Photo Editing Software

Hi Eileen,

I need to update my photo editing programs. You've mentioned Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

This is Greek to me! Can you explain what the pros and cons of each are?

Thanks a million!

Noreen

Hi Noreen,

If you just want to edit and enhance your photos, e.g. crop, straighten, adjust colors, adjust lighting or remove red eye, you can get many free photo editing programs on the Internet. If you own a digital camera, it probably came with a decent photo editing software program.

The best freeware programs, in my opinion are Picasa and The GIMP. The GIMP has almost as much functionality as Photoshop Elements but it isn't as intuitive as Elements and is cumbersome to install.

If you want to do more than simple photo corrections, e.g. create your own logo or design ads and brochures or scrapbook pages, you need more functionality. Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are both made by Adobe and have similar interfaces. So if you start out using Elements and then want more power, the transition will not be difficult.

Elements is, by far, the best value. But if you're really serious about getting into graphic design or digital scrapbooking/crafting, you may as well bite the bullet and get the Cadillac, Photoshop CS.

I should also mention Corel Paint Shop Pro as an option. It's in the same price range as Elements. Not as many people use it as use Photoshop; so it may be more difficult finding support and tutorials.

Since you read my article about Scrap Girls, you already know where you can get a lot of support and instruction on both Photoshop Elements and CS. Or you can always go to The Artful Crafter and click on the contact button. I would be happy to help you get up to speed ;-)