For the DISigners>>PhotoShop Question

[Moeluv4u7]

Hey guys, I would like to try this out- However w/o spending $300 plus to do it- First of all, What programs does everyone use? I read the Sticky above on Tips- I saw for PhotoShop7 & something called PhotoImpact... Not sure since those posts are so old what is available now or what the consensus finds to be the most beneficial- I figure it can also help with our family photos- Right?
Is PhotoShop by Adobe? That is all I seem to get when I do a search- If I have Adobe 8.0 should I already have this function? Also I saw something about Paint Shop & Print Shop- are they by the same company or are they for different things?
I found some tuts on a few of the things I'd like to try but again for various programs and until I know what the best may be I'd like to know what everyone else uses-
Thanks for any info- I thought I should be able to do something similar with a few of the programs we already have but I can't figure out what the steps should be to start>>> If anyone knows of a "starter" program so I can learn some basics before investing the $$ to get a pretty good program I would also appreciate that- Thx again!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I would recommend getting a free 30 day trial before committing to buy anything. That is what I did when I first started. I tried both PhotoImpact (which is Ulead, I think) and Photoshop Elements 5.0 (which is Adobe). I liked Elements better so that is what I bought and am using now.

Many of us use different programs. So there is not only one that is good - it is more about what you feel comfortable with. If you decide to "try" a couple though I suggest you do not do them at the same time - so that you can concentrate on one at a time and see if you like it.

Regular Photoshop will be more expensive and has a lot more choices of buttons and features. I have never tried it but have heard it is more difficult than Elements.

I hope this helps!

 

[RustManFan]

I have Ulead Photo Impact, Photoshop Elements 7 and Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate. I actually often use a combination of all 3 programs since each has features that I like. If I could only pick one it would be PSE7.

Have to figure out how to install new picture tubes in PSP version that I have. Many of the tubes are great for imbellishments on image/graphic files.

I have only been designing "stuff" a short time. Next up a Figment T for my sister for our trip next year...

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Thx! This does give me some ways to go-

Amy, I am going to look for a free trial first and play around in my spare time just to see if I can even do it! LOL I don't have much time and the tuts I found are very involved- hard to see what you are attempting if you have no idea what the feature is that you are doing, etc- But it has intrigued me-

Rustman, Thx for giving me your opinion on the three that you use if you had to choose one-

I figure I should be able to do other things w/ the programs anyway once I know what it does specifically.
I will hunt around for a free trial and experiment- I may have timeto get into it or I may not- We'll see- I have many friends who always did the little "siggy" designs and such that were always so cool- I had always wanted to try it but things like "layers" and "frames" and "brushes" etc started to confuse me- I will have to take my time in checking these out-
Thx to both of you!

 

[Kellybell]

I use photshope elements 6.0 and I find it pretty user friendly, I also have regular photshope but I find that you almost need a degree in computer graphics to work it! Now that I have elements it's all I use!

 

[Dom13]

I also use PSE 6. I've used Photo Imapct and really did not like it although a couple of things were easier in PI. Do the 30 day trials and feel free to ask questions here.

 

[chaoscent]

I use Photo Impact & I am in the minority I believe. But I haven't yet figured out PSE. Everyone says it is easier, but I find that making the text and picture frames stand out in 3 D (beveled, colored and designs) is easier for me in PI and I can't figure it out in PSE . I know there are tutorials, but to me PI seems more intitutive. However, I can't do some of the things that others can do, because I don't have PSE? I really spend a lot of time on the photo frames and fonts designs so PI works best for me. I think the suggestion of downloading both for a 30 day trial would work for you. Penny

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Thx to all- I have signed up to be notified when a trial version of PSE 7 is available- It says it will be available at the end of October (so hopefully soon)
When I searched PSE 5.0 I just found tutorials but not a trial...
I will have to search Photo Impact just to see what is out there for trying it out- But Amy you are right, I don't want to confuse myself so I will choose one to try at a time- Thx again everyone- Nice to see that so many are supportive to someone new trying things out-
Dom, I appreciate anyone who would be willing to answer questions along the way. I am sure I will have plenty- LOL

 

[RustManFan]

If you go with PSE7 be sure to look for all the free additional frames, shapes, patterns etc. on Adobe.com (cfusion/exchange)