Photoshop Elements? I like it better than 7.0?

After trying out both trials (PS Elements, PS 7.0), I find Elements most suited for me. I was greatly impressed when I tried 7.0 first. But Elements is so much nicer to use for me. I just do digital photography, and web stuff.

For instance, I had a photo of my favorite Scottish castle...taken on print color film in 1972. Local printers could do nothing with it. But Elements.... better than I had hoped for... here it is. Nothing special, but it has memories... It is Dunnator Castle ruins in Northeast Scotland, on the North Sea.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

I read your original post and was going to suggest Elements 2 for what you need. It should be easier to learn than the full-blown version and is a huge improvement over Picture It. Elements 2 came with my camera so I did not have to purchase it separately but I am satisfied with it's abilities for now. Since you use Picture It you are probably eligible for the $30 rebate - check around the web for prices and you can probably get a really good deal. One drawback is that the upgrade to CS is more expensive if you ever choose to go that route.

A lot of the enhancements in CS (or even 7.0) are geared to more advanced users. You can add some of them to Elements 2 with a $30 book and software available from Richard Lynch "The Hidden Powers of Photoshop Elements 2" which I also found very useful.

I don't know what your original image looked like but check into using layers to modify separate parts of your image - you might be able to retain more of the color in the sky and still bring out the details in the castle and rocks. The straight horizon should help with the selection process in creating the layers. Check into layers in the tutorials.

Good luck!!

I used to use PSE2 over PS, but now I mostly use PS CS because it allows me to stay as simple as PSE2 if I want to but also gives me some things that I now find indespensable:
1. Raw Conversion
2. Curves
3. 16 bit editing
4. Shadows/Highlights Adjustment

Regards,
Scott