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How Be A Good Photo Editor Without Photoshop?

Everyone wants to be good in what he or she does. To become the best is impossible without particular knowledge, certain skills and much practice. What if you want to be the best photo editor without Photoshop knowledge?

Photoshop is undoubtedly an extremely professional and complex tool to study. But nowadays a lot of other tools available online completely free can allow you to be an excellent photo editor even without it. Wanna know how? Here we go.

A Routine of a Photo Editor

If you are a person who is a specialist in charge of illustrations in some periodical or at website, you often need to urgently handle the pictures, and to install Photoshop I may be neither possible nor desirable at the eleventh hour, even if you are well familiar with the tool and have excellent skills using it.

Newspapers, magazines and websites always need photo illustrations, just like they need photographers or designers, and copywriters. However, an editor not only is looking for photos, collects them, edits and proofs, but it’s a person who is involved in the process of an article creation, builds a number of illustrative ways to explain the idea of the text and gives it an additional meaning, emotional content and so on. An experienced photo editor has a well established communication and management of photographers environment, works with them, formulates the tasks for them.

Well, if you call yourself an expert, you probably know that a photography and a photo editing are the two essential components of photojournalism. The higher the level of each of them, the better the result is. And a good photo editor contributes to the photographer much.

Editor evaluates the quality of the images, is involved in the post production of the product, in other words, co-sponsors and manages editing and photography.

Unfortunately, in modern practice, photo editors may sometimes be refereed to ordinary photographers, moderators or illustrators. Although the level of a professional photo editor presupposes much more. He or she must have not only the taste and erudition, but also know a lot about the art of photography, enjoy imaginative thinking, understand the laws of fine arts and design and be able to use modern tools like Photoshop, etc. Sometimes even graphic designers, designers with a good education in the humanities that work as editors but do not use Adobe Photoshop are prejudiced. There are at least a few ways out of this situation to prove they can be the best even without much Photoshop obsession.

9 Free Editors to Process Photos Without Photoshop

In fact, many of us are faced with the need to process variety of images in variety of life situations. As a rule, Photoshop program is needed for the most basic image editing options which is not quite cheap and not cheap. That is why there are programs that allow professional photo editing without spending time and money on Photoshop. If you occasionally need to crop the photo, or make a collage, there are many free alternatives (software and online services), that will do even if you are a professional. In order to make your life easier, we will talk about 9 most popular free editors for processing photos and being a good editor without Photoshop.

1. PhotoFiltre

This is an excellent and pretty universal editor for the Windows operating system. If you’ve ever used Photoshop, you will notice the similarity of its user interface and PhotoFiltre. This editing software is suitable for both the beginners and advanced users. Despite some “cut-down” set of features, PhotoFiltre can replace Photoshop easily. Of course, this excludes the editor user control for some tools, but leaves enough room for playing with color, saturation and other effects. If the number of possible filters will seem clearly insufficient, there is an opportunity to expand them by connecting additional plug-ins (you can find them on the website of the developer on demand).

Advantages: levels, a lot of color correction and light / shadow options.

Disadvantages: layers, appropriate tools settings.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets a 10, PhotoFiltre then gets 6.

2. Photoscape

This one is a free photo editor, performing standard features to view and edit images. Most likely, this program will be much sought after by the female audience, thanks to all kinds of filters, frames, etc. You can create interesting collages and postcards. In Photoscape, you will find one of the simplest interfaces you’ve ever seen. Therefore, even a 6-year old child can deal with it easily.

Advantages: it takes up little space on your hard drive, batch photo processing, simplicity.

Disadvantages: suitable for basic, non-professional operations mostly.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, then Photoscape receives 5.

3. Paint.NET

It is impossible to ignore such amazing graphics editor as Paint.NET. After analyzing the huge amount of readers’ comments on various forums and sites dedicated to photo editing, it’s possible to come to the conclusion that the Paint.NET is a real find. Despite the fact that a step-by-step installation of Paint.NET is a real bore, this editor still can compete with Photoshop at the proper level. By installing this program, you can adjust and create gradient layers, use a large assortment of effects and filters. Even a novice user will cope with the instrument panels and palettes which are very similar.

Advantages: layers, full-featured toolbar levels.

Disadvantages: sophisticated color correction, and certain tools.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, the Paint. NET receives a solid 8!

4. GIMP

Many people like this photo editor very much. Today, GIMP is available for most operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, etc.). Since its start (launched in 1995) GIMP has taken its place among the competitors, and even surpassed Photoshop in some ways according to the numerous users. The interface is clear and simple. This is an editor that allows you to easily cope with such tasks as: program formation, the development of animations, image processing, preparation of graphics for WEB-pages, registration of printing products and many other things. Not bad, huh? GIMP is almost nothing to criticize, because there is simply no better free Photoshop alternative at the moment than this one.

