Image Editing Software

 What does the digital photographer want from his image editing software?

There are quite a number of image editing software packages available on the market at this time. Most professional photographers, artists and designers use the top of the range product, Photoshop.  Photoshop, although undoubtedly the best image editing software is way by far the most expensive, and, in the case most photographers, is too powerful for their needs.

As the popularity of digital cameras and digital photography, increases, so there has been an increase in the amount of image editing software on the market. The majority of manufacturers have realised that Photoshop, although setting the standard that the rest will be judged by, was not what the average snapper could justifiably afford. Different manufacturers have come up with imaging software that can be purchased for £100 or less, as compared with Photoshop’s almost £600. For this price you should be able to purchase a reliable editing package that is capable of a variety of editing functions and some touch up effects, and special effects. All or more than your average digital photographer needs.

One of the complaints about Photoshop is that it has a high learning curve. Entry level photo editing packages are much more user friendly with lots of "Help" text boxes, easy to learn toolbars and obvious icons.

What does the digital photographer want from his image editing software?

:- First of all uploading images from his hard drive, or from his camera has to be a breeze.

:- Then it is important that it is capable of easy colour editing.

:- There must be a programme for touching up, or spotting out the mistakes and dirt that can occur while changing lenses, scanning pictures etc.

:- Most photographers will want to be able to create cards, calendars etc. The image editor will help you to manage this.

:- Most photographers will want a software that makes it easy to send emails or faxes of their pictures to their friends around the world. Most of the image editing programmes enables you to connect directly with your email programmes.

Most of the entry level editing packages have a library of images which you can use to experiment with.

Possibly the best way to learn to use an editing programme is to take one of these images and experiment with it, using as many of the menu options as possible, and just taking the software through its paces. You will make loads of mistakes, but this is the best way to learn, and you will find it great fun.

You should set your monitor up to its maximum number of colour setting. This is usually about sixteen million. You may find that your new software will not work properly unless you do this.

There are dozens of entry level editing software programmes on the market. I will tell you about some of the best in my next post.