by Dawna Dees

Created on: May 24, 2009

As every digital camera photographer has experienced, what we saw was not quite what we got. This is not anything we worry ourselves over nowadays though. We have a vast selection of options, right at out our fingertips. Digital photography has changed everything about how we process our photos today. Every possible supply we need to make great photography is available to anyone who holds and interest, hobby or occupation that deals with photos.

The wide variety of options that are available for editing photos on your computer can be overwhelming and time consuming to sort through on your own. I have tried as many different programs as I could download into my CD driver in a day. Every brand may not have all the options you desire. There are programs that offer very minimal touch ups and at the opposite end of the spectrum, there are programs that can transform your image of a dull flat dessert into a beautiful oasis, camel included.

I refer to different editors, depending on exactly what my editing problem is at the moment. The software I depend on, with the widest range of editing options, is MGI Photo Suite. It is great for beginners and the experienced as well. This program allows you to adjust the effects on the photo as a whole or you can work on individual details within your image. Cropping and resizing, warps and cloning. It's wonderful.

The second software choice would be Picasa3, which also offers on-line photo storage, at no additional cost. This program is actually the quickest to use and the easiest to navigate through. Your pictures can be directly uploaded into your PC using Picasa3. The only drawback with this program is the inability to use or create any individual or freehand changes. The image is enhanced in it's entirety. It is still fabulous and I couldn't live without it.

The next runner up is Paint.net. Navigating this program can become confusing, until you are used to it. It's not a difficult program, I adore it. There are, however, options that require firm memory skills to locate. With all the editing that it offers, the toolbar seems over saturated with buttons and tabs, although they have placed several keys around the screen that are mobile and convenient. There is just so much you can do with this software, the options could overwhelm the beginner. At least in the beginning.

On a professional level, the creme d la creme, would be Adobe Photoshop Elements. This is the most complete photo editing package available. There is very little that can not be accomplished with this software. This is not suggested for a beginner and probably only a quick learning novice. You will need to learn this program. You will not be able to jump in the driver's seat and cruise your way through it. This is an advanced program for professionals and professional quality prints.

Following in the shadow, with much similarity, is Corel Paint Shop Pro. Also a fairly complete array of editing abilities that will give you excellent results. I would suggest a scale of novice to pro, hence the word Pro in the title. Choosing the right photo editing software can wear out you and your pocketbook. Hopefully, with these suggestions, you can eliminate some of the guess work involved and quickly get your photos exactly as you envision them.

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