Photo editing, which software do I need?

Question

I need a software program that can crop the person out of one photo and add to another and make it look like they were in it. As many parents know, you can never get your kids to smile all at the same time and take a perfect photo where everyone looks great. So what better way then pick your favorites and add all together. I would also like to add a different background. I might take a great pic, but I have messy kitchen counter in the background and would love to add a cool background. So my question is, what software, if any, can do this? Do I need to buy the Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 to do this for $600, or can I get something cheaper? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I would recommend photoshop CS,CS 2 or CS 3. any version of photoshop will work for what you want to do. the newer ones just cost more and you get a few features which you probably wouldn't get use out of. also there is Gimp. Gimp is a free photo editor. its very popular and considered an alternative to photoshop. im not sure of all the feature but it worth a try.To download Gimp go to www.Gimp.org or just type gimp into google hope this helps

Answer 2

I totally agree with gwmnpv!



To isolate a motiv from a messy background is very difficult if you want a good result. Then you must think of the size of your children when pasting it into another background, to keep the proportions correct.



If you like to spend weeks trying, go ahead.



GIMP and Paint.net are free programs that can be used. Don´t buy the professional Photoshop program.



Any graphic program that has a layer function can be used. If you want to buy something I suggest PaintShopPro.

Answer 3

I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 & I've done exactly what you describe. Can't remember exactly what I paid but it was a lot cheaper than $600 & maybe under $100. I tried a lot of the freebee's before spending the money & they are all difficult to use.

Answer 4

thing is, photoshop and similar products promise great results, and you can -get- great results...



... With a _SHITLOAD_ of hard work and practice.



Trust me, there are very few non-professional artists who can take two pictures and clip them together in such a fashion that the result doesn't look fake.

Answer 5

Photoshop or if you want something similar but cheaper get GIMP. Its free.

Answer 6

I,ve got a adobe photoshop, but its a free tryout version, i downloaded. and its installed on to my computer for 30 days, but i don't remember where i got it from, just type down free photoshop download on google, and you should find it, trust me it's worth it.

Answer 7

Adobe Photoshop is what many do prefer, and it is good for what you need.



Google has a free editor ( http://picasa.google.com/ )

but for what you need it might be to simple.

Answer 8

The Gimp is a free alternative. Has it's roots in linux.



http://www.gimp.org/

Answer 9

you could try gimp (free) as allready mentioned

or paint.net(free) http://www.getpaint.net/

or if you want to upload the picture online or dont mind a server holding it for a few hours you can try one of the few online free photo editing sites such as phixr.com or pixenate.com or http://www.picnik.com/

Answer 10

just use gimp it is free