Photo editor for Novice

[rstod]

I have been flying my drone for a year or so now and have been editing my video in Capcut. I have been getting into photos more and more lately. Can anyone recommend an easy-to-use photo editor? something a 75-year-old novice could understand. One that is sophisticated enough to merge HDR photos? I'm capturing some pretty decent stuff and would like to improve my final product. I don't want to get bogged down with software that will be too overwhelming. I need something simple and straightforward.... and hopefully, free. Thanks!

 

[AlanKlein]

Adobe Photoshop Elements might work for you. They have a lot of auto editing functions as well as manual adjustments. I believe it;s around $100 for a lifetime license. App sits in your computer. You could also get their companion video editing program called Premiere Elements for another $50.

Here's an example I did that I put on Youtube.

 

[rstod]

Adobe Photoshop Elements might work for you. They have a lot of auto editing functions as well as manual adjustments. I believe it;s around $100 for a lifetime license. App sits in your computer. You could also get their companion video editing program called Premiere Elements for another $50.

Here's an example I did that I put on Youtube.

Thank you, Alan. Looks like that might fit. I will get the trial vers.

 

[Jeff15]

I agree with Alan ...

 

[KJ_North]

Adobe Elements for sure its what i use and it has a lot of guided things for you to help you along the way.

 

[cgw]

Yup. Grab Elements before the stand-alone/no license version vanishes. New version is subscription!

 

[KJ_North]

Yup. Grab Elements before the stand-alone/no license version vanishes. New version is subscription!

You can still get it with no subscription.

• Now sold as a 3-year term license — no subscription or recurring fees.

 

[smoke665]

You can still get it with no subscription.

• Now sold as a 3-year term license — no subscription or recurring fees.

Elements is a good option for those who don't require advanced editing but you're incorrect about "subscription/recurring fees". 2025 Is a 3 year "TERM LICENSE". You have to buy another term after that. From Adobe: "When your 3-year term license expires, the Photoshop Elements Editor will no longer be accessible. However, you will still have ongoing access to your media catalog and basic functionality in the Elements Organizer"

 

[AlanKlein]

Elements is a good option for those who don't require advanced editing but you're incorrect about "subscription/recurring fees". 2025 Is a 3 year "TERM LICENSE". You have to buy another term after that. From Adobe: "When your 3-year term license expires, the Photoshop Elements Editor will no longer be accessible. However, you will still have ongoing access to your media catalog and basic functionality in the Elements Organizer"

I take back my recommendation.

 

[cgw]

Elements is a good option for those who don't require advanced editing but you're incorrect about "subscription/recurring fees". 2025 Is a 3 year "TERM LICENSE". You have to buy another term after that. From Adobe: "When your 3-year term license expires, the Photoshop Elements Editor will no longer be accessible. However, you will still have ongoing access to your media catalog and basic functionality in the Elements Organizer"

Grab 2024 while u can. Term license/subscription? Call it what you will...

 

[smoke665]

@AlanKlein software has always been a "license" only purchase. It used to be that updates were only free during a specified term, but the software continued to be usable until hardware updates made it obsolete. Over the last few years the rapid advances in technology have shortened the useful life without updates. Elements amortization over 3 yrs is $20/yr, you can get the individual CC for another $100/yr.

What really burns me is the accounting software license I've used for many years used to be about $600, but you could generally get 5 years before it became obsolete. A few years ago they went to a 1 year term license, and with continuing price increases they're up to over $500 for renewal. Microsoft Office 365 is a 1 year term at $99/yr. Technology is great, but it comes with a cost.

 

[Puntalara]

For me and totally free is Faststone image viewer. Its idiot proof and for me it needs to be. Will do everything the big boys can do but not as in depth.

 

[SunriseAvenue]

Try Photoworks, it's fairly easy and you can buy a lifetime license, not a subscription.

 

[AlanKlein]

@AlanKlein software has always been a "license" only purchase. It used to be that updates were only free during a specified term, but the software continued to be usable until hardware updates made it obsolete. Over the last few years the rapid advances in technology have shortened the useful life without updates. Elements amortization over 3 yrs is $20/yr, you can get the individual CC for another $100/yr.

What really burns me is the accounting software license I've used for many years used to be about $600, but you could generally get 5 years before it became obsolete. A few years ago they went to a 1 year term license, and with continuing price increases they're up to over $500 for renewal. Microsoft Office 365 is a 1 year term at $99/yr. Technology is great, but it comes with a cost.

Pretty soon wives will be licensed.

 

[smoke665]

Pretty soon wives will be licensed.

I don't think so, they're unpredictable, crash frequently, and high maintenance. The cost of upgrades is only possible with those who have lots of money.