Paint shop pro?

[Pappy]

I just got a new printer and it came with this software for a test run. I also have photoshop and photo studio on my pc.

I usually just crop my images, but with me having some time on my hands i tried using the new program. what do you all use and what do you thing works best (and easiest)?

here is a before shot, that was cropped and used in race coverage

[Pappy]

here is the same image edited by PSP

[Pappy]

unedited pic, with no crop

[Atkins]

Im trying to learn photoshop right now, just because you can basically do anything you want with it once you understand how to use it. I would hate to master something like paint shop pro only to realize that i cant do alot with it.

Im sure it will work out great for you though Pappy once you get to know it good enough to revamp your race pics.

[Pappy]

edited by PSP

[Pappy]

yeah photoshop is a nightmare unless you learn it properly, and thankfully most of my pics need little to no editing (the photography classes i took paid off..lol)

its still nice to be able to salvage a half arse shot tho.

[Guy400]

The brightness is certainly better on the PSP photos but the pics appear to be severely grainy. Maybe it's just from the resize so it can be attached to the site:confused:

[FoxRacing81]

You can have as much ability in Paintshop Pro to do whatever you want just like in Photoshop. Paintshop Pro is just a little different and IMO a lot easier to use. I used to make different skins (paint jobs) for cars on this online computer game called Motor City Online....everyone used photoshop..but most of the good guys used Paintshop Pro....just down to person preference I guess...

Keep at it Pappy, and what number Paintshop Pro do you have? I use Paintshop Pro 7...I think the newest one is PaintShop Pro 9.

[Ralph]

Photoshop might not be easier but it is better. here i just did a few simple things that anyone could do. Still doesnt look like gold but i think its better

[Pappy]

here is one of the pics above edited by my usually photo editor. not sure about the grain, i will have to check the settings on the new program

[FoxRacing81]

This is what I did real quick with paintshop pro.

[Mxjunkie]

This is going to sound stupid but, The paintshop one actually makes them look like a painting for some odd reason when the pictures are edited.

[FoxRacing81]

....

Originally posted by Pappy
edited by PSP

Pappy, in PSP, you have to turn down teh compression of the jpeg when your saving it thats why it looks so crappy.

PSP can to just a good a job as photoshop.. i use that and gimp. PHotoshop to me is big and bulky for no reason.

[Pappy]

i believe dierwolf is correct, and i will check the compression settings.

i have a 30 day free trial of psp but doubt i will purchase it. i can see where it is slightly easier to use then PS tho.

Here is me using PSP in the office,

Original picture from Blingstar Contest
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/d5quads/quads/YZcompleted016.jpg

CROPPED
http://www.island-designs.com/pictures/CROPPED.jpg


RESIZED
http://www.island-designs.com/pictures/RESIZED.jpg

RETOUCHED AND GAMMA CORRECTED
http://www.island-designs.com/pictures/RETOUCHED.jpg

As you can see none come out like your pappy, and i didnt change any settings.... how are you saving the files?

my attempted at Pappies picture.

BEFORE!
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1759468

AFTER!
http://www.island-designs.com/pictures/fixedattempt.png

Process:

1. Duplicate layer made of original image and set to OVERLAY mode.

2. Adjusted brightness and contrast on duplicate image
3. Gausian Blur factor of 6 on Dupilcate image (gets rid of noise in original picture when overlayed)
4. removed whatever needs to be sharp in original picture from the duplicate (quad and guy)
5. Sprayed in highlights on quad and guy on Duplicate image

This is what the overlayed duplicate image looks like
http://www.island-designs.com/pictures/overlayedd.jpg

[Pappy]

when i use my standard program, i resize for the site and save to file. with that program it has the option to save size when compressed or something along that line. i usually crop, and then resize and thats it, relying on my photography to not need enhancement etc.

with the new program id have to check all the settings because i thought i saved it like it should be for the compression etc.

here is a pic straight from my camera, i dont even think i cropped it. its been resized only. is it any clearer or show signs of compression? i have a hard time telling once the pics are made smaller, but i have thought the resizing takes away from the picture.

OK your using the export Jpg which gives you the option to optimize the image size.....

Yes there is very little signs of compression on the last picture you did, right by the 2 holes on the side plastic (artifacts) but all in all its ok...

I would not set the compression any higher than 15% Jpeg files are already small in size so really dont need compression just resize it to fit the forum.