Image manipulation programmes

A digital darkroom consists of a computer loaded with an operating system and software designed to work with images. Photo-manipulation software used to be specialised and expensive, now it is common place and can be cheap.

Adobe Photoshop:
For many years Adobe Photoshop was the main programme used by designers and photographers to control images on computer. Whilst Photoshop remains the most commonly used in the professional field, many alternatives now exist, most work in a similar way to Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop Elements:
Designed as an easier to use version of Photoshop.

Paint Shop Pro:
One of the first of the alternatives, now a very powerful programme.

The Gimp: FREE
Originally written for Linux but also available to run on Windows and Mac. Running on Linux this is my programme of choice. It has many advantages over Photoshop.

Raw Converters: There are now a number of excellent 'Stand-Alone' raw file converters.
Favorites include: Ufraw, RawTherapee, Lightroom and Darktable.

Why do you need these programmes?
There are many reasons why you might need to manipulate an image.

Cropping: One of the most common tasks in digital imaging is to crop an image to change the shape or proportions, or to remove unwanted parts on the edges of the frame.

Resizing: Images are measured in physical size and resolution. For some uses an image might need to be a specific size. Pictures can be re-sized and their resolution altered for these purposes. For printing on photographic printers the image usually needs to be at the size required and at 300 dpi ( dots per inch ). For use on a web site they need to be 72 dpi.

Colour Changes:
There are occasions when the colour of an image might need to be changed, either to correct a problem, or to deliberately alter the original. Brightness and contrast can also be adjusted.

Graphic Effects:
These programmes can be used to alter images and turn them in to graphics.

Graphic design:
Most photomanipulation programmes can also be used to create graphic design. They are a good choice for creating posters and leaflets based on images.

Combining images:
It is possible to combine images to create a photo-collage or copy elements of one image and place them on an other.

An image manipulation programme is essential to work with images, but you might also find a use for a Desk Top Publishing programme if you intend creating publications. There is a wide choice of programmes available ranging from professional software like Quark Express through to MS Publisher. Scribus is excellent running on all operating systems.
Some office programmes will also allow a small amount of design work to be undertaken - Libre Office is probably the best in this area.