A number of people have asked me over the years, what editing software do I use. I have Photoshop CS4 which I am learning to use. But I stll have my dear old Photoshop Elements. I have used Elements since they came out with their first version several years ago. I now have version 8.
As they have upgraded, they have gradually added tools, bells and whistles, that were originally in the full Photoshop software. Version 8 has continued improving in that sense. It is very user friendly, and very, very less expensive. Example: Full Photoshop CS4 or CS5 – around 600.00. Photoshop Elements 8 – less than 100.00. If you are inclined to shoot RAW file, Elements can handle the conversion with no problem.
I myself, shoot RAW and JPEG simotaneously. My Canon EOS 7D allows me to do that. Then I can choose to use whichever image I want. But either way, I find that the final results are excellent.
Following are two examples. Both were processed in Photoshop Elements 8. An Eastern Bluebird and a Sunflower, which you saw the photo yesterday. The bluebird original was a JPEG, whereas the Sunflower was shot in RAW. These were shot with my 18MP Canon EOS 7D. Having that extra large file to work with enables me to crop extra close. Both of these photos produced very nice 11x14s.
Eastern Bluebird - original from the camera
Sunflower - original from camera
Sunflower
Of course, there is more to producing a good photograph than just cropping. In these photos, I have adjusted the light, color saturation, contrast, and done a little more sharpening. So that’s how Photoshop Elements has helped me out.
If you have any questions or comments on this subject comment here or contact me direct at bobzeller1@aol.com. Click on any of the images for an enlargement.
What beautiful shots! The colors are so vibrant!!
Thanks, Holly. I appreciate the kind words.
Very useful information, I have seen Lightroom in action and I think that it’s geared more to photographers than the Photoshop elements or CS.
I have a friend that uses Lightroom and he loves it. And you’re probably right. I just don’t know if can learn it, since I am a long ways from learning CS4.
I’ve tried a couple of versions of PSE, but I’ve never warmed up to the interface. I still use Canon’s DPP, which has improved alot over the past year, along with Neat Image.
18MP??? I didn’t even know that existed. A very informative post and lovely images, Bob. Thank you.
Cindy
Yes. that is what the Canon EOS 7D has. It is an amazing camera. It is just a step above your Rebel. By the way, which Rebel do you have? Thanks for the compliments on my images.
Bob
I have a Nikon D60. 8MP. 🙂
Thank you.
Great information. Great shots! Thanks.