Question on PhotoShop Programs??

[Scott@HRP]

I have done some but not allot of Digital Editing with my race pictures. All I have really used is my Nikon program that came with the Camera!! What I am really needing is opinions, on what the most user friendly and versitle PhotoShop program to use. I need to be able to incorporate pictures with some good graphic overlays for advertising, fliers and promotions to post on our website on upcoming events. Please help!!

[Shane]

For control, nothing beats Adobe Photoshop CS2!

But, it is a very expensive program. My recommendation - find an older copy of Photoshop (5.5 or above) - look on EBay, old software stores, etc... - then buy the upgrade version of the program. You will save $300+ on the purchase for a litte effort.

[Scott@HRP]

Before I buy something, would it be a good Idea to take a class in a Jr. College or learn on your own by just playing with it!!

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by Scott@HRP

Before I buy something, would it be a good Idea to take a class in a Jr. College or learn on your own by just playing with it!!

if you got the time...then yeah...but you can also buy tutorials from B&H on Adobe Products.

Recently bought one for $100 for Premiere Pro and it is worth its weight in gold!

but nothing really holds a candle to photoshop. I have versions of Photoshop and PaintShop Pro...and the Adobe products ALWAYS give a superior finished assest.

[DAPhoto]

Photoshop hands down. The Gimp was a great free open source tool. I don't know if it is being developed anymore. This was a very powerful tool that lets you use layers and even most photoshop plugins. Paint shop pro is quite capable as well.
There are a TON of free photoshop tutorials on the net. PS is the way to go.

[haraki74]

For ultimate control, use Photoshop CS2, and yes it is expensive. Try what Shane suggested, purchase an older copy then the upgrade. It could save you hundreds of dollars.

Harry

[bullsparade]

Photoshop is the way to go! If the price is too much for you then I would suggest The Gimp. It is an open source project that has been created to duplicate Photoshop. Many plugins and filters for Photoshop work in it. IT IS NOT Photoshop, but it will get you by until you can purchase Photoshop. It is much more powerful than Corel or other "consumer" software.

Download it, try it...because its open source it wont cost you anything and it will have a similar feel as Photoshop. If you dont like it you can uninstall it. Just be warned....just like Photoshop it can do so much that its overwhelming at first.

http://www.gimp.org/windows/

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by Scott@HRP

Before I buy something, would it be a good Idea to take a class in a Jr. College or learn on your own by just playing with it!!

Taking a class would be the best way. You'd still have to play around with it but at least the class would reduce the learning curve. It's a very powerful program that has taken me about a year and half to get comfortable with and produce what I consider good results. Your results at first won't be bad, but it will take a while before you get really good at post processing.

[ericf]

You can download PS cs2 on a trial (30 day) straight from www.adobe.com. Good luck with the "learning curve".

[Scott@HRP]

Thanks very much for everyone giving me suggestions!! I will look into everything said and recommended. Sounds like a real challenge though with cost, time and patience!! Thanks again!!

[Horns98]

Has anyone ever purchased an older version of photoshop used on ebay? What sort of things should one look out for? It just seems like this would be an easy scam and the program either wouldn't work or would be illegal.

Thanks
-Patrick