Happy Birthday Photoshop !!!

Photoshop turns 22 today and has transformed how we deal with pictures. It’s true that the photo-editing app on your smartphone has made it child’s play to add all those vintage hues to the picture you want to upload on Facebook. But does it mean we should forget all about good old Photoshop? Not really. Yes it’s a pain learning how to use every single tool in Photoshop. No, it’s not always easy to remember which one is used for what, for example the difference between magic wand and magic lasso tool is still lost on some.  However be that as may, Photoshop will remain the big daddy of photo-editing software for a long time to come. Truly, its nearest contender GIMP has a long way to go before it can dream of dethroning Photoshop. So as the software turns 22 today, here are some reasons why Photoshop still rules : [caption id=“attachment_219154” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Photoshop is still important. Screengrab from website”]  [/caption] Filters and more filters: For the uninitiated, who are scared of Photoshop, filters allow you to add artistic blurs, colour pencil effects and distortions to your photo without tinkering around too much with your picture. Vintage-smintage, some options will always be limited on that smartphone app. Photoshop is still the way to go if you really want to add that extra touch without really having a clue about what you’re doing. Layers are not a pain: This aspect of Photoshop is meant to toughen users. Many of us have trouble remembering which layer we’re working on, which leads to exasperation. “Why is the fervent clicking not working?”, we ask.  Answer: you’re probably working on the wrong layer and clicking on another. Layers are meant to ogranise the multiple editing that is done to a picture and for that we should be thankful to Photoshop. You have serious OCD if you actually name each layer. It’s not just about pictures:  Photoshop, contrary to popular belief, is not all about about pictures. Stop-motion animation is totally possible on Photoshop but can be a daunting exercise. You can also create an entire basic html website page on it.  Unlike other Adobe softwares which are a bit more specialised, Photoshop tinkering can lead to new, interesting discoveries. It’s now a word: Photoshopping is now a word. If that’s not enough to prove that Photoshop has had some impact, we don’t know what is. For those who want some tutorials on how to use Photoshop CS5 click here.  Bonus video: The Full Power of Photoshop