Photo-Editing Software Information

PSP tubes

While they don't fit within the confines of photo-editing software, it's hard to ignore the popularity of picture tubes, also called image sprays. Tubes are the computer-art equivalent of a rubber stamp but are even better because you can set the program so you don't have to paste the tube design over and over. If you wanted fall leaves, for example, you could choose the types (red maple, oak, etc.), set how close together they'd be (the "step"), and then click once or drag the mouse and the leaves appear over your image.

There are entire websites for tube enthusiasts, which work mainly with Corel PaintShop Photo Pro. Ulead (now owned by Corel) also has image-spray features, and plug-ins like Alien Skin's Splat! and Human Software's PhotoSpray will work with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

If you are interested in learning more, About.com's Sue Chastain has some good info. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Keeping up with the latest photo software

Shutterbug, a publication aimed at amateur and professional photographers, keeps up well with the latest developments. For example, this article discusses the ways Windows 7 can impact photographers.

Photography forums are good places to search for more detailed information about specific software. For example, the retouching forum at DPReview.com includes many comparisons of photo-editing software plus discussions of editing techniques.

TheLuminousLandscape.com includes forums on Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.

GIMP users will find discussion forums and tutorials on using the program at GimpTalk.com.

Software manufacturers' websites

Manufacturers' sites provide key information about specs, features and system requirements, and often include links to useful tutorials and forums:

Adobe

Apple

Corel

IrfanView

Microsoft Expression

Paint.net

Picasa

Picnik

Serif

Splashup

GIMP

Ulead (owned by Corel)