Photoshop Opinions

Hello everybody

I am planning on purchasing Photoshop sometime soon.

However, I have NO CLUE as to what version would be best for me. LOL

I want to be able to perform basic to intermediate and some advanced edits to my photos such as extracting parts of a photo and putting it on a neat background, or adding borders/frames to my photos.
I also want to be able to edit photos (Exposure, color values, cool effects, etc.) and touch them up.

I don't mind the price - I just want something that's advanced as possible while still catering to my lack of Photoshop skills.


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So for those of you who have used or do use Photoshop:

What skill-level would you have considered yourself before you bought Photoshop? Did you think you were totally new and had no idea how to use it, or did you think you would naturally "get it", or what?

Based on that, what version did you end up buying?

How do you like the version you bought and what are some of it's great features?

What would you recommend for me? I have no Photoshop skills based on the trials I have run on friends' and relatives' computers. I would like something that's powerful yet easy to use.



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Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions you all can give

I haven't really used Elements, which is the 'beginners' package, but from what I saw, the interface is pretty much the same as normal photoshop - so it's only really a matter of more features and options.

If money is not an issue I would get Photoshop rather than Elements, as you will prob find that at times you wish you had some of the more advanced options.

There should be trials for both Elements and Photoshop - so I would get them both and give them a whirl, and if you're happy using the main Photoshop.. then you can't go wrong

Thanks, Azz

I am trying out Elements 6.

It's pretty neat, and very easy to use. I am already having fun. LOL

However, I will see what I can find out about regular Photoshop... if it's easy like Elements, I will be getting it.

I can't find the trial for regular Photoshop... I can only find CS3 and Elements.

Yep, CS3 - that's the one

Think it depends on what you want to do, if it is the normal tidy up or you take your images in RAW then I think you will find Elements ideal for you it is smooth to use and will do most of what you would need to do. However if you want all the options at your fingertips the full PS programme may be better. If you also have to consider cost I think for everyday use Elements is better value, as you will rarely use the advanced features of PS full programme.

Both my OH and I had the full versions of Photoshop & Premiere when I bought the Elements version of both and now neither of us ever use the full version, if fairness the full programmes were getting very out of date so it could be that Elements came as a relieve from the somewhat temperamental versions of the earlier full programmes.

Thanks everybody for your input

I think I am going to go with Elements 6.

Hi Nick,

I first got Elements 6 and I love it, I have been given Lightroom , and now CS2 by a friend who didn't use them

I think it depends on what you want to do, I love tweaking and creating something out of a pic, so I use them to experiment but I think Elements is alot easier to start with

There are lots of editing goodies to download for free if you hunt for them, I have just downloaded a HDR thing called Photomatix, so you can easily have Elements and then get other little bits and pieces to do other types of editing

Have fun

I'm an elements user and have used a few versions of full photoshop, the only reason to get full PS is if you are a pro and will be dealing with real print workshops and not getting the odd print of your work done by photobox or the like.

The things missing from elements are really not of concern to anyone that doesn't earn their living from graphic design or photography.

i have element 5 and so far i like it but there are few things missing such as masking and curves also tried the trail CS3 fab!! but cant afford it