Photoshop

by Vivian Heyl

Before we start this review, let me explain what Photoshop is and what it is not. Photoshop is not for creating new artwork. It does a fine job of creating new art yes, however, there are programs out on the market much more suited for this kind of work. Photoshop is for modifying existing work, and can it ever do it! It colors, it sharpens, it juliennes! Well, maybe not that last part, but it does the first two real well, and much more. I will commonly use Photoshop to color existing artwork. I'll sketch a piece of artwork on paper with a pencil, scan it in, and color it in Photoshop. The artwork looks great, and with Photoshop's great features you can then further manipulate it to make it look like a sketch, or a painting or even a glossy poster.

Photoshop (hence the name I suppose) can modify photos better than any other piece of software I've used. In fact I've never seen a program so powerful for modifying photos. It can change the entire medium of a photo to a sketch, or a painting, or even a, well you get the idea. That's just part of what it can do. Ever wanted to have your picture taken with the president? Neither have I! However, with Photoshop you can do it. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but you can combine two images. Photoshop is also excelent for taking out background noise. Ever had a picture that would be really nice if not for the sign that said "Belch if you want cheese burgers" in the background. Well, I can't say that I have either, and if I did, I'd probably just leave the sign in the picture, and belch any time I saw the image on my computer.

Photoshop is a powerful piece of software, great for profesional, or home use. I highly recomend it to anyone who's interested in image manipulation.