A Newbie Question

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 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

Sylvia M wrote:

> HI
> I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
> What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
>
> Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
>
> Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
>
> HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
>
> Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
>
> Microsoft Picture it
>
> GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
>
> OK, probably too much information...
>
> I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
> off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50
>
> Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?
> Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?
> Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical question!
>
> T.I.A.
>
> Sylvia M.

I would go ahead and buy PSE6. It has a few warts but it works quite
well. For $50 it is a good buy. PSE6 has some 'wizards' that will guide
you thru picture correction and enhancement. Later, as you gather
experience, you can dispense with the 'wizards' and use the automatic
and manual methods of correction and enhancement.

PSE6 also has an 'organizer' function, actually a separate program,
that will duplicate the organizational functions in Picassa. Some
people swear by it and some people swear at it. Try it out and judge
for yourself.

If you are going to pop for the program, I would also buy the book
"Photoshop Elements 6 The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage. IMHO
this is an excellent book for learning PSE6.

Good luck.

--
Cliff
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

"CJ" <cje20.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:13panr72505bhec@corp.supernews.com...
> Sylvia M wrote:
>
>> HI
>> I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
>> What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
>>
>> Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
>>
>> Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
>>
>> HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
>>
>> Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
>>
>> Microsoft Picture it
>>
>> GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
>>
>> OK, probably too much information...
>>
>> I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
>> off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50
>>
>> Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?
>> Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?
>> Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical question!
>>
>> T.I.A.
>>
>> Sylvia M.
>
> I would go ahead and buy PSE6. It has a few warts but it works quite
> well. For $50 it is a good buy. PSE6 has some 'wizards' that will
> guide
> you thru picture correction and enhancement. Later, as you gather
> experience, you can dispense with the 'wizards' and use the automatic
> and manual methods of correction and enhancement.
>
> PSE6 also has an 'organizer' function, actually a separate program,
> that will duplicate the organizational functions in Picassa. Some
> people swear by it and some people swear at it. Try it out and judge
> for yourself.
>
> If you are going to pop for the program, I would also buy the book
> "Photoshop Elements 6 The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage. IMHO
> this is an excellent book for learning PSE6.
>
> Good luck.
>
> --
> Cliff

Thanks to all!
The 'Missing Manual' is the missing convincer for me!
If....no....*when* I come back here with my questions, do remember that
you told me to try it

Many thanks again
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

Sylvia M wrote:

>
> "CJ" <cje20.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:13panr72505bhec@corp.supernews.com...
> > Sylvia M wrote:
> >
> > > HI
> > > I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
> > > What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
> > >
> > > Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
> > >
> > > Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
> > >
> > > HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
> > >
> > > Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
> > >
> > > Microsoft Picture it
> > >
> > > GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
> > >
> > > OK, probably too much information...
> > >
> > > I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
> > > off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50
> > >
> > > Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?
> > > Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?
> > > Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical
> > > question!
> > >
> > > T.I.A.
> > >
> > > Sylvia M.
> >
> > I would go ahead and buy PSE6. It has a few warts but it works quite
> > well. For $50 it is a good buy. PSE6 has some 'wizards' that will
> > guide you thru picture correction and enhancement. Later, as you
> > gather experience, you can dispense with the 'wizards' and use the
> > automatic and manual methods of correction and enhancement.
> >
> > PSE6 also has an 'organizer' function, actually a separate program,
> > that will duplicate the organizational functions in Picassa. Some
> > people swear by it and some people swear at it. Try it out and judge
> > for yourself.
> >
> > If you are going to pop for the program, I would also buy the book
> > "Photoshop Elements 6 The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage. IMHO
> > this is an excellent book for learning PSE6.
> >
> > Good luck.
> >
> > -- Cliff
>
> Thanks to all!
> The 'Missing Manual' is the missing convincer for me!
> If....no....*when* I come back here with my questions, do remember
> that you told me to try it
>
> Many thanks again

Something you might consider, there is a free 30 day trial of PSE6
available from Adobe. You can either do the 475MB download or order a
free DVD.
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?loc=en%5Fus&product=photosh
op%5Felements

