What software

[BlackTimber]

What software do you suggest.
I would like to be able to adjust sharpness/softness
take shadows out, overlay (multi exposure)
fix color, light, redeye ect.
Would adobe element do the trick or do I need something else?
It seems like adobe is the most popular so I would like to stick with that.
Also does Elements have some advanced techneques as well? What I don't want is that after I get use to it that it won't have or be capable of doing things that I would like to do.

I am just an amature photohobbiest, non pro if that helps. Thanx, Tim.

[budguinn]

Tim,

You can't go wrong with Elements 2. If you check around you'll find some good buys on it.....Costco....sometimes packaged with a scanner....etc....and occasionally Adobe has rebates for the product.
For what you are asking, it will do everything right now. In the future, when you want to expand your skills you'll need to get Richard Lynch's book....the Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements;
http://www.hiddenelements.com/
He also has some "tools" that go with the book that really bring alot of functionality to the program.

Actions....which are not native to Elements.....can also be run within Elements. I have redone a ton (130+) of actions to work within Elements, and Ling Nero has developed an interface to work with the program that is really elegant. All of her stuff and the actions that I have done are available at her web-site:
http://www.geocities.com/rnlnero/PE2stuff2.html

The combination of Elements...Richards' book and tools...and the Actions......will give you 90 to 95% of the functionality of Photoshop. And the big plus.....if you ever want to upgrade to the full Photoshop....well, then, you'll already know Photoshop...they work effectively the same. And Adobe allows for discounts to upgrade from Elements to PS.

hope this is helpful

bud

[Big-H]

Note Elements 2 can also be bought as a very cheap package now with Photoshop Album 2.
Also Wacom are selling certain of their brilliant tablets with Elements 2 packaged in at little more than the cost of elements 2 itself!

[me_wrestler]

Even though I am a huge PhotoShop fan, I would have to agree that for what you are needing, Elements 2 is the best choice. If you can get a copy coupled with a tablet then that is the way to go. The tablets are a must have for anyone that does much photo work at all. I have three of them and love them.
Colin

[LindaCC]

Which tablets do you use. I just got a graphire3 from Wacom. Haven't got to set it up yet, however used one at a photo workshop and can see how much it will help with editing.
Why do you have 3 of them? Do they do different things? Since I travel alot, I got a smaller one.
It came with Adobe Elements 1. A post up higher says that there are some that come with Elements2. I did not find that unless it is with the higher priced Wacom tablets.
Adobe Elements2 is packaged with Adobe Photoshop Album right now for $99 with a $30 rebate at Costco. For $69, it is a great buy. Bought some for christmas gifts.