Photo processing can be of various levels - from the simplest adjustments for yourself to professional work in a graphic editor. According to these levels, programs for photo processing can also be divided.
Basic processing and programs for beginners
In order to perform a simple photo correction, that is, change the brightness, contrast, remove red eyes, crop, etc., use free programs. PhotoGallery from Microsoft, which comes with Windows Live, allows you to do all the standard operations, including applying filters. It is free, has a familiar and intuitive interface, and is also light on resources.
If you're a beginner but looking to master professional photo editing, PhotoFiltre is for you. With this product you will be able to get acquainted with the basic tools for computer image processing, use many built-in filters, connect plugins, apply 3D effects. At the same time, you do not need a lot of free disk space, the program consumes a small amount of resources and runs quickly on machines of ordinary power.
PhotoScape can be referred to programs like PhotoFiltre. This product, just like PhotoFiltre, does not require powerful computer hardware to work, but provides even more options for working with photos. With PhotoScape you can create GIFs, use a wide range of decorative elements (frames, filters, fonts, pictures) and much more. The program is ideal for those who often post photos on the web or print them.
Professional processing
Among power users, the most popular and functional product is Adobe Photoshop. It has a huge number of features, tools and settings. It should be noted the possibility of working with a multi-layer image, creating collages, restoring low-quality or old photos, creating design elements for websites, printed materials and much more. Photoshop allows you to perform both basic photo processing and professional. However, this "combine" is probably not suitable for simple editing. The program is heavy and resource-demanding. It is a professional tool for experienced photographers, designers and artists.
The cross-platform GIMP package can be considered a free alternative to Photoshop. This program provides perhaps a larger set of tools, it is lighter and faster. However, one of the possible drawbacks of the editor is the interface that is unusual for many users - each panel opens in a separate window. Despite the ability to customize the appearance of the program, many people GIMP, nevertheless, repels its uniqueness. However, it's best to try and evaluate this product yourself before paying for a similarly functional Photoshop.