--
Cliff
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

"CJ" <cje20.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:13pauovl9g6kt8f@corp.supernews.com...
> Sylvia M wrote:
>
>>
>> "CJ" <cje20.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:13panr72505bhec@corp.supernews.com...
>> > Sylvia M wrote:
>> >
>> > > HI
>> > > I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
>> > > What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
>> > >
>> > > Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
>> > >
>> > > Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
>> > >
>> > > HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
>> > >
>> > > Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
>> > >
>> > > Microsoft Picture it
>> > >
>> > > GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
>> > >
>> > > OK, probably too much information...
>> > >
>> > > I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
>> > > off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50
>> > >
>> > > Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?
>> > > Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?
>> > > Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical
>> > > question!
>> > >
>> > > T.I.A.
>> > >
>> > > Sylvia M.
>> >
>> > I would go ahead and buy PSE6. It has a few warts but it works
>> > quite
>> > well. For $50 it is a good buy. PSE6 has some 'wizards' that will
>> > guide you thru picture correction and enhancement. Later, as you
>> > gather experience, you can dispense with the 'wizards' and use the
>> > automatic and manual methods of correction and enhancement.
>> >
>> > PSE6 also has an 'organizer' function, actually a separate program,
>> > that will duplicate the organizational functions in Picassa. Some
>> > people swear by it and some people swear at it. Try it out and
>> > judge
>> > for yourself.
>> >
>> > If you are going to pop for the program, I would also buy the book
>> > "Photoshop Elements 6 The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage. IMHO
>> > this is an excellent book for learning PSE6.
>> >
>> > Good luck.
>> >
>> > -- Cliff
>>
>> Thanks to all!
>> The 'Missing Manual' is the missing convincer for me!
>> If....no....*when* I come back here with my questions, do remember
>> that you told me to try it
>>
>> Many thanks again
>
> Something you might consider, there is a free 30 day trial of PSE6
> available from Adobe. You can either do the 475MB download or order a
> free DVD.
> https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?loc=en%5Fus&product=photosh
> op%5Felements
>
> --
> Cliff

Thanks for that info, but since Costco only has it on sale for a only a
week,(Not Spam) I'll splurge half a c-note, plus I have a Barnes and
Nobel gift card that's growing whiskers, so I'll pick up the book...then
I'll be committed and motivated to learn at least the basics of the
program.
Sylvia M.
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

"Sylvia M" <xxxnotxxx.nsmol.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote:
> snip <
> Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)

Didn't like it.

> GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out

Me either...

> OK, probably too much information...
>
> I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
> off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50

Good deal.

> Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?

Yes.

> Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?

Steep. Or not. Depends on what you want to do. Doesn't really matter
though.

> Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical question!

That would be the which book should I buy question. Someone pointed you to
a book already. I was going to point you to the one I got, but I'm not at
home and can't remember what it was. :O)

What I will say is this; If you're like me and learn better through doing
real things, on your own pictures, than tutorial type things, then get one
of the books that has little "recipe" type things in it. That's the type of
book I got that was of most value. After I read the book and started
working on my own pictures, I could remember something from the book I would
need and then go find it. That's how I learned where things are, and what
does what.

I used to use PhotoImpact and loved it. I tried trails of Photoshop
Elements, but could never wrap my brain around it tight enough. Then, like
you, I found it on sale and said, "What the heck!" Once I got into it, it
was so much better, there's no way I want to go back to my old program.

Hope all that jibber jabber helped some.

Have fun,
Dave
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

"Sylvia M" <xxxnotxxx.nsmol.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:13pav72a5evi0d@corp.supernews.com...
>
> "CJ" <cje20.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:13pauovl9g6kt8f@corp.supernews.com...

>> Something you might consider, there is a free 30 day trial of PSE6
>> available from Adobe. You can either do the 475MB download or order a
>> free DVD.
>> https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?loc=en%5Fus&product=photosh
>> op%5Felements
>>
>> --
>> Cliff
>
> Thanks for that info, but since Costco only has it on sale for a only a
> week,(Not Spam) I'll splurge half a c-note, plus I have a Barnes and Nobel
> gift card that's growing whiskers, so I'll pick up the book...then I'll be
> committed and motivated to learn at least the basics of the program.

Enjoy your new hobby.
Some of the procedures I follow may help you. Do not be afraid to
experiment. Remember the book is only a guide. Don't worry if your result is
different than the book. It's supposed to be. You can only get your own
style by pushing different buttons to see what happens. Just make a back up
first.
Read these lists and cull tips that may work for you. Find a free place to
post your photos. There are folks who will be more than willing, within
reason, to assist with particular problems. Local camera clubs are a good
place to learn, but don't get me started on the judging system. There ore
tons of tutorials on the web.
There are many ways to do accomplish the same result. No one way is right,
it's only right if it works for you.
Enjoy your new hobby. (did I say that earlier?)

HTH

--
Peter
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:54:24 -0600, Joel <Joel RemoveThis @NoSpam.com> wrote:


>
> I don't know where to find stupid answer to give you, but it's just as
>simplest as.
>


Don't search for stupid answers, Joel.
Usually you succeed even without any effort.

Dave
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

Sylvia M wrote:
> HI
> I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
> What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
>
> Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
>
> Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
>
> HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
>
> Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
>
> Microsoft Picture it
>
> GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
>
> OK, probably too much information...
>
> I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
> off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50

Sounds like a bargain to me.

> Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?

