Editing your Fireworks Pictures
Once you have taken your fireworks pictures, you are going to need a graphics editing program to help bring them to life. Clearing up different aspects of the photo such as lighting, blur, colors, and being able to add special effects helps to personalize your photos even more. Just getting into the photography though, you can easily be overwhelmed by the amount of options on the market for various graphics editing software, or even intimidated by the amount of options the programs provide.
Most times, these programs are created and marketed specifically to higher end designers, so it is easy to see how you can become confused. Thankfully, though, there are a couple free options that help you edit your fireworks photos without having to break the bank. If you are just starting out into photography and photo editing, you will want to use a free program to determine whether or not you are truly interested.
The GIMP – FREE
The GiMP has been ported from Linux and Unix, but is quickly making a scene on Windows and Mac operating systems. With an open source community backing The GiMP, it is continually being developed with the latest features and graphics editing technology. Even though most cross-platform ports of graphics software have ended miserably in the past, the open source development team behind The GiMP is top notch, and ensures that the software remains bug-free.
Because The GiMP is cross-platform, meaning it works on multiple operating systems, you can install the different varieties on a thumb or flash drive, and carry it to different work environments. Regardless of which operating system you are using, you will have a powerful graphics editing software in your pocket. There is a steeper learning curve with GIMP, though. With its recent breakthrough into the markets, it doesn’t have quite the community or commercial support as some older, more expensive programs, but The GiMP is still a great, free entry-level program.
Microsoft Paint.NET – FREE
How many times have you tried to edit your photos in Microsoft Paint, only to realize that it completely chops the photo, leaving it unrecognizable in some cases? Some alumni at Microsoft felt the same way, and took steps to bring Paint.NET to the markets. Even though the program is freeware, you are still able to receive commercial backing from Microsoft. They spend money to ensure that Paint.NET runs better, and has the options that you need. As far as entry-level programs are concerned, if you work on a Windows platform, Paint.NET is an excellent choice.
Adobe Photoshop Elements – $80 windows mac
If you have already used some of the free programs, or feel that you need to spend money in order to get the most use from the software, you could also consider Adobe’s Photoshop Elements. It does have an $80 price tag, but if you are serious about photo editing, and want to eventually upgrade to the professional line of Adobe tools, Elements is a great starting point.
The $80 price tag does get you great support from Adobe, as well as a large community full of fans like yourself. Guided tutorials help to lessen the learning curve, which helps you edit and share your photos much faster. There are even bookstores that have entire sections devoted solely to Photoshop and other Adobe products.