A tool I use everyday (along with my coffee maker) is Adobe PhotoShop. Oh the joy. I’ve been using PhotoShop since version 3.0 (its up to 11 now…). I love how powerful and robust it is. Even after 13 years of use, I am always learning something new.
If you are a blogger, photo editing is a must. At the very least, you will need to resize a photo in order to upload and insert it into a post or sidebar. What about creating a fun banner that incorporates your favorite image and your blog name? Or maybe that spinach in your teeth just wont do for Wordless Wednesday.
But as big a cheerleader for PhotoShop as I am, I know its not for everyone. The learning curve is substantial and the price tag is heafty. Not everyone has the time or desire to committ to such an undertaking. But not to fear, you have options!
Here are a few…
1. PhotoShop – As mentioned above, this is the mother load. If you have the time to really sit down and learn it, you will not be disappointed. Just beware that you will be sucked in and your kids will wonder why dinner isn’t on the table. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t make dinner). Remember you can get good deals on eBay and Amazon…just look out for the $1 auctions (probably illegal copies…).
2. PhotoShop Elements – This is a great option at a much cheaper price. You can pick it up for around $100 (and Adobe.com is offering it at 40% off for Mother’s Day!). Elements combines power and simplicity and gives you plenty of tools to edit your photos for use with your blog.
3. Google Picasa – A great option for simple photo editing. Picasa offers red-eye reduction, retouching, cropping, special effect and more. And, its free!
4. Picnik – Another free option is Picnik. Totally web-based, Picnik lets you crop, retouch, rotate, add text and special effects. There are plenty of free features, but you can also purchase Premium membership which offers more creative effects.
I hope this was helpful information. You don’t have to be intimidated by photo editing software. Even with the full version of PhotoShop, there are plenting of tutorials and resources on the web for all knowledge levels. A little time and concentration goes a long way!
I’ve been using Picnik and like it. I have used Photoshop in my former careers and I do miss having access to it. But Picnik works for my blogging needs.
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I use PhotoShop. I love it, but I’m also intimidated by it.
Do you have any books/websites/resources that you would recommend that effectively teach basic PS concepts?
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Great question Steph! I have bought countless books on PhotoShop and have learned a lot that way. But even more, I love learning through video tutorials. One resource I like is http://tv.adobe.com/#pg+1584 on the Adobe site. You should check it out…they cover a lot of different topics. (And you can always shoot me an email!)
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