You probably won't regret it.
It's a fine application. It may lack a handfull of tools that are available
in the full version of photoshop, but you'll find that there are alternative
ways of doing things, so you'll still get pretty much the same creativity.
You'll just have to approach tasks in a slightly different way.
Most of the tools that are missing in Elements are ones that you'll probably
never use. They're generally quite high-end pro user tools, so chances are
you won't even miss them...Especially if you've never been used to having
them in the first place.

The big selling feature is that you're buying an Adobe product.
That means quality, reliability, a manual and a full support package.
Plus, you'll find that most (if not all) digital photo and imaging magazines
do all their tutorials in Photoshop and PS Elements versions, so you won't
struggle to follow their step by step instructions.

> Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?

How long is a piece of string. It really all depends on what you want to use
it for, how quick a learner you are, and how much you already know about
digital imaging.
To be honest though, it should be an easy learning curve to follow. There's
gazillions of tutorials online for Elements, hundreds of books about it in
the book stores, it comes with good documentation and user guides, and most
digital imaging magazines are full of tutorials for it.

> Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical question!

Not to worry.
Just hold that thought, and when you think of one, pop in here and ask it.
The majority of us in this group are helpfull and friendly folks.
Those that aren't can safely be ignored, as their comments and advice isn't
worth listening to anyway.
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:33:50 -0800, "Sylvia M"
<xxxnotxxx.nsmol RemoveThis @invalid.com> wrote:

>HI
>I've been lurking a while, with most going over my head.
>What I have photo-wise and peripherals:
>
>Canon 'PowerShot' A-550 (fairly new to me)
>
>Minalta Freedom Zoom150 with aspherical lens
>
>HP scanjet 3670 ( I use to scan in the Minalta photos)
>
>Picasa 2.7 (I use most of it's features)
>
>Microsoft Picture it
>
>GIMPshop --- Free download --- I can't figure it out
>
>OK, probably too much information...
>
>I'm considering Adobe Elements 6.0. Costco has a $30
>off deal, so I don't have much to loose at $50
>
>Stupid Question #1: Should I buy it?
>Stupid Question #2: How steep is the learning curve?
>Stupid Question #3: OMG..I don't even know the next logical question!

I use both Photoshop 7.0 and Elements 5.0. I had Photoshop first, but
purchased Elements because my daughter started on it and I wanted to
be able to answer some of her questions.

For editing photos, Elements is far superior to what you now use. If
you intend to do more than crop, resize, and do minor adjustments,
Elements is well worth the price. If you have no interest in
progressing in the area of editing, there's no need for you to buy it.

There is a learning curve, but "steep" is in the eye of the beholder.
There are hundreds of on-line tutorials and sources from which to get
quick answers when you get hung up.

There is an "Organizer" in Elements that is fairly difficult to learn,
but you can use other programs to organize your photos. You needn't
even open the "Organizer" feature. It does allow you to tag images
six ways from the middle in order to find people or types of images if
you have a lot of images. It also allows you to make slideshows of
your images for distribution to others.

Elements has a "Quick Edit" mode that is extremely easy to work with.
Does a good job, too. If you scan old prints into Quick Edit, you can
adjust them very easily.

I'd suggest you purchase a book like "Classroom in a Book for Adobe
Elements (Version x.x) " if you buy Elements. That'll jump-start you.
You can purchase a used book for about $23 on Amazon. A 5.0 version
would be just as good since few changes have been made between
versions.

Personally, I *hate* Picasa. I know it has some loyal fans, but it
"takes over" images. You wouldn't need it if you learn the Organizer
module of Elements.

Microsoft "Picture It" is just another image viewer, and - in my
opinion, too slow to load images. I deleted it from my HD and use the
free FastStone Image Viewer http://www.faststone.org/ because it loads
quickly and can be used to easily renumber or reformat images.

Forget The Gimp. That's an open source program that compares to
Photoshop (full version), but is designed for people who know how to
work with Photoshop but don't have it on their home computer. Based
on your post, you aren't ready for that.

You didn't mention what OS you are using. If it's Windows XP,
Elements will work fine. If it's Vista, you might have problems but
Vista has problems with everything. If it's Mac, I dunno if there's
an Elements 6.0 version.








--

Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question 

On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:07:26 -0500, Voivod <Voi.TakeThisOut@vod.con> wrote:

>On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:53:02 -0800, "flambe" <fac187.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com>
>scribbled:
>
>>Elements is "better" than the programs you currently have only if you take
>>the time to learn how to use it.
>
>How is Elements better than the Gimp?
>
Horses for courses. The Gimp is for the experienced Photoshop user
who doesn't have Photoshop on a home computer. Elements is for those
just starting out in image manipulation. The learning curve is
easier, tutorials are all over the web, and the program is fairly
intuitive.

The Gimp has more features, but if the user can't figure out how to
use the features they might as well not be there.


--

Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
 >> Stay informed about: A Newbie Question