Looking for software recommendations

[beard]

Howdy,

I use Photoshop Elements 5.0 and I've got growing pains

Eventually, I need to upgrade to something that allows more creative control as far as Raw editing and channel mixing (whatever that is).

I use PSE for portraiture and art photography. I like to add nice text to photographs as well. For the future - I will experiment with infrared photography too.

CS3 looks big so I don't want to jump into it without exploring other options.


To you PENTAX users - what plug in do you use if you're using photoshop
Thanks

[Redneck]

I like Corel Paint Shop Pro X2 very much.
One of the best parts of this software is the interactive learning feature. The major functions are nicely and understandable explained which helps a lot to get quickly comfortable with this software.
However I've never used one of the Adobe software products, so I actually can't compare PSP to PS.

[jamiewallace]

Never tried this, but it's free so you might give it a whirl:

http://lifehacker.com/5048433/photos...it-your-images

[flx2000]

lightroom would be great.

[CaptainTom]

With the imminent approach of CS4 I'm thinking that CS3 might be available for a reasonable price ???

[beard]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

With the imminent approach of CS4 I'm thinking that CS3 might be available for a reasonable price ???

I'm self taught, which isn't saying that I am a good student or a good teacher, but don't like to waste time sitting in a classroom. But, CS3 sounds like I might need classroom instruction.???

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by beard

I'm self taught, which isn't saying that I am a good student or a good teacher, but don't like to waste time sitting in a classroom. But, CS3 sounds like I might need classroom instruction.???

There are scads of online resources to teach you. Once you get into it, trial and error works as always.

[wapiti]

I agree with Captain Tom. I moved from Elements 5.0 to CS3 and have not regretted it. CS3 was recently available for $299, but I don't know if this offer is still available. Check it out.

[flx2000]

another good program
http://bibblelabs.com/
u can use elements to add your text.