should i get photoshop?

[skieur]

The student price is worth it. Get Photoshop. You won't regret it, despite the learning curve.

skieur

 

[vlasta]

If you want something more powerful than pdn and more user-friendly than gimp, try Paint.COM

Paint.COM is able to use Photoshop-compatible filters, can do sRGB-correct blending by default (which even in Photoshop must be done manually), supports layer effects (~layer styles in Photosho terminology) and of course it is free.

Only get Photoshop if you want to print a lot on a very good printer. For the normal photo editing, the free alternatives are good enough.

 

[sanderso]

I am very new to photography and I feel pretty confident in paint.net. Just moved up to GIMP tonight and I am totally overwhelmed by it! Cant imagine what photoshop would be like. I guess my question is; is there anything that I would be missing out on by not having it?

Reason I ask: My fiance' is in vet school, so i can get it for $200 because of student discount. She graduates in May though, so I would need to get it by then, and I doubt i would NEED it by then... just trying to look ahead (and save $500 in the process)!

To help decide, you can download it for free and try it for 30 days from Adobe. I tried both LR3 and CS5...wound up buying both. But, frankly at a savings of $500 - $800, CS5 is a no brainer.

sanderso

 

[amoncur]

Yes, you should get Photoshop.

 

[OBRichard]

I tried to get by without PS. It is possible to do a lot with other apps, but I am now using PS and it is simply in a different class. Get a good set of tutorials and you will never look back.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

How steep is the learning curve on Photoshop? I'm going to a 2 week photography school that includes Photoshop and will end up coming home with the software. I'm a little intimidated at the thought. I'm not the most technically savvy person in the world.
Gonzo

 

[OBRichard]

If you are used to other programs, it should be quick. Take time to learn the basics, dont jump in cold. Once you understand the idea of layers, you have a powerfull tool!

 

[Fujito]

Get a whole suite. You save thousands with student discounts. I have the CS4 web suite, which includes dreamweaver, photoshop, fireworks, illustrator, soundbooth, and something else I think. That cost like $400.

Now, if you don't think you'll ever use any of those then just spend the $200. And yes, PS is definitely worth it. You'll need some help learning how to use it though.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

I'm so glad you posted this! I just found out I get this discount as well!

 

[inter]

The next post will be: how to learn phot0shop...

 

[PASM]

Histograms and Levels. Gamma, Luma, Chroma.

I am very new to photography and I feel pretty confident in paint.net. Just moved up to GIMP tonight and I am totally overwhelmed by it! Cant imagine what photoshop would be like. I guess my question is; is there anything that I would be missing out on by not having it?

Reason I ask: My fiance' is in vet school, so i can get it for $200 because of student discount. She graduates in May though, so I would need to get it by then, and I doubt i would NEED it by then... just trying to look ahead (and save $500 in the process)!

 

[SlickSalmon]

Photography without Photoshop just wouldn't be any fun.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Why waste time learning other crap only to end up with photoshop. If you can afford it, get it. The faster you do, the faster you can be learning it. Get some books or read up online. Its hard at first but gets much easier.Getting it right in camera is sound advice, but it wont help your zit faced nephew with a juice stain on his tuxedo shirt thats effin up your group wedding shot

 

[hawk232]

Why waste time learning other crap only to end up with photoshop. If you can afford it, get it. The faster you do, the faster you can be learning it. Get some books or read up online. Its hard at first but gets much easier.Getting it right in camera is sound advice, but it wont help your zit faced nephew with a juice stain on his tuxedo shirt thats effin up your group wedding shot

very good points, on all counts!! I am definetly going to get it:thumbup:

 

[Village Idiot]

I would get LR3 first.

I keep going back and forth on how much I think I should use LR. I don't do high volume shoots and LR doesn't do what I need it to all of the time.