Photo Editing

[WeeGord]

I'm looking to use some photo editing software to help with the repairing of some old photos of that are old and delicate. I am NOT any sort of IT expert and so it will be a big learning curve but essentially its to try and remove cracks in the photographs surface etc on old family photos.

I am obviously aware of Photoshop but if I'm not mistaken I think that's quite an expensive piece of software. Are there any alternatives that will do, or alternatively is there an older version of Photoshop that will still more than do for basic and simple tasks that might be cheaper to buy?

Ideally would also like to be able to scan negatives in and invert them too. Any help much appreciated, thank you.

 

[spanishman]

I have used paint.net for years now. However I do not use it for the sort of work you are suggesting. However here is a video I picked up off youtube by doing a search for paint.net touching up old photos...

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sou...hUKEwjz_bz80Y3oAhVz5eAKHS9EDjoQ4dUDCAU&uact=5

 

[NYboro]

gimp does most of what photoshop does and is free. Probably quite a steep learning curve though.......
GNU Image Manipulation Program

 

[WeeGord]

Thanks to you both I appreciate it. I've just installed paint.net and I think that seems very useful so far, will also install gimp and see how they compare. Thank you again for both of your responses, I really appreciate it.

 

[DCI_Gene_Hunt]

Photoshop elements is a much simpler user friendly version of Photoshop and around £70 for older versions on disc

 

[bear66]

Gimp for free or Lightroom is the midprice alternative to Photoshop (about £100 a few years back). The 'Healing' tool in Lightroom is excellent and easy to use compared with direct cloning.

 

[bear66]

As far as scanning, look for a used film scanner such as Nikon Scan L4000 (firewire interface) or alternatives. Avoid a flatbed scanner as it will be someway behind a dedicated film scanner.