Whaaatttt? Yes, even though we usually work in MAC, for the sake of this review we moved over to the Windows side of town. The XP side to be precise.

Enough of that.

We have used Photoshop Elements for a long time, whether is came as part of a software bundle, or out of curiosity, or as the first stepping stone to the entire world of Photoshop.

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This latest version is so intuitive, with easy to learn outstanding features, you PC folks who comprise about 93% of the world, will have to get this.

With an interface very similar to Lightroom, our image management software of choice, this gives you more. Much more.

Let’s walk down some of the cooler features:

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How the heck will you know where you pictures are after they get the same number sequence every time you use the media card? Easy fix now. The organizer system is an easy to use, GUIDED TOUR system, that helps you rename and rate your images. So when you search for pix of Sam’s Birthday, you’ll find em fast instead of looking for dsc102.jpeg. Plus you’ll be handheld through suggested fixes to the images. No Muss. No Fuss. (hmmm…what is muss, anyway?)

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Whatever, you can make the changes or not, because in this software, you can look at the suggested changes, compare with the original, and decide to keep them or go back to the original. You can experiment before committing. Very Lightroom of Adobe.

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Love black and white? The improved palette, gives you a near perfect way to satisfy your longing for the days when silver halide film ruled the earth. Ahhh Tri-X and Diafine. But I digress.

Lets keep playing and perhaps improving the image. Did you shoot a group of folks and, as usual, only one person was looking the right way?

Well, if you shot the photos in the same location, with the edit feature, you can use the lasso or magnetic lasso and photomerge the images to alter reality. Heck, this software has become so good, you’ll never know the difference, and you’ll be applauded for capturing the perfect moment. check this out:

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Shot #1 (two out of three)

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Shot #2 (one out of three)

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Photomerged shot – ahhh, that saved some time with the kids.

Yes, there are all of the share options with online galleries, photobooks, greeting cards, CD’s ad DVD’s, etc.

And you stay in the same environment for everything.

The intuitive nature of Photoshop Elements 6 is the perfect next step for your photography, once you need more than a simple upload. You can effect globally or in detail any part of your image. And this software walks you through evry step of the way.
You get online tutorials, step-by-step walk throughs in the program, a dedicated imaging company behind it, and if you’re not sure…there is a 30 day free trial download.

Look, if you shoot a bunch of photos and you are looking to get into a system that will grow with you, you owe it to yourself to do a trial. Take one group of photos, and see how it feels as you go through all of the paces.

Always works the best for us. Date before you get married.
Remember, this was using the software in a foreign operating system, that is not our daily OS (to us). And it was very easy to navigate and use.

OK, bring on the other PC software. We’re ready for ya.

So how many of you are on PC? I think quite a few. Let us know so we can properly look at appropriate software versions.

small note: In short order, March is the projection, the MAC version will become available.