Simple, free photo editing software?

SideWinder · 1 Jan 2007 at 17:53

Basically, my Mum has a Kodak camera and is really getting into photography now. She has tried using the Kodak EasyShare software but we've both agreed it's not as advanced as we'd like it and it's a complete pain to use.

So we're looking for a replacement, something free (Of course!

) that can successfully edit pictures (Change contrast etc).

What is there around that's reletively easy to use but still has many features?

syke · 1 Jan 2007 at 18:02

I THINK Photoshop Elements can be had free?

georges · 1 Jan 2007 at 18:04

Paint.net may be good for you. It's certainly easy.
http://www.getpaint.net/index2.html

olv · 1 Jan 2007 at 18:05

gimp is meant to be quite good

http://www.gimp.org/

photoshop elements often comes free bundled with dslrs, but I dont think it can be legally downloaded free

SideWinder · 1 Jan 2007 at 18:16

After comparing screenshots of Gimp and Paint.NET, i've chosen Paint.NET. Thankyou to you both though.

Bolerus · 1 Jan 2007 at 18:26

paint.net is a pain to install, but once you have it installed its a pretty decent piece of software (for the price)

we have a few diferent ones at work (the usual ones bundled with various software + MGI photosuite) and I always go back to paint.net

georges · 1 Jan 2007 at 22:43

SideWinder said:
After comparing screenshots of Gimp and Paint.NET, i've chosen Paint.NET. Thankyou to you both though.

It's very easy to use..

http://paintdotnet.12.forumer.com/viewforum.php?f=15 <- tutorials, quite a few very good ones.

http://paintdotnet.12.forumer.com/viewforum.php?f=16 <- plugins. I recommend the conditional hue/saturation plugin.

Very easy to use, nice looking, intuitive program.

Bolerus · 1 Jan 2007 at 22:46

sometimes you have to love it when somebody else asks a question, and the answer gives you somethign completely new to try.

I wasnt aware of any mods, so thanks for that as well

georges · 2 Jan 2007 at 14:03

By the way, for some of the things, such as http://paintdotnet.12.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=2756

you'll need the beta version 3, as that has gradient and some other extra features.

Bolerus · 2 Jan 2007 at 14:08

I am a real newbie (but trying to learn) I have only just discovered this weekend. that if you use the rectangle select tool, then perform an effect (red eye reduction for example) it only effects the rectangled area

its obvious really, but hey thats what learning is all about, I am sure we have all had forehead slapping moments

think i better get to grips with all the basics before playing with the plug ins though

thanks for the links again