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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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!
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
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 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.....