Advantages: the”lighting” effect, a complete set of brushes.

Disadvantages: Adjustment layer, some preview moments.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, GIMP receives 11! Since it provides the users with 90% of Photoshop features completely free. Fair enough.

5. Aviary

Meet the brand new editor online. Aviary is an editing software for devices based on Android, which offers basic options and the ability to import photos from photo sharing site such as Flickr, Picasa, and a variety of social media sites, such as Facebook. Editor offers four applications with fun ‘bird’ names. Before downloading one of them, you need to decide: what with and how you want to work. If you need to prepare a photo for a social network, choose a simplified version of Photoshop – ‘Phoenix’, thanks to which you will be able to use a tone correction, insert text, overlay different layers, etc. The remaining 3 applications are suitable for those whose interests are not limited to basic ways of photo processing. Vector Editor ‘Raven’ will help in the creation of drawings, lines and diagrams. ‘Peacock’ is characterized by its developers as a “visual laboratory” and looks pretty interesting. But you run the risk to get lost in a variety of settings and elements. Finally, ‘Toucan’ is useful for the graphic design. With this editor you can find the right color palette for the site, and even evaluate the accessibility of the site (!) especially for people with different forms of colorblindness. Choose and test what you like!

Advantages: toolbar, filters, keyboard shortcuts.

Disadvantages: it depends on the type of application.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, the AVIARY Phoenix – 9, AVIARY Peacock – from 2 to 8 (depending on how much time you can spend studying the editor), AVIARY Raven – 5 and AVIARY Toucan – 6.

6. Splashup

This is another member of the online editors family. Generally, Splashup interface is similar to the Photoshop interface. However, it should be noted that the service functionality is considerably inferior to Photoshop. But if you want to quickly process images without clever effects, Splashup will do. This editor can be called ‘Photoshop: Light version.’ Very light version.

Advantages: not overloaded with unnecessary menus, work with layers, cross-platform.

Disadvantages: the levels, vibrations.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, then Splashup gets 7.

7. Cinepaint

This is a GIMP close relative, primarily focused on the image editing for films and animation. And it is worth noting that in this area Cinepaint is excellent. Besides, Cinepaint is a powerful image editor. In general, there is much to work with.

Advantages: much-improved interface (as compared with GIMP), a lot of different interesting effects.

Disadvantages: a small number of filters.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, then Cinepaint gets 7.

8. flauntR

This is perhaps one of the weakest competitors of Photoshop. Despite the quite considerable number of functions, this editor has still not enough instruments for a more “serious” image processing. But if you’re just starting to learn the basics of editing, try flauntR. You can create a themed compositions, emulate surfaces and materials and understand the other decorative effects.

Advantages: ease of use.

Disadvantages: the toolbar filters.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, then flauntR gets only 4.

9. FotoFlexer

This fast online service for image processing causes only positive emotions. The plain editor is perfect for basic operations, such as creating collages, simple image editing, etc. Of course, it cannot be compared to Photoshop, but it’s simply due to the fact that its developers never pursued such idea, indeed.

Advantages: ‘magic stick’, Liquify, and other easy-to-use filters.

Disadvantages: settings, “brush” equivalent.

Comparative characteristic: if Photoshop gets 10, then FotoFlexer receives 5.

Of course, there are many other software solutions you can come across on the web, designed especially for photo editing, and which can help you in your every day photo editor’s routine for both individual and professional use and still make a good editor of you.

Do not forget to consider and use Picnic, Pixen, Pixia, ChocoFlop, Krita, iPiccy and others. It’s hard to say if they are worthy of professional editors attention, but a detailed description, and use would improve your skills and enrich your knowledge anyway. You might get bored as there’s nothing special, except their capabilities similar to FotoFlexer, Splashup etc., but still they are not Photoshop to learn and use. So, go ahead! Now that you know even more Photoshop alternatives, it will be easier to be a good photo editor and cope with your daily editing routine!

Who Decides Good Customer Service?

“Hey, Joe, your service stinks. Get this kid a chocolate milkshake.”

Those are the words I heard as a kid on my first trip to an ice cream parlor near where my grandmother lived. Back then, there were no special people or computer programs needed to determine whether or not a business provided excellent customer service. Customers were ready, willing and able to tell you when things did not measure up to their satisfaction.

Today, businesses large and small use “experts” to tell them if they are conducting business the way they should.

