Question about Photo Impact

[SUZI]

Currently I am using the free software that came with my computer (microsoft picture it) What I don't like about it is that it is difficult to cut out an object or remove a background. Even with the "edge-finder" my cuts are not very smooth. So, I am considering purchasing software.

For those of you who use Photo Impact: is the ability to remove an object or background fairly simple? My BIL has Photo Shop (for his work) and the cutting function is easy, but I don't want to invest that much money for Photo Shop when I am still a beginner. So, I am considering Photo Impact instead.

Thanks for your help!

 

[chaoscent]

I have no good advice for you, but wanted to mention that I have both programs. I don't know how to use photo shop very well yet, however whenever I want to crop something I do it in Photo Shop and do everything else (making gifs, ufos, designs, erasing stuff) in Photo Impact.
Penny

 

[Dom13]

Not sure of the price of Photo Impact but Photshop Elements is a home version of Photoshop, it's missing alot of the high end features that professional artists/photographers would need, that goes for around $80.

I've used both programs. They both seem to have features that the other doesn't. Having used alot of different programs over the years I found PSE to be a little more intuitive for me but others swear by PI. Maybe download trial versions of each and play around for awhile?

While PS (not sure about PI) can do animation I'd recommend Ulead's Gif Animator if you're planning on doing any serious animation. It's the program I used to make my bouncing Chernabog.

 

[SUZI]

Thanks to both of you for your help.
I did not realize that photoshop is different from photoshop elements. I think I need to check that out.
However, is it safe to say that removing an object/background/line from a design is relatively easy to do?
Thanks again!

 

[chaoscent]

Removing background to make a gif, is not hard, just tedious. Plus you need to have a steady hand.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/?start=0
if you go here and scroll down to Suzy, that piece of clip art was a partial gif when I got it, & I had to finish cleaning it up.
All of the autograph cards were done in Photo Impact & I think they have a nice selection of frames.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/Misc/
if you go here you will see the following Gifs - Giselle in a purple sharmrock outline, the chipmunk (twice), Giselle by herself with hand on chin and the signatures. Someone posted a bunch of signatures on one sheet. I have started cleaning them up to make gifs. I do not have a steady hand, so you will notice, if you look closely, ragged outlines on my gifs.
Dom 13 makes great gifs and you can also find them at this site.
http://www.disneyclips.com/
There are initials in most of the clip art. I leave them in when I use the clipart as I now know what a pain it is to do and I figure the person who did them (DWW) needs all the kudos s/he can get.
If you have any questions about photo impact I can try to answer them. If not, I have picked up a few tips from Dom13.
Take care, Penny

 

[SUZI]

Removing background to make a gif, is not hard, just tedious. Plus you need to have a steady hand.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/?start=0
if you go here and scroll down to Suzy, that piece of clip art was a partial gif when I got it, & I had to finish cleaning it up.
All of the autograph cards were done in Photo Impact & I think they have a nice selection of frames.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/Misc/
if you go here you will see the following Gifs - Giselle in a purple sharmrock outline, the chipmunk (twice), Giselle by herself with hand on chin and the signatures. Someone posted a bunch of signatures on one sheet. I have started cleaning them up to make gifs. I do not have a steady hand, so you will notice, if you look closely, ragged outlines on my gifs.
Dom 13 makes great gifs and you can also find them at this site.
http://www.disneyclips.com/
There are initials in most of the clip art. I leave them in when I use the clipart as I now know what a pain it is to do and I figure the person who did them (DWW) needs all the kudos s/he can get.
If you have any questions about photo impact I can try to answer them. If not, I have picked up a few tips from Dom13.
Take care, Penny

All I can say is "WOW!!" Your designs are great! The colors, the words you chose. I am amazed. Thanks again for your advice! I downloaded a free trial of Photoshop Elements yesterday; I am trying to work through it slowly as it can be overwhelming. Amazon is currently having a sale on it (I think I'll post that in another thread) But thanks for showing me your designs!

 

[Dom13]

If you have any questions about PSE feel free to ask. Kari, RumblyTumbly, is also quite knowledgeable about PSE. She taught me about an option (the Stroke command) that has made some of my Pin Trading logo designs alot easier to construct!

 

[chaoscent]

Thanks for the nice words. However, many times I am only building on what others have done. Take care and good luck. Penny