Recommendation for cheap or free photo processing software?

[rob_w]

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I am often asked by friends what software I use for processing photos.  When I tell them LR they become uncomfortable with the price or complexity or both.  Mostly they just want something to do simple adjustments: straighten, crop, adjust exposure, correct colour casts, maybe only on JPEGs from a P&S or entry level consumer SLR.

 

It happened again last weekend so I thought I would ask my Forum colleagues what they recommend in similar circumstances.  Years ago Picasa was considered a good, free offering.  For any Apple Mac users iPhoto and its successor come for free.  But I don't know what the popular choices are for Windows, and if they are free or at least inexpensive.  What recommendations do you make under similar circumstances?  Thanks

 

 

[Doc Henry]

Robert, I shoot now film * and finish (almost) digital for me (M8-M9)
I do not need photo software  but get Picasa 3 , it's satisfying and it's free
I am like you, no need to buy other software because you must

upgrade with fee each time

Best

Henry

*http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/page-213?do=findComment&comment=2806753

Edited April 29, 2015 by Doc Henry

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For simple tasks, I used to use IrfanView. Photoshop Elements also comes to mind, which is not free but often comes free with photographic gear such as cameras, scanners and such. Someone of your acquaintances probably has one which is not used.

[Jeff S]

I am like you, no need to buy other software because you must

upgrade with fee each time

 

 

Not so with the interim upgrades within each LR iteration, e.g. going from LR 5 to 5.2, 5.3…..up to 5.7, which was the latest before LR6.  These interim free upgrades often contain useful improvements, some of which happen automatically, e.g., noise reduction, etc.  And if one is a current LR user, the upgrade fee for the new iteration is typically half of retail, lately about $79 in US every couple of years.  To me this is peanuts for what you get, even if some features are little used.  Plus there's no requirement to upgrade.  Just my take….YMMV, as always.

 

 

Jeff

[Guest]

IrfanView would also be my first recommendation for a simple free image editing program.

If it may be a bit more complicated later on, also the free application GIMP would be worth considering. 

http://www.gimp.org

But it is as extensive and tricky as the great paid programs, not just recommended for beginners.

[rob_w]

Thanks guys.  To be clear, I am a long-standing user of Lightroom so the question is not on my own behalf.  It is for friends who would like to do a little post processing (when they see what can be done) but are shy of a major financial commitment and learning effort. 

 

Looks like Picasa is still going strong.  IrfanView is new to me, I will check it out, thanks.

 

As for Photo on the Mac, it is drawing a lot of negative comment elsewhere on the forum, so maybe a Mac recommendation IS needed.  I wonder if long-time iPhoto users are as disappointed as some on here are?

[wda]

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What about Adobe Elements? Ideal for beginners with growth potential if their interest is sparked.

[rob_w]

Yes, I did recommend Elements to someone a few months back and they have been very pleased with it.

[Doc Henry]

Hi Jeff,

I'll tell you my story briefly for not bother you
 

I have Lightroom 3 with Silver Effex (SE) . It works well under Windows XP untill Bill Gates decided to stop XP.
Result I switch to Vista license purchased for a second computer
 

Patatra Lightroom walk but not SE. I have to buy a new Lightroom for Windows 7 or 8 and I have to pay for SE upgrade
 

Result of history :  I have for almost 300 Euros + buy Windows 7 and I must change my PC
 

As I said above, I did not need to correct with film (or very little) I shoot now with my 2 MP and M7, so no need to buy additional software. I stop here the charges. All updates are expensive in my opinion
.... and the color is so beautiful and natural (without correction) with film comparing with my 2 digital M (always need correction) 

Best

Henry

Edited April 30, 2015 by Doc Henry

[Doc Henry]

Yes, I did recommend Elements to someone a few months back and they have been very pleased with it.

Is it free ?

Henry

[pop]

Photoshop Elements also comes to mind, which is not free but often comes free with photographic gear such as cameras, scanners and such. Someone of your acquaintances probably has one which is not used.

 

 

Is it free ?

Henry

See above. I just had a look into my drawer and I must have three or four CDs there, none of which has seen any use at all.

[Doc Henry]

Philip thank you for your suggestion.
I had Elements PS when I bought my first Epson scanner comes free with the scanner.
It's very simple but less efficient than expensive LR

Best

Henry

Edited April 30, 2015 by Doc Henry

[robert blu]

I'km a very satisfied user of LR from the first edition. I like how I can organize pictures, keep track of them, try different version of the same files when making postproduction.

 

As for the cost I sometimes think many photographers are a little "special" *   . No problem in spending many thousands  Eur  (or $) for a lens, to upgrade a camera or buying film.

I use now Adobe CC and LR+Photoshop cost me less than two rolls of film a month. How much do we spend just for films and developers (if we shoot film), to buy additional SD cards, to buy and read a photo magazine?

 

 This applies to many of my friends passionate photographers who objects CC being too expensive, I'm not referring to people here on the forum.

 

Just my idea, sorry if it disturb anyone bur LR is a real interesting sw when you learn how to use it.

 

robert

 

* English is not my mother language, I wrote "special" hoping not to offend anyone, please understand what I mean, thanks.

Edited April 30, 2015 by robert blu

[Jeff S]

Hi Jeff,

I'll tell you my story briefly for not bother you

 

I have Lightroom 3 with Silver Effex (SE) . It works well under Windows XP untill Bill Gates decided to stop XP.

Result I switch to Vista license purchased for a second computer

 

Patatra Lightroom walk but not SE. I have to buy a new Lightroom for Windows 7 or 8 and I have to pay for SE upgrade

 

Result of history :  I have for almost 300 Euros + buy Windows 7 and I must change my PC

 

As I said above, I did not need to correct with film (or very little) I shoot now with my 2 MP and M7, so no need to buy additional software. I stop here the charges. All updates are expensive in my opinion

.... and the color is so beautiful and natural (without correction) with film comparing with my 2 digital M (always need correction) 

Best

Henry

Different strokes…whatever works for you, or anyone, is good.

 

My take is that photography costs money, especially if one wants the best print possible, which for me necessarily involves PP regardless of file (or negative) quality.  Computer and software upgrades are a pain in the ass, but necessary…and my costs are still far less than I used to spend on film, chemicals, darkroom gear, etc.  Pick your poison.

 

Jeff