Photoshop vs. Photoshop Elements for Novice Photographer

[guzhogi]

I'm thinking about going into photography and hopefully sell some of my photographs. However, I was just wondering what would be better to use: Photoshop or Photoshop Elements?

I mainly do landscape/nature, and want to get into urban, architecture, and so forth if that makes difference.

I'm downloading a trial of both apps to try them both out, but I could use some advice from people with more experience.

Also, if I get Photoshop elements, should I get it directly from Adobe or the Mac App Store? Is there a difference? I know some apps are stripped down on the MAS compared to the versions on the developer's web site.

Thanks for any help!

 

[r.harris1]

I'm thinking about going into photography and hopefully sell some of my photographs. However, I was just wondering what would be better to use: Photoshop or Photoshop Elements?

I mainly do landscape/nature, and want to get into urban, architecture, and so forth if that makes difference.

I'm downloading a trial of both apps to try them both out, but I could use some advice from people with more experience.

Also, if I get Photoshop elements, should I get it directly from Adobe or the Mac App Store? Is there a difference? I know some apps are stripped down on the MAS compared to the versions on the developer's web site.

Thanks for any help!

What are you looking to do with these programs specifically? I don't use Photoshop Elements, but Photoshop is something I dip into only on rare occasions when I need to really do pixel-level work.

It might be worth considering something like Lightroom or Aperture, plus plugins, especially if you are doing lens, color, white-balance, sharpening, noise-reduction or other typical types of corrections. Lightroom and Aperture are both excellent, and I believe you can get a trial of Lightroom. I use Aperture in tandem with Photoshop when needed and I'm very happy with the combo. On Mac OS X, you increasingly also have the option of Pixelmator in place of Photoshop, which gets better with each release.

 

[phrehdd]

What are you looking to do with these programs specifically? I don't use Photoshop Elements, but Photoshop is something I dip into only on rare occasions when I need to really do pixel-level work.

It might be worth considering something like Lightroom or Aperture, plus plugins, especially if you are doing lens, color, white-balance, sharpening, noise-reduction or other typical types of corrections. Lightroom and Aperture are both excellent, and I believe you can get a trial of Lightroom. I use Aperture in tandem with Photoshop when needed and I'm very happy with the combo. On Mac OS X, you increasingly also have the option of Pixelmator in place of Photoshop, which gets better with each release.

Great advice.

 

[fa8362]

If you're a novice, you definitely don't need photoshop. Even Elements might be pushing it. Elements is frequently bundled free with cameras, scanners, and graphic tablets, so you might not even need to buy it.

 

[MCAsan]

Either Aperture or Lightroom to be the starting point. Both have excellent library capabilities plus very good editing tools. With either you can later add plugins from Topaz Labs, Nik Software, OnoneSoftware, and others.

Aperture will cost around $79 from Apple and Lightroom from Adobe will cost around $150.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Another vote for Lightroom with plugins. Look at the following;
Nik software
OnOne
DXO.

 

[ItWasNotMe]

And another vote for Lightroom

 

[snberk103]

Photoshop Elements.

I'm a professional photographer, and the only reason I'm using the full version is because I also teach and therefore get the academic pricing - and then I only upgrade every 2 versions. Though with the subscription pricing I'll likely move to Elements when it's time to upgrade.

Despite having access to the full photoshop, I do most of my editing... over 90% ... in Lightroom (though Aperture is another good choice).

With all of the above said, there are folks who need the full version of Ps. It does typography, special effects, etc etc...however if your photos are not needing a lot graphics work Elements should be fine.

 

[MCAsan]

In lieu of expensive PS for pixel level edits, use Pixelmator for $29 in the app store.

 

[glenthompson]

I also recommend either Lightroom or Aperture for their image management capabilities in addition to the editing capabilities. I prefer Aperture but Lightroom is equal if not better for some people. If you find you outgrow either of those, you can add PS as an external editing tool when needed.

 

[needfx]

I would say that actually learning photoshop cs/cc is the best way to do more stuff with your photos in the future other than just adjustments/corrections. Also, as a control freak, I hate when programs handle file management (eg lightroom) and I steer clear from those.

 

[MiniD3]

What cameras do you have?

If it is a Nikon,
The free View NX2 will get you started
Also, Nikon Capture NX2 would be a good purchase
....Gary

 

[ChrisA]

I'm thinking about going into photography and hopefully sell some of my photographs. However, I was just wondering what would be better to use: Photoshop or Photoshop Elements?...

Elements has every features a photographer needs. The full up PS is better suited for a graphic artist.

I think a great setup is to use Aperture. Then inside aperture you can specify a "default editor". then when you are inside Aperture and need to make an edit, you can double click to bring up the current shot in your "dealt editor". Elements works well in this way. Its transparent

But I can almost always get what I just just using Aperture and maybe a plug-in. I only use Photoshop for edits like demoing small objects or really fixing scans that have dust and scratches.

One trick: Buy a Wacom tablet. You'll need it. The non-pro is good enough for photographic retouch. They bundle PS Elements with some of the Wacom models and it it turns out not to the bthe current version you can upgrade

If you have something like Aperture you will not use either of these very much.

 

[harrygarry]

Multiply is a layer blend mode not a mask. It's hard to explain how layer blend modes work. They are used to change the way 2 layers interact with each other. For example: in the layers panel, the inked drawing is usually on top and the layer you paint on is under it. If you change the blend mode of the inked drawing to Multiply it looks darker when combined with the layer under it. The list of Blend Modes are at the top, left of the Layer Panel where it says "Normal".