As I ran a workshop in Photoshop over the weekend I didn't get much of a chance to have a play with Photoshop CS3. One thing though I learnt was that my ability to convert my raw files using Photoshop 7 has been removed! When I delete the beta version hopefully this will correct itself? Another thing I learnt is that you can only use a CS2 license not a CS license number to activate the full functionality of the beta software.
Why am I NOT surprised? Of course Photoshop are determined to sell you the latest, fair enough too I guess, they are a company they need to continue to make money. What worries me though is the must have the latest and greatest mentality that exists in these kinds of things.
Everything I do in photoshop revolves around curves, levels, adjustment layers and layer masks, all features that have been available since version 5. Sure 16 bit editing* has come in since then, sure, the History Palette has also been implemented since then, and sure the Lens Correction filter has been an added bonus as well, do I NEED any of these features, no. Well the 16 bit editing is a bit of a must but as for the rest, whatever. But hey I open an image I crop, I adjust levels, I burn and dodge a little I emphasise colour slightly, I sharpen, all of this is gone globally and or locally on an image, do I need any of the other guff no, but more importantly do my students?
What my students need is to be able understand what constitutes good exposure either digital or analogue, what constitutes good lighting, and good composition, the rest is simply workflow and can almost be automated, on a global image level anyway.
So, do I need photoshop CS2 or 3? No! Would I appreciate it if as an educator I was given a real opportunity to find the strengths and weaknesses of an application by trying it out properly, so I can then share this knowledge with my students. Abso-fucking-lutely. Is this ever going to happen, I severely doubt it.
I want my students to understand first principles, I want my students to understand the idea of finding a workaround, I want my students to be creative and critical thinkers, so sorry Adobe, I'm off to find a creative solution to the problem of modern day digital photography editing and I beginning to doubt that Photoshop CS3 is part of that solution.
*I am however still waiting for TRUE 16 bit editing and while we are at it, non-destructive pixel editing and correct colour handling, I can only hope and dream I guess?
Comments (6)
Hullo benji, nice to see you here.
Yes that is what I will be recommending to my students, Gimp and Graphic Converter and any others I stumble on while I conduct my research, also did you know somebody has written a hack to convert elements [for windoze] into a full blown version of Photoshop?
Posted by s2art
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January 2, 2007 8:34 AM
Posted on January 2, 2007 08:34
What's wrong with GIMP and/or its derivatives (Seashore, etc.)? Doesn't it do all that basic work rather well, without all the capitalistic fuss?
Posted by benji | December 31, 2006 8:14 PM
Posted on December 31, 2006 20:14
Yes true. You would think that people who have CS1 (or earlier) would be the most likely people to upgrade their software. I agree that at the very LEAST a CS1 serial should also work to let someone get sucked in to upgrading.
I haven't bought a version since the Adobe Designer Collection, Pshop7, Illustrator 10, Indesign 2, etc... it looks like I'll fork out for the suite (without Go Live) in the new year. About the same time I fork out money (and newborn) for a Mac Pro. Hopefully, when CS3 goes retail, they'll let you upgrade with an older Serial number.
Also, apprently, if you can get a CS2 serial to 'unlock' the beta, it will last not only for 30days, but until few weeks AFTER CS3 is available for purchase. Which means much more than 30 days, possibly up to 6 months.
Also, I guess it's a nice way to ge tpeople hoked on CS3 only features like the adjustable filters, which, I imagine, will be incompatible with CS2 etc... you'd be wise to NOT create important work in the CS3 beta.
Posted by Barto | December 18, 2006 10:38 AM
Posted on December 18, 2006 10:38
» then other thing is, because I don't have a CS2 license, I had a mere two days to find those things out, if they would at least accept a CS license I would have had 30 days to play and discover, ah well
Posted by s2art
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December 18, 2006 7:50 AM
Posted on December 18, 2006 07:50
agree with you barto, the new ui is great, but what I'm grumbling asbout is the "locked in" mentality that is paramount in using these tools, they require a high overhead in terms of understanding, are expensive and we are now being FORCED to upgrade.
call me an idealist but that's not what I see as good business
Posted by s2art
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December 18, 2006 7:40 AM
Posted on December 18, 2006 07:40
Hey s2!
Had a chance to play with Ps CS3, and in terms of non-destructive pixel editing, they have (finally) implemented layer-effect-esque filters — you can now gaussian blur a layer/object and adjust it later, or turn it on and off, like you can a stroke effect or colour (color?) overlay. 'bout time, too...
Also, and it could just be the designer in me, the new icon (and UI) looks great!
Have a great Xmas and New Year s2!
Posted by Barto | December 18, 2006 6:57 AM
Posted on December 18, 2006 06:57