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Editing software - Capable, Inexpensive and Easy to Use? (1 Viewer)

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JSimpson

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Hello,

Not much activity here, so thought I would be the first.

What software do most people here use for photo editing? I have a Nikon D7000, so can shoot in RAW mode, but I know very little about software editing. My only real editing experience is using Picasa, which is pretty basic. I did download GIMP, but it requires an add-on program to edit RAW files which I haven't looked into much yet. I don't do a lot of photo editing, but would like to be able to do simple things like adjusting white balance, etc., without spending hours and hours learning how to use the software.

Also, any tips regarding how much and what kind editing you usually do would be helpful.

Thanks,

Joe
 
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Look into LightBox Free Image Editor. Of the free programs I've found, it does pretty good with images from our aquariums. For a free program it has a lot of nice features. Not entirely sure if it'll handle your NEF files though, it'll depend on the program.

GIMP has a ton of features, but like Photoshop has a pretty steep learning curve. Unless you have someone who can give you a few hours initial introduction to its tools and features it'll be a rough first program to use.

For my editing I use Photoshop alone, but Photoshop is my baby and I know all its features in depth :) How much editing you'll need to do will change a bit depending on the settings you use for your camera. With good camera settings all you should really have to do is possibly adjust contrast, remove some blue to bring out natural colors, possibly bring out details in the shadow areas (especially if you underexposed so the highlights weren't blown out at all), and crop to taste.


One note, if you get the exe through the softonic download program, as you go through the menu always check "custom" install, not leave it on "express". And make sure when you do the custom that the other programs aren't checked to install. You'll go through a couple pages of that, then it will download the .exe install file for you. If you leave it on express it'll also install a couple of other annoying browser programs. Once you have just the lightbox .exe file, it is free of any other bloatware. Or just PM me your email address and I can email the direct .exe file to you :)
 
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JSimpson

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Cat,

Thanks for the info. I downloaded Lightbox Free over the weekend (less all the "extras") and will try it out when I have some time. It does look like it will handle the NEF files, but haven't tried yet.
 

CCrescini

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Photoshop for anything hardcore. For a freebie that can handle RAW format, I like Faststone Image Viewer. If I'm working on my iPad, I like using Snapseed. It's part of the Nik software suite, and I really like it.
 
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