Photoshop

[mjalex]

How many people use photoshop? Is it worth it?

[dropoff]

I myself use the Camera Raw plug in to edit my shots but there is much much more you can do with CS3. Photoshop is not a program you will master right away and some do not find it very intuitive.

It is up to you to decide how much you are willing to spend editing your shots. Do you plan on doing all kinds of masks and layers or composting shots or any other destructive editing ? Or do you just want to fix up things like WB, contrast , sharpness etc etc...

For stuff like that there are other easier to use programs like Adobe Lightroom or free basic programs like Picassa. I use lightroom and i find the ease of batch processing/editing very convenient. If you want to get your feet wet you can download them both for free (30 day full program trial).

[D Thompson]

I'm currently on CS3 and have used PS for years. For my use it is completely worth it. I usually skip 1 upgrade version, but CS3 was just too good not to upgrade from CS2. I do a bit of retouching/restoration and can't do without some of the features (layers, masks, smart objects).

Is the full version of PS necessary for most people? Probably not as Elements will do most well. PS has a steep learning curve. It can be rather intimidating at first. If you just want to tweak a little then try Elements or one of the free ones as they are probably all you will need.

[zmikers]

I use photoshop and find it invaluable to my post processing. Yes it's worth it, IMHO!

[griptape]

I have CS3, but if I didn't do other non-photo related graphics work, it would be complete overkill about 95% of the time. The learning curve is pretty steep (you can add another $80 for a text book several hundred pages thick to scratch the surface of it), but it really is the best money can currently buy. Is it worth all that money? Probably not to most, as elements is sufficient. Is it worth it to you? Up to you.

[tfa8rva]

How many people use photoshop? Is it worth it?

You should download the demo and play with it. You can demo CS3 and Elements. I would give em both a try and see if you think its worth it or not. You may find that Elements is all you need, or that you don't like either and prefer Gimp (Free) or Paint Shop Pro. Personally, I haven't been able to justify the cost of CS3 yet.

[FLiPMaRC]

I agree with Griptape, it's complete overkill 95% of the time if all you're doing is post processing photos. I find Adobe Lightroom more intuitive and easier for PP. It has the same tools and functionality as PS/CS without the overkill of the photo editing tools. Much easier to learn too :)

[JTL]

How many people use photoshop? Is it worth it?Is it worth it? Worth it for what? In what context? Casual photo editing? No. Professional photo editing, maybe. Depends on the type of editing.

[mjalex]

Thanks for your suggestions I think I will start with one of the simpler programs at first. I was looking on you tube at photo shop clips its amazing how much you can change the original photo. To take a ugly duckling and turn her in to a swan.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pZ0adXaY_bs

[Bynx]

If you want to turn an ugly duck into a swan you still need talent. No program is going to do that for you. But you can do it with Photoshop. I dont recommend getting a simpler program because then you will never get into Photoshop. Its incredible and can do all you want and a whole lot more. As you grow it will keep up to your needs. As for a book I recommend a How To book. Step by step instructions to do fun things which you can repeat with any photos. In that way you dont have to know any more than you have to, to get yourself going. There is a ton of stuff available on the internet for free so there is never a shortage of information to help you along.

[JTL]

I was looking on you tube at photo shop clips its amazing how much you can change the original photo. To take a ugly duckling and turn her in to a swan. If that's what some people want to spend their time doing, more power to 'em. I'd rather be out taking photos. ;)

No one but a professional photographer "needs" PhotoShop. Now, there are plenty of serious hobbyists and enthusiasts that use it very effectively and it serves them well. If they can afford to indulge their hobbies so extravagantly, more power to them as well. :D

Yours was a question of "worth". Unless you're making money from photography it's not "worth" it in my opinion. Think about it...what other non-essential item would you drop $600.00 on? Especially when there a alternatives at 1/6 the cost...or even for free...:)

[Bynx]

Getting out and taking pictures is a lot of fun. But it cant be done every day due to time restrictions or weather or a host of other reasons. Turning on your computer and doing some photo manipulation is quick and easy or as long and hard as you want to make it. You can save your progress at any time and continue at your leisure so its not a consideration as JTL puts it. He seems pretty negative about photoshop but has it in his toolbox as well as two other programs which are somewhat redundant. But as he says....more power to him. If you have photoshop you dont need anything else. And when you mention worth I assume you meant in terms of value to you to have as a tool to use. Not taking into account the cost of the program. This shouldnt be a consideration since its free from many sources. Just use the internet and all can be yours for F R E E ! Now what are the negative remarks regarding Photoshop? Yes its as complicated as you want to make it or as easy as pie. Nothing great comes easy but with a bit of effort you can produce great results in little time with How To tutorials. Photoshop Creative Magazine is available online. It has great How To's in each issue. You just follow the numbers and make notes and you can produce results in no time flat.

[zmikers]

To take a ugly duckling and turn her in to a swan

Just remember the saying, "You can't polish a terd."

[JTL]

He seems pretty negative about photoshop but has it in his toolbox as well as two other programs which are somewhat redundant.Hey, I'm not negative about PhotoShop. The OP's question was "is it worth it?" Well, in my opinion, unless you're making money with it or have lots of disposable income, no it's not. What's negative about that? I have it in my toolbox because I need it for some custom actions that I use on a regular basis. It is not redundant with my other tools, but you wouldn't know that because you have no idea what my business is or what workflows are involved. You are ignorant in that regard (among others). But, you've always taken a nasty tone with me so I guess it's just par for the course and you just can't help yourself.


Not taking into account the cost of the program. This shouldn't be a consideration since its free from many sources. Just use the internet and all can be yours for F R E E !Are you advocating the use of illegal software? Are you suggesting that the OP should rip-off the software? What EXACTLY are you implying? Criminal behavior? Can you please clarify your remarks? Are you using Jeff's site to promote illegal behavior and software piracy? That alone would be criminal.

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To the OP (mjalex)...you seem to be able to judge for yourself regarding advice! That's all that really matters.

[WestCoast]

IMO, Lightroom in conjunction with either Elements or Paint Shop Pro is a better option for most hobbyists.

[Bynx]

JTL you seem to assume the term 'worth it' has to do with money. As Ive said already, cost is not a factor if considering Photoshop. Its as free as anything else on the internet. So since its free what are the drawbacks to getting it? You are the one giving negative comments to the person asking. I cant see any negative reason for not getting Photoshop at all. I wouldnt discourage anyone and I dont think you should either. That was my only problem I have with your statement. It has nothing at all to do with your job/occupation/hobby or whatever. Id like to see Photoshop on every computer. Its amazing how creative people can be when they are bored and give it a try.

[JTL]

JTL you seem to assume the term 'worth it' has to do with money. As Ive said already, cost is not a factor if considering Photoshop. Its as free as anything else on the internet. So since its free what are the drawbacks to getting it? You are the one giving negative comments to the person asking. I cant see any negative reason for not getting Photoshop at all. I wouldnt discourage anyone and I dont think you should either. That was my only problem I have with your statement. It has nothing at all to do with your job/occupation/hobby or whatever. Id like to see Photoshop on every computer. Its amazing how creative people can be when they are bored and give it a try.I assure you that Adobe and the SIIA do not consider it "free".

[Jeff Keller]

I see the personal attacks starting, so I'm closing this one down. Those involved should consider themselves "on notice" for a ban.