I was wondering what programs you use to edit your photos? What would you recommend?Although most of my personal photos remain unedited, I use several programs to help with the process of editing (and more importantly ORGANIZING) my photos. The answer to that question depends on what sort of editing I am going to do.
For simple editing of my personal photos such as removing red eye, cropping, and straightening photos, I use iPhoto.The reason I decided to try the program is that it came with my Mac! I'm all about free! I import all my photos through iPhoto, and it's a matter of a few clicks to complete the simple editing jobs. (There's even a few other fun edits that I used more often before I got the other programs).
You can check iPhoto out here: http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/
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When I am working with client photos, I organize and perform nearly all edits in Lightroom.
After a lot of research, I was drawn to the integration of Adobe's programs. Lightroom is PACKED with features (more than half of which I still don't know how to use). But, it's a program that makes many editing tasks very easy, and much quicker. Not only that, but it's a way to organize and manage the photo library. I'm all about organization!
For more information about Lightroom: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/
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When I want to do something beyond the scope of those programs (significant air-brushing, for example), I use Photoshop Elements 9. Maybe one day I'll get full Photoshop...but trust me, there are plenty of features in Elements to keep me busy for a while! I can merge faces, isolate elements of the photos...and in general perform many edits and tasks with this program. The program works with "layers" which allows for an incredible range of creativity. There are brushes, templates, and even more that allow for graphic design too!
To investigate Elements 9: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopel/
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But, what do I recommend? I do love all the programs I use, so check them out!
But also consider these software options that are FREE! I began using all of them before I made the investment in the other titles. They allowed me to explore what I wanted to do with my photos. They are powerful and wonderful programs.
The first is Picasa. It's an amazing program that not only categorizes and organizes ALL your photos, but allows you some creativity as well. I have been using this program since it arrived on the scene a couple years ago. It's very easy to learn. I would still be using it, but iPhoto's integration on the Mac is more appealing. I truly believe there isn't a better option for PC users.You can find out more about Picasa here: http://picasa.google.com/
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If you've always been interested in Photoshop, consider Paint.NET or GIMP. They both offer similar features. They allow you to work with photos in layers, manipulate levels, add graphics and more. If you end up using the programs, even though they are free, consider donating to the developers. You can find Paint.NET here: http://www.getpaint.net/
GIMP's resource page is here: http://www.gimp.org/
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Regardless of the program you get, keep your eyes on YouTube. There are SO many helpful video tutorials to learn how to work your program to its best advantage! (And it won't cost you anything at all!).
Lastly, remember that fancy editing can fun, but it's even more amazing to just take photos and enjoy the journey!
*Julie
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