Product provided. The honest opinions are my own.
Since I started blogging I have to say my photography skills have improved greatly. They have a long way to go of course but when looking back a few of my photos from my first posts I can see a big difference. Even though my photos are much better there are still times when, like everyone else, my photos need some fine tuning.
That’s why I was happy to see the impressive photo editing software selection from Staples.com.
After browsing the many choices, I was impressed with their line of Adobe photo products as well.
I decided Photoshop Elements 11 would suit my needs. I was excited to see that Staples.com sells both Photoshop Elements 11 & Photoshop Elements Premier (which is video editing software) in a bundle and right now it’s on sale for only $119.99.
I’ve been looking for a good photo and video editing software for awhile and I’m excited about many of the features of Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 & Adobe Premiere Elements 11 including:
- The ability to easily locate photos and videos through the Organizers
- Edit photos using a variety of options and tools
- Create photo keepsakes like greeting cards, scrapbook pages, and calendars
- Make movies using pro-quality effects and sound
- Easily share photos & videos on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, & more
I do have to say that prior to this bundle arriving I was a bit intimidated by my past experiences with Photoshop. For some reason I found it very difficult to figure out how to do even simple things. That’s why when I saw that Photoshop Elements 11 comes with Quick, Guided, and Expert options I was thrilled.
Here’s a video showing how each option can improve your photos whether you are a beginning, intermediate, or advanced photographer.
I’ve been playing a bit with Photoshop Elements 11 and here’s just a few things I’ve learned.
How To Blur Photos After They’re Already Taken
How To Crop Photos In Fun Shapes
How To Play With Lighting, Exposure, & Colors
How To Photomerge Group Shot
These are just a few of the fun features of Elements 11 and as you can see I need a bit more practice yet. In the Photomerge option you can merge the best faces from everyone in a group shot.
Above in the second picture of Kora and Logan you can see that the sides didn’t match up and resulted in an odd blur in the second photo and there’s also a bit of white behind Logan’s left ear too. But it’s not bad for my first couple of weeks with the software and if I wasn’t showing off that I really did merge the photos I’d just crop out the sides and I don’t think you’d really be able to tell that the second photos is actually two pictures combined to make a third.
I can’t wait to do more with Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and look forward to editing my videos with Adobe Photoshop Premiere 11 too. It looks like a fantastic video editing software that will give my videos a high quality and polished look.
I’m very happy with this bundle from Staples.com and was very impressed at how affordable it is. They’ve got a great selection of photo and video editing software and I recommend checking out the site to find the perfect title to fit your needs.
I need to upgrade. I’m still using Paint.
Amazing pictures!
I have Elements 8 and I have no clue how to use it. I am so glad to hear they have guided tutorials because my PSE8 might be installed but i can’t use it cause I am intimidated.
Man…I am totally intimidated by Photoshop Elements! I usually end up either crying or swearing when I try to use it. Sometimes both! But I love the idea of guided tutorials that come with this version!
Your photos do look great, by the way! And I had never realized you could the photomerge for group shots like that! Brilliant!!
Uh! I love those photos. we need to buy photoshop! I have hundreds of photos just SITTING on my computer! I need to se emy kiddos in print!
I love PSE! There are some great sites with actions you can download for even more fun. Pioneer Woman has some great free ones!
I need to bite the bullet and buy photoshop!
these pictures look great!
I like the cropping photos in fun shapes!
I have to say THOSE ARE SOME WAY COOL FEATURES. I had no idea photoshop had so many fun features. I really like the pictures of the your kids, the coloring of the Chicago sign and being able to blur after the photo is taken. Thanks for sharing–I may have to make a trip to Staples!!
Looks like you are having so much fun with Elements. I have Lightroom and Photoshop and love them.
I have Lightroom, which is great, but I would love to try out Elements. Love the features!
Your photos look great Tésa!
I’ve always wanted to be able to edit photos.. didn’t know Staples had stuff like this online!
Fun effects! Yes, my photography has come a long way since 2007. A few of those effects I have been learning to do with my DSL, but I do like the color editing and being able to compile smiling kids into one photo. Photoshop is still a bit intimidating to me, but I should probably just spend a little more time playing with it. Thanks for sharing.
It’s like you were reading my mind! Last night I was just talking about how I need to buy some software to help my on my pictures rather than using unreliable websites, etc… I am sold and $119 is a reasonable price for all that I can get out of it personally and professionally!
Totally need the ability to these edits, but also intimidated by Photoshop. After reading your experience, maybe I’ll give this software a shot.
Love Staples (that was easy — had to sorry!) and love the photo merge!! Whoa! I can use some photo help. Thanks for this.
Staples always seems to have a great clearance section in the store too! I’ve found some great organizational tools there without even having to look very hard.
I still learning Elements 10. Though I am a tech junkie so might just have to skip to 11! Thanks for the great review!
I love the blur effect! I have CS5 and often wonder if it’s more of a program than I really need.
Very helpful post! Just what I’ve been looking for GREAT TUTORIAL!!
You took some great photos. This looks like a great tool to help you with your pictures .
I REALLY need to get this. It would be perfect for my food pictures, but I have always been to cheap to buy it. I may consider if now esp if Staples runs a good sale on it.
I lov e photoshop!
I’ve been afraid to try photoshop as I’ve heard it’s tough to use but after seeing this, I really should re-consider. I love all the options!
I didn’t know there was so much you could do with those programs. Thanks! I need to get it!
I love the before and after shots. I never tried PS elements- thanks!
I love PS Elements! I didn’t know about cropping shapes! I learned something new, thanks!!
very nice and before shots, I like the one of your kids in the heart.