Why Photoshop?

[slr387]

Just a general question here, but why Photoshop? I use Photo Explosion. The cost difference between the two is about $650.00. Is photoshop that much better than anything else? Thanks.

[lotus]

Hi Dale,

Photoshop is better then anything else, but at the same time it is a huge complex program with big learning curve, designed for professional image editing.
What are you trying to achieve that you can't with the Photo Explosion?

Regards,
Alex.

[slr387]

Not trying to achieve anything, as I do not like to alter photos at all. I was just asking a question as to why everyone seems to think they need Photoshop. Photo Explosion is fine for me and is complex enough.

[jefg99]

A middle ground might be Photoshop Elements 7.0, which sells for about $89, and as far as I can tell, will do everything I will ever need to do with my photos. I'll leave full Photoshop to the pros and those who want to delve further into manipulation than I do.

So, my question would be different...what does full Photoshop do that Elements does not? That is, for the huge difference in pricing.

[lotus]

Detailed answer is here: http://www.graphic-design.com/Photoshop/vs_elements.html,

and here is a short one: same difference that between 10MP point and shoot camera w/10 times zoom for $500 and 10MP DSLR camera w/10 times zoom lens for $5000 - ending result (in certain conditions only) may be the same.

[diddee]

I have used several different types of software.  I think you need to balance what you plan on doing with what you can afford.  For me, since I batch photos, Lightroom is a must.  Very easy to make mass adjustments to lighting, white balance, etc.  I then do finetuning of "art photos" or special effects with plug-ins in PS.

Looking to lower the cost of your software?  Here are a few ideas:

1.  Join a professional organization, like NAPP.  They often include discounts at many popular websites.  I have easily recouped the price of my $99 NAPP membership in free shipping and other discounts.

2.  Have a school aged child?  Do they have a photo ID?  Go to Academic Superstore (www.academicsuperstore.com).  There they feature such deals and steals like Lightroom for $98.95.  There are also some Lightroom/PS bundles.

3.  Don't be afraid to e-mail the manufacturer and ask them to honor a show special or provide you with a coupon.  It is a tough economy for everyone.  Both times I asked, it took a few days to hear back, but I received a "yes" that the manufacturer would honor a show special or expired (yes your read it right, expired) coupon.  My two e-mails, which cost me nothing, saved me $75. (Of course, Sandy, my hubby spent this on the Propane)   

4.  Finally, if you are looking to load photo software on your several year old laptop or computer...STOP.  It may not work right.  Lots of these programs need lots of RAM.  You may want to consider getting a new computer loaded with the software you need.  Locally, I have found that affordable customized computers designed for photographers can be obtained from Doug Williams at Allied PC Tech 610-434-4634, doug@alliedpctech.com. 

Enough of Judy's money saving tips for the night!

[Ric]

I use Photoshop CS3 because I got it through a College Discount(Student ID as Judy said) and also because of the many plug-ins available for it. Some good plug-ins that I use are NIK's "Silver Efex Pro", "Viveza", "Color Efex Pro", "Abstract Efexs Pro". Also "Alien Skin Image Dr", Topaz Adjust and Topaz Denoise 3. There are many more but these are my main ones for now.

Haven't tried Lightroom but I do use something like it. I use "ACDSee Pro 3" for my Organizing and Batch processing and it works very well.

Everyone has their own choices and you only find out what is right for you when you try it. Try it before you buy it is the best way to go but there are programs that do not have trials and then you end up losing money or doing a lot of research before you buy.

Again as Judy said, be sure to have a newer computer or updated one to handle larger programs and photos.

Ric

[ralph]

So, why would a person who is happy using the editing software that came with his/her camera want to learn about Photoshop. After all, it is expensive and difficult to learn. Here's a different way of thinking about that question.
Suppose that you are a recent immigrant from Russia. You speak and understand only Russian. That works out okay within your family and among your close friends. You can even get along well enough in the neighborhood. So, why learn English. Here's one scenario: You would like to undertake a new activity, let's say software engineering. The knowledgeable people in this field of activity are eager to share their knowledge and skills. They write, give workshops, teach classes, have blogs, and even tweet with perfect strangers. But always in English. So, why learn English? To gain access to the best thinking available on an activity in which you have an interest.
It's like that in Photography. Photoshop is the industry standard and has been for over a decade. Its simply the language in which the most serious and creative conversations about photography takes place in our culture. If you want access to these conversations, there's you reason for learning or at least learning about Photoshop. Just to make my point more clearly: If you were present for John Barclay's presentation at the February meeting and were not conversant with Photoshop, you would have learned very little. It would have been like listening to a lecture in Russian.
Why Photoshop? Why English? Because these are the language in use in this culture.
I hope this give you something to think about.