Brothers

Guest - Feb 03, 2006 11:10 AM EDT
Hi Vicki, Yes, the Wacom tablet works with Photoshop. There are several things to keep in perspective when considering photo editing software. The most important question is what are you going to use it for, and how far do you want to go? If your only goal is to make brightness and contrast adjustments, minor cropping, color saturation, or other simple adjustments, then any of them will work. If you're in the business, there is only one program and that's Adobe Photoshop. I deal with other professional photographers, advertisers, graphic artists, publishers and print shops every day. Among this group there is only one language spoken. You either speak Photoshop or you don't speak. It's the industry standard for imaging professionals and there is no number two. Admittedly there can be a rather steep learning curve to master the program (there are college courses for Photoshop) but that's because it's so versatile. There really isn't an upper limit to how far you can go, but it isn't something you can learn over night either, and it doesn't do your thinking for you. The professional version is expensive but the most current version (Photoshop Elements 4) is a good place to get your feet wet without spending your bank account. I hope that helps.

Guest - Feb 03, 2006 10:03 AM EDT
Thank you for the great information, Doug. I've played with layers, and agree that quality images are definitely easier to work with, but I think I need to go into a better photo editing program to become more effective (I've shown a few in my gallery in the past, and enjoyed creating them, but they are quite time intensive, which doesn't bother me overall). I've primarily worked with Microsoft's Digital Image Suite (various versions), but there are limitations. I see quite a few of you work with Photoshop - can you use a Wacom tablet with that too? I enjoy adding my own embellishments at times, and not all programs allow bonafide freehand work.

Guest - Feb 02, 2006 05:03 PM EDT
Hi Vicki, Yes, the lenses are interchangeable between the digital and 35 mm cameras, I also have three lenses for the medium format cameras. I appreciate your interest, most people don't realize how relatively easy these composites are to make. The better the core images are the better the finished piece will be, so it's just as important to start with a good image as it ever was.

Guest - Feb 02, 2006 01:55 PM EDT
Hang on a minute while I quit embarrassing myself while drooling after all that info, Doug! I'm extremely impressed with your work - you give us all a great deal of incentive to explore our individual inner psyches. Great work!Do your Canon digitals have interchangeable lenses with your film cameras?

Guest - Feb 01, 2006 03:51 PM EDT
Hi Vicki, Digital: I have two Canon D60's and One Canon 20D. Film: Two medium format (6x4.5cm) Pentax 645n's, One Canon EOS 3, two Canon A2e's and 12 lenses. I have about 20 years experience at digital imaging, and computer graphics, and I'm a professional photographer. None of this is particularly difficult, it just takes a little practice. Thank you for your interest and support. With today's technology you're only limit is your imagination.

Guest - Feb 01, 2006 02:11 PM EDT
Doug - this is another outstanding composition. You really have the art of layering honed to a science. What kind of camera are you using?

Guest - Jan 31, 2006 11:32 AM EDT
Thank you both for your kind comments on my "Brothers" image. This is a composite of three photos, the blue butterfly has been recolored from it's original black and white tones. The flower, a variety of daffodil, was taken several days ago while walking our German Shepherd. Hard to believe that it's still snowing elsewhere. We took "Wolf," our Shepherd, for a walk in the hills today and all the trees are beginning to leaf out and the flowers are starting to bloom (several trees were already in bloom). Best Wishes, Doug

Guest - Jan 31, 2006 09:23 AM EDT
Beautiful butterfly photo!!! Carol

Guest - Jan 31, 2006 09:20 AM EDT
WOW!! what a great job you have done here.