Software

What software is everyone using and how much did it cost? I really want to get into Digital photography but am finding the extras can be very expensive. My goal is to have my own home studio and dedicated computer for the software.

I'm starting out with the Canon XTi with the kit lens, Opteka battery grip, Canon 200DG bag and 4 extra batteries. I still need to understand about exposure and purchased two books; Mastering Digital SLR Photography and Understanding Exposure.

So far I've spent 9K over the past three years on camera bodies, lenses, books, computers, software, and accessories. I figure I'll need to spend about 5K in addition to that to be professionally equipped for a studio. My next move is to upgrade my computers to Macs with dual core processors and external hard drives. I may consider Adobe Lightroom or Capture 1 software, as I've seen a lot of positive feedback about them. I'll also be adding studio lighting and a few basic backdrops for indoor shots. My friend and I are planning on sharing the rent on a studio for his videography and my photography business. I'm also probably looking at legal fees at the beginning of the caledar year when I switch from Schedule C to an S corporation for tax purposes. I had considered LLC but didn't feel it offered adequate protection from personal liability.

The best advice I can give you is to learn the business of photography, including marketing. That's the only way you'll be a true success.

I have no intention on making photography my business, just a hobby. So spending as much as you have invested in it is out of the equation.

Right now I'm really just looking for software. It seems everyone is using Photoshop but that sure seems expensive.

Sorry. I misunderstood your intent. Photoshop is the industry standard, although Photoshop Elements 5 would probably serve you adequately. It's about 80 bucks at WalMart.

Also look at Paint Shop Pro XI. It goes for about $99 and is quite good. Corel just bought the Jasc so it could own the software. My understanding is that Corel wants to use it to give Photoshop a run for its money in the Photography world. Photoshop CS2 is in the $600 range. I have both and if you have not invested in it, think about Paint Shop Pro as an option. It quite good and I know of a couple of pros who like it every much.

So Photoshop Elements 5 or Paint Shop Pro XI would really give me all the power I would need for a beginner?

And then some...

I just looked at both programs on Amazon.com and there weren't many good things people were saying about Photoshop Elements 5. But there were mostly great reviews for Paint Shop Pro XI. Any comments?

Not many people have Elements 5 yet. I wouldn't go by reviews on Amazon, though. Haven't seen many on that site that were accurate.

Okay then, in your opinion which program provides more abilities? Paint Shop Pro XI has a $30 rebate right now.

For what you're wanting to do, go with the least expensive option.

So then Paint Shop Pro XI? As you can tell I am really undecided on what to get.

I use DPP which came with my XT. I use PhotoShop Elements 2 which came with my Nikon 3100. I really don't feel like paying to buy more software.

Well my Canon XTi didn't come with much, so I have to buy another program.

I've got Photoshop 7 on my company work computer, Photoshop CS2 on my personal work computer, and Elements on my gaming computer. Elements came with my camera, PS7 was provided by my office, and CS2 was, umm, let say I have the shareware version and I'm evaluating it.

Some other great, really free, software out there. www.irfanview.com Basic image viewer that is really quick and easy to use. I always use it when showing stuff to people or going through the first review to delete the crap. downloads.google.com has Picassa 2, a really good image management tool with so decent, quick and dirty editing . That I use to held find specific photos at a later date.