Working with digital images

[Sylvia Selverston]

I'm wondering about software to get to play with photos from my S2IS.  2 recommended are Printshop and ProPhoto, both by Broderbund.  What have you found that is easy to use and filled w/ creative options?

[Mike54]

Hi Sylvia and welcome,

I prefer to use Paint Shop Pro but that's just because that's what I had available (could afford). PhotoShop Elements is also a very good program at a reasonable price. If your not looking for too much creativity you can always try Picassa (free) from Google or even the Gimp.
To find any of them just Google. PSP and PSE both offer 30 day trials as well.

[ShutterbugGail]

If you're just starting, Picasa has some excellent features and it is indeed free. It is also a great way to organize and find photos. PhotoFiltre is a great free program but it doesn't organize images. Neither programs offer layering but if you prefer to do only basic editing you probably don't need layering.

We have links to these and other free photo-related programs here:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/free-digital-camera-software/

For more sophisticated progams that don't break the bank, some of the more popular ones are PaintShop Pro and Photoshop Elements.

Related reading

Working with digital images
http://www.digicamhelp.com/working-with-digital-images/index.htm

[Sylvia]

So neither of you think the 2 by Broderbund will do the job?
Thanks for your feedback!

[Mike54]

So neither of you think the 2 by Broderbund will do the job?

I have no reason to think that they wouldn't do the job I'm just not familiar with them.

[ShutterbugGail]

So neither of you think the 2 by Broderbund will do the job?

I am not familiar with the programs you mentioned either but that doesn't mean they will not do the job. I was responding to your question about those I  have found easy to use and filled w/ creative options.

One of the things you may want to consider is if there is a forum for users of Printshop and ProPhoto. There may be one at the Borderbund site. If not, the online help you may wish to receive in the future may be limited, though I'm sure those who recommended the programs to you can offer assistance.

There is a lot of online help for the other programs Mike and I mentioned simply because they are so widely used.

[Sylvia]

Thank you both!  Will look up software forums.  I was just concerned about Paintshop Pro and moreso the newest PhotoShop Elements because those who purchased them on Amazon don't rate them very highly.  But you are more expert than the typical buyers, so I'll trust your suggestions.  Appreciate your assistance.

[ShutterbugGail]

 I was just concerned about Paintshop Pro and moreso the newest PhotoShop Elements because those who purchased them on Amazon don't rate them very highly.  

You're very welcome.

You peaked my curiosity so I took a quick look at the Amazon reviews. I know most users of each program are genearly pleased.

If you look at the reviews carefully they reveal that the complaints are not about the programs per se, but disappointment in the latest version. They expected more features for the price of the upgrade. I do not believe most had major issues with either program.

[Deb]

Hi. For what it's worth, I've used Photoshop Elements 2 & 3 in the past and found them both to be very user friendly. The learning curve wasn't too great for either version. I hear there is a version 4 out now. If any of these softwares you are considering offer demos, by all means, give the demos a try. Find one that works with the way you think. That's the key IMHO.

Have fun editing!