Photo Editing Software - Where to start?

ElNico · Aug 17, 2017

So I've been into photography much of my life, but haven't really done digital photo editing before. For what it's worth I've done a fair amount of image editing - sprite editing for example, or in the case of photographs, things like playing around with tint to create a surrealist effect - so I can probably find my way around a piece of software, and I'm no stranger to fine-tuning small details; but I haven't really used tools designed to turn a photographic image into an altered but still real-looking version of itself.

What would be a good program to start with? Photoshop? Something else? Anything worthwhile I can get for free?

I use Windows if it matters.

Thanks!

ronlane · Aug 17, 2017

1. Adobe CC for Photographers, you get Lightroom and Photoshop.
2. Capture 1
3. The software that comes with your camera (is "free")
4. Gimp
5. MacPhun is coming out with their editing software for windows based pc's soon.

ElNico · Aug 17, 2017

ronlane said:
The software that comes with your camera (is "free")

What, you mean that CD ROM that's in the same ziplock bag I keep my camera's cables in? This one right here? That actually does something? It's not just a circular piece of plastic that's been taking up space for six years? GREAT SCOTT!!

Ysarex · Aug 17, 2017

ElNico said:
ronlane said:

The software that comes with your camera (is "free")

Click to expand...

What, you mean that CD ROM that's in the same ziplock bag I keep my camera's cables in? This one right here? That actually does something? It's not just a circular piece of plastic that's been taking up space for six years? GREAT SCOTT!!

What camera are you shooting? Do you understand the difference between camera raw files and processed images -- any decision there?

Joe

Derrel · Aug 17, 2017

Yeah...some of the camera-maker software an do a decent job of editing/developing raw-format camera files. Canon's DPP software was useful, back when I shot Canon, and could develop their raw .CR2 files.

I dunno...I've really enjoyed my time with Adobe's Lightroom software; does the things most photographer's want and need to do with their photos.

I've heard a number of good things about Affinity Photo (by Serif Labs) on Mac OS...

Affinity Photo on the Mac App Store

ElNico · Aug 17, 2017

Ysarex said:
What camera are you shooting? Do you understand the difference between camera raw files and processed images -- any decision there?

Actually, I just watched a video that mentioned that. I might not bother while I'm just playing around with my camera's settings trying to get a feel for them, shooting random objects in my home and such; but once I start doing actual photoshoots, even just with friends, I'm thinking I'll start out shooting and editing in RAW so I don't have to make the transition.

My camera is a Sony DSC-HX100V.

Ysarex · Aug 17, 2017

ElNico said:
Ysarex said:

What camera are you shooting? Do you understand the difference between camera raw files and processed images -- any decision there?

Click to expand...

Actually, I just watched a video that mentioned that. I might not bother while I'm just playing around with my camera's settings trying to get a feel for them, shooting random objects in my home and such; but once I start doing actual photoshoots, even just with friends, I'm thinking I'll start out shooting and editing in RAW so I don't have to make the transition.

My camera is a Sony DSC-HX100V.

Your camera is not raw file capable so that option is off the table unless you're interested in getting another camera.

The software then that came with your camera should be fine. If you want to stay free and consider other options there GIMP and for low cost there's Affinity Photo. Next up in cost would be Adobe Elements still under $100.00. But frankly Affinity is better software and should be all you would need. Elements has a database that Affinity lacks.

If you decide on a new camera in the future and a raw file workflow then different software should be considered.

Joe

Tomasko · Aug 18, 2017

For me it's definitely Affinity Photo. For the price you can't find anything better (believe me, I tried, quite recently too). It gives you all you could possibly need in terms of editing and even supports PS plugins (e.g. NIK).

Software that comes with the camera is usually VERY limited (at least DPP from Canon certainly is) and Gimp is for masochists. I'm sorry, but it's true.

fmw · Aug 18, 2017

I would insert Affinity Photo in third place on that list. Powerful and affordable.

JoeW · Aug 18, 2017

I use Affinity Photo. I have a Mac (though there is now a PC version of Affinity I believe). I upload photos to "Photos" on my Mac which then lets met chose a program to edit with (so I could use a range of options). Mostly I use Affinity Photo. Non-destructive, has layers, very powerful but unlike Adobe where you're going to pay a monthly rental fee, I paid $30 USD (I think it's now up to $40) and that's it.

The two biggest complaints I have with it are:
--it's slow with RAW files (so if you shoot in jpeg, it's fast, the earlier version was faster with RAW, I've been told that the next version will address the RAW processing speed).
--there is no manual (I learn best by reading). Lots of great instructional videos so if that's your thing you're fine.

Tomasko · Aug 19, 2017

JoeW said:
I use Affinity Photo...
The two biggest complaints I have with it are:
--it's slow with RAW files (so if you shoot in jpeg, it's fast, the earlier version was faster with RAW, I've been told that the next version will address the RAW processing speed).
--there is no manual (I learn best by reading). Lots of great instructional videos so if that's your thing you're fine.

Actually, there's a manual (kind of) if you hit F1 (or whatever is the equivalent on Mac). Or if you look through the menu, it's under Help -> Help... . It's rather basic, but if you combine it with other learning sources, it can help.

JoeW · Aug 19, 2017

Tomasko said:
JoeW said:

I use Affinity Photo...
The two biggest complaints I have with it are:
--it's slow with RAW files (so if you shoot in jpeg, it's fast, the earlier version was faster with RAW, I've been told that the next version will address the RAW processing speed).
--there is no manual (I learn best by reading). Lots of great instructional videos so if that's your thing you're fine.

Click to expand...

Actually, there's a manual (kind of) if you hit F1 (or whatever is the equivalent on Mac). Or if you look through the menu, it's under Help -> Help... . It's rather basic, but if you combine it with other learning sources, it can help.

Yeah, I know. But internal drop-down menus or text embedded in the program to me at least don't constitute a manual. I like something that is separate from the program so I can have the problem on my screen ("how the heck do I light that area precisely so my dodge brush isn't an option?") and flip pages while the image is still on my screen. If I used two screens, that wouldn't be a problem I guess. I'm just an old luddite that prefers text-based instruction over video most cases.

Casey08 · Aug 21, 2017

Before commiting to something permanent and (may be even spending money) look up these article by Jennifer Mulrow I found it very interesting https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-25-photo-editing-services-reviews-jennifer-mulrow
As for me I tend to learn by example better. When I first learn how to use photoshop youtube wasn't a thing but now we can opportunity look everything there. This blog is quite good Best Photoshop tutorials on YouTube in 2017
God bless youtube!

davidbeckphoto · Aug 28, 2017

ElNico said:
What would be a good program to start with? Photoshop? Something else? Anything worthwhile I can get for free?

Photoshop is the industry standard, so you're going to find the most tutorials, support, videos, forums, etc. related to it vs anything else. There's a learning curve, but there's nothing more powerful than Photoshop. Also, Lightroom is killer in conjunction with Photoshop. Adobe has a package that gives you both for $10/month total.

I organize my photos with LR which I have linked to PS. I'll open up a set, flag the ones I like, clean them up in PS where the real editing happens, then I build a preset (filter) for it in LR and apply it to the cleaned up image. LR is better for whole-image edits (like choosing a "filter") because it keeps a copy of the original so you can always go back and tweak your colors later.

If you want free, use GIMP. It's pretty much Photoshop but buttons are in different places, it has different shortcuts, and some things are named differently. Not a bad way to go, but you'll probably be learning it through PS tutorials.