Photoshop for beginners...

[E.intheC]

My wife just bought me a new Canon T3i for my birthday (turning 30 does have its advantages...lol).

Anyway, I'm having fun learning about the different modes, ISO settings, aperture, etc, and taking pictures, but at some point I'm going to need to try my hand at post-processing. I'm looking at Photoshop, but I'm confused regarding which version to buy, or if the free trial is worth it.

Photoshop Elements 11 is at the top of the list for now (and is about $70). Considering I'm a complete, 100% noob with cameras and Photoshop (or similar programs), is this a solid decision? Are there other programs that are a better choice for beginners?

Thanks for the help!

 

[TheHun]

Don't forget the Lightroom is also there...

 

[Wolverine57]

GIMP is free! Is an alternative for photoshop. We use this at work, an I've been using this for a year plus. Highly recommend .

 

[strgazr27]

Ahh PS, some reefers best friend lol. Lightroom is certainly an option over PS and a worthy one at that. But unless your shooting in RAW mode you can do anything you would want in PS w a lot less cash outlay. Although PS is now available on a monthly basis. This is another very nice image editing piece of software.
http://www.acdsee.com/

Worry about learning the camera, composition rules, lighting basics and than worry about software.

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks, ill have to check those programs out. I'm leaning toward the trial versions first to see which ones I like.

What macro lenses are you using? I can't/won't spend the money on the Canon 100 mm macro lens (it's about $700-1000 depending) but I dont want something cheap. I'm looking at the Sigma line.

 

[FocusReefing]

Lightroom & Photoshop CS are typically used together. Lightroom's big draw is that if cuts down workflow time associated with editing large amounts of photos(ie. wedding shoots) and its oganizational features. CS is used more for single photos that require further detailed editing not available in Lightroom. Both in my opinion are overkill for casual editing. Elements is a program geared more to the casual photographer. Im sure the others that were suggested are also viable options. As well as much easier to learn and easier on the wallet. As stated above its always better, cheaper, easier to learn to take a great photo out of camera before relying on photo editing software. I try to use editing as little as possible. On top of that I honestly find editing so boring!! Id much rather be shooting!!

 

[FocusReefing]

I got my Canon 100mm macro for $300 used on craigslist. It was mint condition too! Obviously this is a rare occurrence but my point is there are deals to be had if you keep an eye out.

 

[E.intheC]

Lightroom & Photoshop CS are typically used together. Lightroom's big draw is that if cuts down workflow time associated with editing large amounts of photos(ie. wedding shoots) and its oganizational features. CS is used more for single photos that require further detailed editing not available in Lightroom. Both in my opinion are overkill for casual editing. Elements is a program geared more to the casual photographer. Im sure the others that were suggested are also viable options. As well as much easier to learn and easier on the wallet. As stated above its always better, cheaper, easier to learn to take a great photo out of camera before relying on photo editing software. I try to use editing as little as possible. On top of that I honestly find editing so boring!! Id much rather be shooting!!

I'll keep this in mind for sure. I really like trying out the different settings and just taking tons of pictures in general. I took a few pics of my tank today and it completely reinvigorated my interest in my fish and corals. Now I'm on the lookout for COLOR

Side note- that's a great deal on the Canon Macro lens. I'll have to keep an eye out. I did find a refurbished Canon 100mm Macro (without image stabilization) for about $460..

 

[FocusReefing]

Thats not a bad price. But you might want to also consider the 60mm just cause the focal distance on the 100mm is pretty long. I dont know how big your house is but you dont want to have to stand across the room just to shoot some pics of your tank.

 

[BaaMNYC]

The canon 100mm macro is top notch. I would keep an eye out for it. I have the IS and love it.

When I did research I considered the tamron 90mm. I read good reviews on it

Firstly is definitely figure out the camera first. I'm still learning. Anyone want to have a photo class? Students pay a frag? Lol

 

[E.intheC]

The canon 100mm macro is top notch. I would keep an eye out for it. I have the IS and love it.

When I did research I considered the tamron 90mm. I read good reviews on it

Firstly is definitely figure out the camera first. I'm still learning. Anyone want to have a photo class? Students pay a frag? Lol

Yeah the Canon lens would be ideal.

I'm 100% in for a class, and I know there are some qualified people on MR.