CS3...Savvy?

I had been tinkering with some of my photos attempting to learn how to post-process them. Everything I tried was abysmal. I became increasing frustrated with my efforts. I started to think that maybe I need to take a PS class. This thought troubled me because I'd never had to take a class to learn how to use software before. I can usually figure things out on my own. I was beginning to get frustrated.

Then I decided that maybe I shouldn't waste too much energy on an outdated version of PSE (2.0 to be exact). I decided I needed to upgrade immediately. If I'm going to be inept, I'm going to at least do it on updated software. So I immediately jumped online to research the best price for the latest and greatest Adobe photo-editing software. You know what I found?

THOSE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY!

I mean, folks gotta eat...don't they? I'm sure if I was a pro photographer the cost wouldn't be prohibitive. But I'm just basically practicing taking pictures for my personal edification. I can't imagine laying down that kinda cash for...software.

Too bad. I would've liked very much to have it, but it's too far out of reach for...

Wait a minute! I AM an IT chick, and there has to be a way to get CS3 for free, right?

And so I began to research. Guess what I found? A free trial of the software. Okay, that's great and all, but I want a permanent copy that I can use forever and ever. So, move this file...replace that file...change some code there....

Now, by no means am I admitting to ANY kind of piracy (because that would be wrong, boys and girls, very wrong!), but suffice it to say that I am now up and running with a permanent copy of CS3 (Arrrrgh!). Ain't technology grand?

Anyway, after I played around with the software a little I came up with the following photo from my daughter's first football game (you can click on them to view them full sized):








Original version

















PS'd version















Not too bad for a novice, huh? I know it's not perfect, and it's easy to see the PSing if you look for it. I may not have blurred the background enough, or maybe I blurred it too much. I don't know. But as first efforts go, I'm pretty happy with it. I'm curious to know what you great photographers and seasoned photoshoppers think. Also, I'd welcome any tips and suggestions or any actions you want to share with me ('cause a sistah is broke as a joke and can't afford to buy any).

-e