Well the full Photoshop is very expensive to buy... Photoshop Elements is what most people would probably use for at a hobby level but even that will run you over $100.

I have had a couple of different freebie programs that came with digital cameras... pretty much useless to me but probably ok if you just want to crop, add a border and a title sort of thing. There are also scrapbooking programs you might like, you can get them for about $30-$75. Check Staples or somewhere like that.

I have Jasc Paint Shop Pro which I use for professional editing at work... it took me some experimentation to figure it out on my own but it's a really good program now that I know how it works. Although I never really did master all the fine points of the text feature... grrr. I think it cost around $100.

If you look there are often free trials of software online that you can try for a month or so, to see if you like it.

I use Microsoft Picture It! and I've found it really easy to use. I'm not sure as to the cost of it, as when my cousin made our computer, he just added it on for me.

Last weekend, we were at a friend's house, and she was showing me what Picasa could do, and it sure seemed to have most of what Picture It had, but it's free. I found the page where you can download it, so the link's below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Picasa

I've always wanted to take a class for digital Photography, but living in a hick town they don't have such classes like that. You're going to have to teach us some of the tips and tricks this winter Brenda.

I've been just using the Windows Photo Gallery that came with our new computer. Basic cropping and tinting.

For cool looking stuff I use Paint Shop Pro, although I noticed with our new computer the photo tints to blue, I'm not sure whats up with that?
There is alot to learn with PSP, I've had mine for many years now and I still have only learned 1/4 of the book. LOL.

Sharon

I have several different photo editing programs on my computer. But my favorite is the Picasa that Laurie mentioned above. It is easy as pie.

Shelley

Laurie, what version of Picture It! do you have? I think mine is a fairly old one and i don't find it that easy. I did use it mostly last spring to make the Grade 8 Graduation Program, but i ended up transferring the pictures i was working on to Publisher with better results.

Sharon - funny, for me PSP always oversaturates and tints too green and yellow. I often try the "one-step photo fix" to see if I like what it did, but usually I undo it and manually adjust the pic. It's hard to tell what you've done with different computer screens - but I used to work in a photo factory and am trained to colour adjust photos so it's fun to keep in practice.

Sharon, all I have learned yet is what the F-stop is and shutter speed. Just the basics of cleaning the camera and info about tripods also. More info next Wed. at the next class.

If the programs are that expensive to buy, maybe I will have to ask for some editing programs for Christmas from the kids and/or my DH. Now that I have a new computer with lots of memory space I can easily have space to download programs on photo editing.

Looks like I will have to try out some of the free trials also and also find the Picasa program. Thanks, Laurie for the link.

This looks like it could be a full time winter project to learn all about the photoshop and other programs, besides painting more wooden garden signs and plexiglass pictures, finishing some sewing projects, making jams and jellies, etc, etc. Maybe cleaning the house...only if I get time.

Brenda

Marcia, my Picture It is the 2001 version. I thought it was fairly easy to navigate through anyway. I've mainly added text or borders, or played with the saturations/colours. The one thing that I don't think I can do with Picture It, or maybe just haven't figured out yet, is to have one colour object within a black and white photo, but I know that you can do this on Picasa. There's got to be over 100 different special effects you can use on Picture It! I really like playing with it and seeing what I can come up with.

That's the version i have, Laurie. Maybe i just haven't played with it enough! My sister-in-law says she likes it too. I sometimes think i expect too much from different programs. :)

I 'StumbledUpon' this the other day, it's a list of free editing software, thought someone might find it useful. I use Photoshop for editing my pictures. (BTW, Google's 'Stumble!Upon' is a wonderful way to kill time...)

Here is a link that might be useful: Lots to choose from