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08/28/2006 03:43:05 PM · #1 |
I am working on selling my photography. My personal preference is to not edit my images at all and to only use those that are of acceptable quality to begin with; however, I would like to be able to do some editing for increased sales, specifically background removal. I was wondering if someone could tell me the best software for doing this and other basic editing techniques. I am on a budget, so I can't afford anything like photoshop, I'd prefer the lowest price possible, but still get quality. I'm not only looking for a specific editor, but also a version. I am fine buying a previous version if it is easier to use or cheaper (but still does what I need). I would appreciate any help with my decision. Thanks.
Lawren |
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08/28/2006 03:44:12 PM · #2 |
| Look at Photoshop Elements |
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08/28/2006 03:49:02 PM · #3 |
The Gimp is free and pretty much just as good as photoshop, it certainly has what you're looking for.
-Dan |
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08/28/2006 03:49:11 PM · #4 |
The Gimp - //www.gimp.org/
Powerful and FREE. How much better can ya get? :-)
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08/28/2006 03:50:44 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
The Gimp - //www.gimp.org/
Powerful and FREE. How much better can ya get? :-) |
hehe... great minds think alike :) |
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08/28/2006 03:58:25 PM · #6 |
Does Gimp do RAW conversions?
Is there a comparison chart somewhere (that you guys know of) between Gimp and PS? |
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08/28/2006 04:04:44 PM · #7 |
I've heard that you can get old OEM discs of Photoshop 5-7 for dirt cheap on ebay, plus what others have said.
For a free raw converter, Raw Shooter Essentails is still available for now. |
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08/28/2006 04:06:06 PM · #8 |
| I LOVE GIMP!!!!!! It's so free and so good!! It does RAW!!! via UfRaw |
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08/28/2006 04:08:00 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by ursula:
Does Gimp do RAW conversions?
Is there a comparison chart somewhere (that you guys know of) between Gimp and PS? |
Just install gimp and then //ufraw.sourceforge.net/ and try it ;) |
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08/28/2006 04:09:55 PM · #10 |
| I never got on with the gimp. Both elements 4 and Paint Shop Pro X are around the same price mark, both will do raw conversion. Alternatively if you do find a free editor that doesn't do raw conversion, and for some reason you have a camera that takes RAW shots but didn't come with a convertor, then Microsoft have a free raw previwer and convertor, assuming you're running windows. |
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08/28/2006 04:13:24 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by mist:
Microsoft have a free raw previwer and convertor, assuming you're running windows. |
Right here :-)
It's good to have if you just want to browse your new photos too.
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08/28/2006 04:25:59 PM · #12 |
Wow, you guys respond so fast. Thanks for your help. I have installed gimp and am playing with it now, although it may take me a while to understand anything. As I said, I don't use editing software at all. Thanks to all you guys for your help!
Lawren |
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08/28/2006 04:27:52 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by Larennicle:
Wow, you guys respond so fast. Thanks for your help. I have installed gimp and am playing with it now, although it may take me a while to understand anything. As I said, I don't use editing software at all. Thanks to all you guys for your help!
Lawren |
Ther are some good tutorials on the Gimp site. Unfortunately DPC lacks Gimp specific tuts.
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08/28/2006 06:07:49 PM · #14 |
So, yeah, while I'm here...I've been looking at tutorials and stuff and have found some ways to take away a background, but I'm wondering if there's a faster way to do it. I have a friend who uses a different program and can take away a background without having to use masking and take away each individual pixel at a time. Not sure what program he has. If I have to buy a program to do it, that's fine (unless it's the $600 photoshop). I understand it needs work, I'm just wondering if I can do it in less than three hours?
Lawren
Message edited by author 2006-08-28 18:08:14. |
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08/28/2006 06:18:27 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Ther are some good tutorials on the Gimp site. Unfortunately DPC lacks Gimp specific tuts. |
Do I smell another fotomann tutorial in the works?
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08/28/2006 06:25:03 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by mist:
Microsoft have a free raw previwer and convertor, assuming you're running windows. |
Right here :-)
It's good to have if you just want to browse your new photos too. |
Supports Canon and Nikon RAW files only from what I just read. Should cover a large group of users, except those shooting Pentax, KM, etc... |
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08/28/2006 06:43:55 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Ther are some good tutorials on the Gimp site. Unfortunately DPC lacks Gimp specific tuts. |
Do I smell another fotomann tutorial in the works? |
Nah... I'm too closely tied to the Adobe beast to be able to write elegant tuts about the Gimp. I do use it on my laptop, but not for anything too serious, not that Gimp is incapable of serious work.
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08/28/2006 07:07:14 PM · #18 |
Microsoft Digital Image Pro There is a Demo available in the left column.
Best place to pick it up is at Costco + rebate and it is nearly nothing...
Standard is just the Photo Editor - All you need...
Suite adds library/archiving which is cool, + photostory (which you can download for free anyways.
Suite Plus adds pinnacle video editing software.
Very easy to use, you can stay simple or get crazy with layers and the likes...
Andy
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08/28/2006 08:00:33 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Larennicle:
So, yeah, while I'm here...I've been looking at tutorials and stuff and have found some ways to take away a background, but I'm wondering if there's a faster way to do it. I have a friend who uses a different program and can take away a background without having to use masking and take away each individual pixel at a time. Not sure what program he has. If I have to buy a program to do it, that's fine (unless it's the $600 photoshop). I understand it needs work, I'm just wondering if I can do it in less than three hours?
Lawren |
I don't think complex background removal can be done quickly. It is one of those areas where the hardware does not matter. Even if you have the fastest computer, it still depends on your skill. Photoshop comes in handy if you know what you are doing. I use Channel Masking when I need to remove backgrounds. It is difficult to learn but makes the job easy. |
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08/29/2006 03:39:58 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by ignite:
I use Channel Masking when I need to remove backgrounds. It is difficult to learn but makes the job easy. |
What editions of photoshop is that available in. I'm willing to work and learn. It's just not really worth my time to work and work at it and still not have a sellable product, which is what I think will happen if I sit there and erase the background pixel by pixel. I'm just really confused with all the different photo editors. I would love to be able to purchase a program and a book to explain how to do stuff. The problem is, I don't want to buy a program and then not be able to do what I want. I'm not even sure now, that I can take the background out with the subjects I use. Most of my pics are of zoo animals, they're pretty furry and I can rarely choose what's behind them.
Lawren
Message edited by author 2006-09-04 14:39:00. |
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