On many occasions I’ve read blogs talking about photo editing, and the bloggers getting a little despondent when they talk about how they “can’t afford” Photoshop.
If I were to suggest that you forgo that pair of new shoes this month to buy Photoshop instead, would you be interested? If yes, then read on…
Basically there’s more than one type of Photoshop: the main one is the type used by professional photographers and industries that require advanced techniques (think magazine publication). It costs A LOT – we’re talking healthy three-figure sums, depending on what version you get (ouch).
But did you know about Adobe’s other, much cheaper, version: Photoshop Elements? It’s perfect for bloggers, as sometimes we want to get creative with our image manipulation. We also need red eye reduction, brightness and contrast, cropping, colour cast, adding text… the list goes on. I use Photoshop Elements to edit all images on my blog, create mirror images, and to create the leading images from my PhotoTips Friday posts (like the one above).
The price? A LOT less than £100 for Photoshop Elements 2020 at Amazon.co.uk (price/link updated 28/11/2019). Keep an eye on the price as it sometimes gets reduced a lot for events like Black Friday.
And don’t worry about not knowing how to use it; I am (almost) entirely self-taught, and I’m now pretty proficient at creating images, like the one at the top and the one to pin (below) in about 15 minutes. It will come with practice, and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’re already running a blog, you should be quite good at picking up techniques and working out how to make programs do what you want them to do.
I’ll admit that yes, it’s still a fair bit to shell out – you can get free editing software online like PicMonkey or Pixlr – but I used to think being able to afford Photoshop was like being able to afford Louboutins. But if you’re the kind of girl (like me) that buys Asos shoes, not Louboutins, then you might want to consider Elements.
Has this changed your mind at all about Photoshop? Let me know!
Pin for later!
Fab – thanks for sharing this info. Yes, I definitely cannot afford Photoshop, but these alternatives are absolutely do-able. Thank you! x
I can't afford Photoshop either Fiona – and why *would* you buy it unless you needed it for work or you're a really serious hobbyist? Elements does everything I need it to do… I can't recommend it highly enough! C x
I love your Friday blogging tips posts! Thanks for the tip. We had to buy the expensive photo shop/image editing software for my daughter when she started art school. Thank goodness there's a student discount! Alas, I never thought to ask her to load it onto my computer before she left for college and now I never remember to ask her to bring it back with her when she visits. I've thought about trying gimp, the free version, but I've had mixed results with other open source software in the past, so maybe I'll try the cheaper photoshop.
Thanks for the tip! I've been searching for a cheap version of Photoshop for a while now. I've been using GIMP, which is awesome, you can download it for free and it definitely has all the basics, but it is missing a few things that would be useful for sure!
Nicole
http://www.younglovestyle.blogspot.com
Thanks! I always love your blog tip posts and I've been considering photoshop for a while. I might take the plunge 🙂
Been using Pic Monkey lately, but I'm really so lazy with most of my photos. Thank or the info!
Becky 🙂
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Take a look at mine http://www.dariaburkova.com
I use Pxlr and Pic Monkey for all of my editing! i may consider getting this though because sometimes, I can't do all I need in both programs…
Tiff Ima
Style Honestly
I've had Elements for way too long now. I need to start using it! Ha!
what a great tip! photoshop is an amazing program and this is certainly a steal!
The Preppy Student
Thanks Catherine for your advice. I always appreciate these blog advice posts. Do you think the advantages of Photoshop Elements are quite above what Pixlr, Picasa or Pic Monkey can do ? I don't mind spending the $70 US to buy it but taking the time to learn it concerns me if the results are not going to be far greater than those free on-line options you mentioned. I think your photos look great partyl because you have a great camera and know how to use it.
http://www.not-going-out-like-that.com
I second Photoshop being totally possible to teach yourself. I used to use it to build adverts at my old job, and pretty much entirely learnt it by pressing buttons and seeing what they did. As long as you save any stages you like, just click away!
If you shoot your photos in the RAW form, you can also try Lightroom. It is significantly cheaper than PS as well and even has organizational tools. Plus you can use all sorts of filters and stuff with it. It has all the same white balance/red eye controls as well.
You can also use http://www.gimp.org/ which is the Linux version of photoshop available for both Mac and PC and is free. Perfect for those to try out if you are not sure you want to make the financial commitment.
x
Bonnie Rose | a Compass Rose
you feel like its worth it? much better than picmonkey?
sheree xxx