Idiots guide to image processing

[Spie]

I have virtually no experience in image processing and all my photos are printed from jpegs. Is there an idiots guide somewhere than could point me in the right direction including what software to use?

 

[Spie]

No alternatives? Simpler maybe?

 

[Spie]

I think I've got Photoshop Elements on my 5D disc. I'll try and find it.

 

[Spie]

How much processing are you actually intending to do? If it's just basic levels and colour adjustments then elements will be fine.

Printing from Jpeg is fine.

Not a lot really, for now. I think I'll try Elements first. I thought it was on the 5D disc, but it's not. I'll download the trial from Adobe and see how I get on.

 

[Spie]

Spie - you say you print from jpeg (most of us do) but do you shoot in RAW or shoot in JPG?

You will find, if you dont already, that RAW give a much greater flexibility and allows for recovery of images which would be otherwise unusable, especially low light conditions which you seem to be mentioning recently.

That was the reason for asking. I want to start shooting in RAW and wanted an introduction to image processing.

I've downloaded Elements 4 and it looks quite straightforward. Lots of filters though.