PhotoShop ?

[Amazingreys]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I thought I might as well stick it here (please move if need be).

I've noticed many members use PS to help with their art. I tried a PS search on the web to learn more about it.....CHA-CHING! $$$! Is this the program you are using? Or one of the more scaled-down versions?

Any and all input appreciated. I tried a search but didn't see this, so if I've missed it please re-direct me.

Thanks a bunch!

Dana~

[pencilnpen]

An alternative depending on what your needs are would be paintshop pro, or photofilter. Here is a link of various types you might want to look at- http://www.freeware-guide.com/dir/mmedia/imagedit3.html

I have just downloaded the adobe photoshop and it is quite a program, one that is similar is gimp. I know the price for photo shop is pretty steep- have you checked ebay for some older version- 7 or 8 might be worth checking

Robin

[Roses]

You can try Photoshop Elements instead of the full fledged Photoshop.

[Amazingreys]

Is that how everyone is cutting/pasting/rearranging their compositions?
I know the "full" version has things I'll most likely never need....but wasn't sure if the elements version did everything I'd need...

Dana~

[Gemma]

Hi Dana,

Photoshop does have a version called Elements that isn't as expensive. It has just about everything you would need as an artist.

Also I'm going to move this to the art business forum if you don't mind.
Gemma

[Amazingreys]

Nope, I don't mind at all.

Thanks Gemma :D

[Arlene]

i found PS elements better then paintshop pro. like others said, it's all you'll need.

I have the full photoshop...but it has bells and whistles i'll never use.

[Amazingreys]

This is great to know.

Just to add:
For anyone who might want to try it, if you go to the Adobe website you can download a full working version of either program to try free for 30 days!
Thanks! :)

[Bill C]

I use elements, it came free with my scanner!

[GWESQ]

I use elements, it came free with my scanner!

It also came free with my Wacom pen & mouse.
And I assume I'll get another one when I get my scanner this week. So I may have an extra.

I think Photoshop 7 is easier to set up, but once you get into Edit mode, I prefer Elements.

[Arlene]

It also came free with my Wacom pen & mouse.
And I assume I'll get another one when I get my scanner this week. So I may have an extra.

I think Photoshop 7 is easier to set up, but once you get into Edit mode, I prefer Elements.scanner? you're getting a scanner?

[Nancy]

I've used both photoshop elements (PSE) and paint shop pro (PSP). I much prefer PSP. It's more affordable and does everything PSE can do and I think it's more user friendly. PSP 9, the most recent version has some wonderful additions to it as well. I highly recommend it!! It's wonderful for scanning, doing digital artwork, or touching up and manipulating photos.

[Amazingreys]

I've used both photoshop elements (PSE) and paint shop pro (PSP). I much prefer PSP. It's more affordable and does everything PSE can do and I think it's more user friendly. PSP 9, the most recent version has some wonderful additions to it as well. I highly recommend it!! It's wonderful for scanning, doing digital artwork, or touching up and manipulating photos.

Thanks Nancy, I'll look into that as well!

Dana~

[Bebble]

Hmmmm.... I have PS 7 now and, well, I think I'm stupid! LOL :bangin: (j/k of course)

It's greek to me - well, actually more like spanish...I know just enough to get confused :confused:

I'll have to get myself a "for dummys" book or something - in the meantime, can things like lighting direction be changed w/ it ( I don't know how the program would be able to figure out things like muscling structure and such...is such things possible?!)

[cahenry]

I used CorelDraw / Photo-Paint for years but it was always my goal to get Photoshop on a Mac.
Photoshop CS came with an IMac I bought on eBay along with Office for Mac; at very reasonable price - with full documentation. Basically the computer was free. Now I have it running on a Mac Mini with a gig of ram. I especially like it for sizing images (ImageReady). There are a lot of options that you can control. It's an ongoing learning experience and a lot of fun.
I haven't used Elements so I don't know how it compares.
My DH uses Gimp and I have also used it at times. It's free and does virtually everything CorelDraw does. It’s especially good for a Linux platform; doubt many here are using that, though.

[Arlene]

PS is a learning curve. The best book i've found to teach the basics is the Teach Yourself Visually books. They have one for each version. I have PS7 and i'm waiting to install CS when I reformat my computer.

What I like about PS over PSP is the layers feature. That is what I use to change things around, like moving things, or changing color on just one small section. Once you learn the basics on PS, there is no comparison IMHO.

[Bebble]

I'm glad to hear you say PS7 is good - that's what I am trying to learn. I'm understanding it a little, but I'll still look into the books for sure! - Thanks for the sugg.!

Brandy

[PaintedHorses]

I have the full Photoshop 7, and the best book I found so far is "Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop 7 in 24 Hours" by Carla Rose. Starts with the absolute basics and steps you through 24 hour long lessons.

Now if I just had time to go through the lessons . . . .

Jeri

[Bebble]

Wow! Thanks Jeri!!!

I'll write that down and look for it - I'll have alot of time on my hands in the next couple of weeks!