Working with digital images

[pv]

As an old PhotoShop'er, I've been asked to teach a short course in Photo-Editing for Vacation Shutterbugs.  Imho Photoshop would be way beyond the need (and means!) of the targeted audience, so I thought I would select one of the freeware products in the title to first learn and then teach.

I would appreciate your feedback as to which of the two might be the best choice for my class (which starts in Feb '05).  

Thanks in advance!
~pv

[ShutterbugGail]

As an old PhotoShop'er, I've been asked to teach a short course in Photo-Editing for Vacation Shutterbugs.  Imho Photoshop would be way beyond the need (and means!) of the targeted audience, so I thought I would select one of the freeware products in the title to first learn and then teach.

I would appreciate your feedback as to which of the two might be the best choice for my class

Though they are both fine programs...and the price is right...I'd go with PhotoPlus. Why? Because it offers the capability of using layers, which PhotoFiltre does not. If any of your Shutterbugs decide to go onto more advanced image editing, understanding and using layers is a must, imho.

But I'd sure tell them about PhotoFiltre. It's a great program, too, and has some nifty filters. It doesn't take a lot of hard disk space, so both would go nicely on most computers. However, to repeat, I'd teach using PhotoPlus.

Related reading:
Basic intro to Layers
http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/image-editing/layers.htm

[pv]

 Gail~

I very much appreciate your reply, but I now realize that I didn't give you sufficient background.

My class will mostly consist of seniors (or those approaching their golden years). Besides enjoying taking photos, the only other prerequisite for this short course is familiarity with PC operation.  Therefore, I seriously doubt any future need for layers.  

I decided that I would select a freeware product that I could freely distribute in class and I had read that both PhotoFiltre and PhotoPlus are quite capable (which you seem to confirm).

Therefore, I want to choose the least intimidating (quickest to grasp) of the two.   Does that change your recommendation?

Thanks again,
~pv

[ShutterbugGail]

Then I think I'd go with PhotoFiltre. The interface is straightforward and easier. The help files are easy to follow.

I especially like the Filter bar which as some very good quick fix tools on it. Besides, it's an enjoyable programs to use because of the filter effects.

We have some information about it here:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/photofiltre/

Download a copy of each and give them a try to see which you have an easier time teaching the seniors to use. I do think the most important photo editing tools in PhotoFiltre can be grasped easily.

One of the things I especially like about it is the Fade feature, in the Edit menu. If you apply contrast or hue or sharpening, etc. you can adjust the intensity by fading it.

Let us know how it goes.

[pv]

Gail~

Actually, I downloaded both 2-days ago and have been playing with each.  As an old Photoshop user, PhotoPlus 'felt more natural' to me, but I quickly realized that PhotoFiltre's (filter) approach was much easier to grasp!  So as s a 'sanity-check', I thought I would seek outside validation...

I plan to make my class aware of your informative website and will definitely let you know how it went.  

Thanks for your help!

~pv