Editing Software

The software CDs supplied with some cameras contain image editing applications ranging from very basic to reasonably powerful manipulation programs. Leading computer operating systems, such as Windows and Mac OS come with integrated image browsers that usually include editors and sharing tools. Apple’s iPhoto is a good example.

However, most keen photographers prefer to choose their own image editors. We’re highlighting the freeware applications in this chapter because there are plenty to choose from, at all levels of complexity from very basic to professional standard.
At the most basic level, Google’s Picasa combines an image organiser that will ‘manage’ your photos when you upload them to your computer with an editor and effects and projects creator and also lets you upload images to Picasa Web Albums for sharing. Picasa has been designed for Windows computers but can also be run on Macintosh and Linux operating systems.

Google’s Picasa is an excellent freeware application for novice photographers because it provides organising, editing and sharing functions.
Irfanview is essentially a viewing and file organisation program that also contains editing tools for sharpening, cropping and changing colour depth as well as painting and drawing tools. Batch processing facilities (for applying the same change to a number of files) are extensive and slideshows can be viewed, saved or burned to CD or DVD.

Ifranview is a more sophisticated file organiser that also includes facilities for copying image files onto optical disks.
The GIMP is a powerful and sophisticated freeware editor that includes many of the tools found in expensive professional applications. Designed for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring, GIMP is written and developed under X11 on UNIX platforms but will run on Windows and Mac OS X.

The GIMP is a powerful, freeware image editor that will run on all popular computer operating systems.
The essential difference between freeware and software you must purchase is that the latter has undergone more rigorous testing and is backed up with technical support. When you use freeware you must be your own problem-solver although, if the application crashes or you can’t make it perform the functions you require, the main cost is your time.

Investing several hundred dollars in editing software is rarely worthwhile for snapshooters because most will only use a fraction of the application’s functions. Serious photographers who wish to become deeply involved in image manipulation will usually find the investment worthwhile, although the high cost of a professional application like Adobe’s Photoshop would usually be viewed as overkill.
This is an excerpt from Mastering Digital Photography Pocket Guide 2nd Edition.
Click here for more details on this and other titles in the Pocket Guide series.

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