Software

Hello,
Which software do many of you use to photopaint with? I am in the process of trying to decide just that question. Photoshop is simply too expensive as this is a hobby and I can't justify the cost of PS. However there must be many other software packages that would allow me to photopaint some images for my own satisfaction. Do many of you use painting software or filters like Topaz? Thank you for any and all suggestions as they will be most appreciated.

Tim

It really depends what you intend to do. You need to pick a package that has the features you need. Photoshop Elements is a cut down (and much cheaper) version of Photoshop. That might be an option. Gimp is another well respected package and there are several others as well.

GIMP can be very effective, and is free. It does take more work to do things, and you will be looking for plugins more often, but it provides incredible power for editing raster graphics.

Also consider an Adobe Creative Cloud license. You can get a photoshop/lightroom combo for $10 a month, and if you're like most other Canadians I know you'll spend far more than that at Tim's. (Possibly in a week...) Very affordable.

Hopefully other people can offer some more suggestions. GIMP and the photoshop line are the only packages I've had more than a few hours experience with.

raven4ns wrote in post #16928750
Hello,
Which software do many of you use to photopaint with?

I agree with the above advice, but it would help if you defined just what "photopaint" means to you?

PhotosGuy wrote in post #16928922
I agree with the above advice, but it would help if you defined just what "photopaint" means to you?

Yeah, when you say "photopaint" are you talking about the process of developing photos in the "digital darkroom", or are you talking about applying special effects to get a "painted" look?

I use Paint Shop Pro, even though I also have Photoshop CS4. PSP is very powerful and in most ways looks/acts like Photoshop.

You can buy it for around $80 if you look for a deal.

-js

Tony! The TF has struck!

number six wrote in post #16929346
Tony! The TF has struck!

It seems like Tony has stopped being "long"-winded so TF had to do something with the last title that was no longer accurate.

Is that the first TF hit in "modern" time?

I looked at Gimp but my computer skills are nonexistent. It's a good day when I push the big shiny black button and the computer comes on...lol. Years ago I used PS3 because my son had it but the learning curve was steep. It seemed I had to re-learn it whenever I was away from it for a bit.
Essentially, all I want to do is to put a selenium tone on B&W and be able to adjust it to the tone I want for the image. In addition, I want to turn some of my images into paintings either through filters or software. While I'm not a painter nor have the skill to become one, using a software program that will turn an image into a painting is something I would enjoy doing. Thank you for your ideas and suggestions, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Tim

number six wrote in post #16929346
Tony! The TF has struck!

Errmm, "Do I really have to respond?"

WaltA wrote in post #16929460
It seems like Tony has stopped being "long"-winded so TF had to do something with the last title that was no longer accurate.

Well, I was going to type out a "Long-winded" essay, but the Title Fairy is seemingly busy!

pwm2 wrote in post #16929503
Is that the first TF hit in "modern" time?

Maybe so, maybe some of you should jump in so I won't feel lonely! Anyone up to say, being "Spanked by a goat" or, say, a donkey? We already have one who is being "Spanked by a sheep", although in an upside-down sort of way!

Tim, Check out FastStone Image viewer
http://www.faststone.o​rg/

Its free and allows you to do limited editing and adding of effects in your jpeg. One of them is "Oil Painting" which might be what your looking for.

tonylong wrote in post #16929537
Errmm, "Do I really have to respond?"

Well, I was going to type out a "Long-winded" essay, but the Title Fairy is seemingly busy!

Maybe so, maybe some of you should jump in so I won't feel lonely! Anyone up to say, being "Spanked by a goat" or, say, a donkey? We already have on who is being "Spanked by a sheep, although in an upside-down sort of way!

Watch, no-ones going to post ANYTHING for the next couple of hours - knowing the TF is watching.

I'll add another vote for PaintShop Pro. Does just about everything that PhotoShop does at a much lower price.

ScubaDude wrote in post #16930109
I'll add another vote for PaintShop Pro. Does just about everything that PhotoShop does at a much lower price.

How is it PaintShop Pro comparing to the newer versions of Photoshop Elements now? Fairly comparable, or can anyone make the call on one being reasonably superior?