Capture your life.
Three simple words. Such power they offer. I know working with camera equipment and software can be so overwhelming, but JUST take the plunge and START! Sometimes we think it’s easier not to start at all rather than bungle through and try to learn as we go. Investing time in your camera and software will be the BEST investment you will ever make. Everybody has a story to tell. This is your life, your happiness, your insanity, DOCUMENT it!
So start…just start shooting…start playing with your editing software. “Oh…” I hear from people, “I don’t have any editing software.” Well let me tell you where to get some….for free…I’m a huge Adobe fan, a recommend Adobe Elements and Photoshop over anything else, but times are such that many of us don’t have the extra dollars we used to have so here’s a few of my favorite freebies.
Here are my top three favorite free editing software programs.
1. GIMP - Oh, how I love this program. This is the program that I started with. I’m technically somewhat retarded, so If I can do it, you can. But this is not for the faint of heart. It offers much of what Adobe Photoshop offers. However, it is free so there are issues that go along with it. BUT, for those who say, “I have Elements but would love to upgrade to the full Photoshop because of …..” Usually it’s only one feature they are looking for, well save yourselves the bucks and use GIMP instead. http://www.gimp.org/
2.Photos Pos Pro- Ok, this a program that can take you a long way in your learning process. Kick Picasa in the trash folks. One of the best features is the help tutorials that are available. Not only can you do photo editing but you can also do greeting cards, web designs, web buttons, all very simply. http://www.photopos.com
3.Photoscape- RAW, batch processing, curves and all so easy to use. This program offers so many more features. It is easy to use, the icons and directions are simple and easy to follow with great results. http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php
And here’s a new program that I’m just itching to try, Image Exchange. I’ll give it a review after I give it a review. http://imageexchange.picscout.com/
Best of luck and happy shooting! (why does that sound so bad…) Happy Picture Taking!
