And now for my first photo editing question

[kaffinito]

Hi guys,

I have a question regarding photo editing. So far I only know how to use Picassa 3, but some recent photos on here have caught my eye, and I think I'm ready to learn how to use some advanced software so that in time I can get some of those cool effects I've been admiring.

One of the photographers uses HD techniques to get some killer colors, and another uses Topaz to get his effects. So where do I need to start in order to end up with Topaz and HD effects? Can I get there (eventually) with Photoshop Elements 7 and a Topaz plug in or do I need that cs4? Will the Corel software do the trick?

Tell me where to start, and that's where I'll begin. I'm fairly ignorant when it comes to this stuff, and a few days worth of reading has only confused me even more, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Karen

 

[annnewjerz]

I'm no editing pro, but an HDR/tone-mapping program that was recommended to me was Photomatix. You can do your own HDRs or tone map your images for free if you don't want to purchase the program and they add a Photomatix watermark to the completed photo. This is a good way to get started---you can play around with the program, see if you like the results, etc. before purchasing.

Topaz can be found at topazlabs.com. It looks like they have a plug-in bundle that is compatible with Photoshop, but I have no idea if that includes Elements or not.

One thing to look into is if you know anyone who is currently a student. Apparently you can get GREAT Adobe discounts with a student ID. I believe Todd H told me that he got Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom for something like $300 which is a great price!

I have Photoshop Elements 6 and for now, with a few downloaded actions---it does what I need. One day when I'm more familiar with editing techniques I may upgrade to the full Photoshop suite, but for now it's more than enough for me to grow into.

Good luck!

 

[boBQuincy]

Photomatix also offers a very generous student discount. I am gonna' miss going to school!

 

[kaffinito]

Well, so far I've downloaded a free trial of Corel Photo X2 and a free trial of Photoshop Elements 7 so I'll see if I can figure out how to use either one.

 

[kaffinito]

Photoshop 7 is totally cool! I not only figured out how to use it already (a record for me) but you can actually do some cool things to your photos with it! So so far I'm pleased. If this works out, then I can do some more artsy fartsy things with photography.

Thanks!