| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/11/2015 01:56:41 PM · #1 |
So, after QUITE some time out of the game, I've recently purchased myself a new K3 and laptop to jump-start a part-time photography 'career'. However, I've left myself almost no breathing room for processing software. PS CS is right out.
What options are out there for cheap/free processing software that will still give me relatively expansive tools for processing? I'll be focusing on natural light portraits, street photography and the like. Very little studio work, and no need for this photoart crap that seems to be all the rage.
In the past I've always managed to get a 'free' version of CS, but I don't play that game anymore and I'm completely out of the loop.
Thanks in advance. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 02:02:30 PM · #2 |
Well, one thing to consider is whether a subscription makes sense for you. Adobe offers a subscription to both Ps CS and Lr for $9.99 USD a month. The upsides are:
- No upfront costs
- Latest versions, with updates free of charge
- Both Ps and Lr, the key tools for photographers
The downside is, it's a subscription, so if you ever want or need to ditch the monthly payment, you lose access to the software.
|
|
|
|
02/11/2015 02:09:01 PM · #3 |
| Have you explored Corel's PaintShop Pro products? Just a thought. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 02:10:21 PM · #4 |
| your camera probably came with software. otherwise i suggest lightroom and PS for $9.99 a month. can beat the price for both. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 02:12:43 PM · #5 |
| I'm still using Corel Paintshop Pro. Works with *most* Photoshop compatible plugins. Can usually find the current version for $50 or less. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 02:33:21 PM · #6 |
IrfanView is open source and free. Haven't had any experience with it.
Picasa is free, bit beginner-oriented though it gets the job done for the most part. My dad uses it.
There are probably some other open source options, you could search on SourceForge to see. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 03:00:50 PM · #7 |
As far as open source goes, the highest capability option is probably GIMP. I used it back in 2006, and frankly I found it to be clunky at that time. Things may have changed, and also my familiarity with Ps may have skewed my opinion.
|
|
|
|
02/11/2015 03:28:51 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by MadMan2k:
IrfanView is open source and free. Haven't had any experience with it. |
I use IrfanView as my previewing and batch-processing application, and for Minimal Editing challenges. I especially find the batch-processing to be much easier to set up than creating a Photoshop Action. It's fast and works with any variety of Windows (wish he'd port it to Mac!).
I usually use the free demo version of AutoStitch for creating panoramas, and I have a couple of free programs for HDR processing and creating aniated GIFs. |
|
|
|
02/11/2015 03:33:42 PM · #9 |
The first thing you need to do is change your user name. K10DGuy is old news :)
Are you using a Mac or PC.
If Mac, then
https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/ - Currently in free beta
//www.pixelmator.com/ - I use this quite a bit. Not as full featured as photoshop, but pretty nice overall. |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 02:03:52 AM · #10 |
| Thanks folks...Might just go with the subscription |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 04:19:11 AM · #11 |
I have ended up getting an older versions of lightroom and Photoshop for free.
There is always gimp but it really doesn't offer the tools like photoshop does.
|
|
|
|
02/12/2015 10:06:04 AM · #12 |
Funny thing is that I write down what I do when entering a contest , and the amount of doings I do on most images is really minimal.
It would not be allowed in minimal here but it is so limited its ......well limited.
I really could probably use a free thing and then have loads spare. |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 11:50:58 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by jgirl57:
I have ended up getting an older versions of lightroom and Photoshop for free.
There is always gimp but it really doesn't offer the tools like photoshop does. |
Where did you get the photoshop? |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 01:25:55 PM · #14 |
It was a download offer, that I received.
It was an older version of it because it wasn't offered anymore
Message edited by author 2015-02-12 13:26:28. |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 03:47:23 PM · #15 |
delete
Message edited by author 2015-02-12 15:47:34. |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 09:46:14 PM · #16 |
| I'm always amazed that no one ever mentions 500px.com, for $14 per month you get your own domain and access to Adobe CC, all your business needs wrapped up in one monthly bill |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 09:49:27 PM · #17 |
| Oh that's pretty cool, I have a free membership there and I'm paying for a domain (not using it right now) - good to know. |
|
|
|
02/12/2015 10:46:28 PM · #18 |
PS CS2 is a free download from Adobe and serial number is provided.
|
|
|
|
02/13/2015 01:16:27 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
I'm always amazed that no one ever mentions 500px.com, for $14 per month you get your own domain and access to Adobe CC, all your business needs wrapped up in one monthly bill |
Someone just sent me one of their promotional emails. I hadn't reviewed it yet, but that is a really good deal! One of my goals for this year is to get a web gallery up and running and if people could order prints through it even better. I will have to take a close looks at 500px!
|
|
|
|
02/13/2015 02:01:59 AM · #20 |
| I use Paint,its more than enough for me with the minimal amount of processing I do |
|
|
|
02/13/2015 08:54:16 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
I'm always amazed that no one ever mentions 500px.com, for $14 per month you get your own domain and access to Adobe CC, all your business needs wrapped up in one monthly bill |
I have no need for a domain, so I just went with the subscription. I'm not looking to build a business, just keep it to word of mouth part-time casual |
|
|
|
02/13/2015 12:13:57 PM · #22 |
I use Elements 13.....it converts the RAW files from my D810, and is very powerful & versatile. You can find it most anywhere for $79.95 or even less. You get two downloads/installs.
Message edited by author 2015-02-13 12:14:27.
|
|
|
|
02/13/2015 12:28:02 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
I use Elements 13.....it converts the RAW files from my D810, and is very powerful & versatile. You can find it most anywhere for $79.95 or even less. You get two downloads/installs. |
I agree with Jeb, I bought it to put on hubbys lap top during a vacation, it's not bad for the price.. the big thing is the RAW editor in my book. I think I got mine at Walmart for less than 79.95 can't remember for sure but seems like 69..... |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Prints! -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/19/2024 01:03:17 AM EDT.
