I think currently $79...I have it on two of my computers...ck with the licensing if you need more |
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10/26/2011 09:38:45 AM · #5 |
I have Elements 6 installed on my wife's computer. Unless the licensing has changed since then, you are allowed to have it installed on a secondary computer. It does activate online, so once you hit that limit it will probably not allow a third installation.
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10/26/2011 09:41:39 AM · #6 |
I use an older copy of photoshop elements, don't go older than version 6 though or you won't be able to use layers. I have version 7 that I was able to get for $35 a couple years ago. I bet you can get it even cheaper now.
As far as tutorials I just usually look up whatever I need to do and usually can find a tutorial that helps me. Here are a few things you should try and learn:
How to use curves and levels
How to use layers
How to dodge and burn
How to make selections
As far as leveling up, I would recommend participating in as many challenges as you can, think of it as photography school assignments your grade is your score). Find some people to give you honest feedback on your entries, most of the time they will give you helpful editing tips as well. I had a limited understanding of many of the tools on Photoshop before I started here, I have picked up bits and pieces from several members here, and once I started to figure out how one or two tools worked it was pretty easy to figure out the rest. |
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