Sometimes those experts are the accountants who pour over the financial records. Accountants can tell a business owner if he/she is making money, and for some that is the only requirement in determining if a business is successful.

Sometimes the experts are companies that provide mystery shoppers to check on the business. The shoppers report on cleanliness, employee interaction, the ease of being a customer – from the way the store is arranged to the amount of time standing in line to make a purchase.

Of these two methods of determining whether or not a business is customer friendly, the latter is more reliable. Still, some employees can spot a professional “shopper” and will provide better service when they think they are being watched and graded than they would have otherwise.

The best determination of a company’s true standing in the community is from the persons that it serves. Why, then, do more companies not ask their customers for feedback? Why are companies not interested in developing programs that bring customers back?

Asking customers to complete short surveys makes more sense than hiring a company to provide lengthy ones completed by expert shoppers. Customer loyalty programs work. What does a company lose by offering a repeat customer a small percentage off? It certainly costs less to keep a good customer than it does to advertise for new ones.

Providing incentives to customers for introducing their friends to the business could make a difference in sales and profits. Rewarding existing customers with a small token of appreciation for helping establishing a greater customer base also costs less than advertising for more traffic.

It is said that a satisfied customer will tell few, if any people, people about his/her shopping adventure. That could certainly change if incentives were provided.

A dissatisfied customer wants to shout to the world when he/she is shown disrespect, ignored, or cheated.

The fact remains that the customer is only real determining factor in measuring the success or failure of any business. Why is that so difficult to learn and understand?

A neighbor who returns again and again to the same auto repair service is a good indication that excellent and fair service is provided. Anyone can get someone into his or her office or store once. Getting repeat business is what helps a business grow and thrive.

What does that take? Actually, providing good customer service is quite simple.

1) Answering the phone – promptly and courteously.

There is nothing more discouraging to a customer than to have a phone ring and ring without being answered, or worse yet, getting a busy signal. When the phone is answered, you want to hear a pleasant voice on the other end, not someone who sounds as if you are interrupting something far more important than your call.

2) Keeping promises.

If you cannot keep a promise, it is far better not to make it. Reliability is a key to keeping a relationship – business or personal – going.

3) Showing respect to customers.

If you ask for feedback, make sure your customers know that you are listening and using their thoughts and opinions. Show interest in what your customers say; don’t act like you’re bored with them.

4) Making returning merchandise or making complaints a pain-free endeavor.

If you have a no return policy, make sure that information is provided when the purchase is made. If you have certain requirements that must be met for a return, clearly indicate that to the customer. And if a customer complains, don’t make him feel like he is wrong or stupid. A good return or complaint procedure may bring that customer back again and again.

5) Offering suggestions even when you cannot provide the service or merchandise your customer seeks.

Remember the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”? Sending people to Gimble’s did not hurt Macy’s in the least. In fact, it endeared customers to Macy’s for being so helpful.

6) Showing, not just telling.

When a customer is looking for something, taking him to the aisle instead of pointing is helpful. Demonstrating the differences in products, in the way they work or in pricing, also shows that you value your customer.

7) Giving something away.

As you complete a transaction with your customer, give them a reason to return, whether it is a coupon for a future discount or an invitation to come back with a friend to receive an extra gift.

These simple acts will show customers that you are serious about keeping their business and can bring in more customers than advertising, new promotions or price-cutting.

In the old days, the ice cream parlor owner probably just asked, “Hey, Bill, how am I doing now?”

And the customer responded, “Better, Joe, much better.”

Perhaps the world is a more complicated place now. But does it really have to be? The principles that kept a customer returning have not really changed. “The Miracle on 34th Street” was made in 1947. Sixty years later, we would still all like a Kris Kringle to send us from Macy’s to Gimble’s if Gimble’s has the better price or product.

5 Tips To Writing A Good Business Plan

Starting up a business is an exciting time, but writing a business plan can seem daunting initially. However, being able to write a good business plan is an essential skill to have for any entrepreneur or new business looking to increase their chance of survival.

1) Identify your audience. A good business plan should be written from the prospective of the audience. First, you need to decide on the purpose the plan. Are you trying to persuade an investor to take on your project or communicate the future plans for the company? The purpose of the business plan will affect the style and content so make sure you are clear on this before beginning. A good business plan needs to be tailored to the specific requirements of the target audience in order to be engaging.

2) Do your research. In order to be able to write a strong, comprehensive business plan you need to possess a sound knowledge of the market you are involved in. You need to actively conduct market research and ensure that your plan makes reference to your findings. It should include factors such as market size, the predicted growth path of said market and how you propose to gain access to it. For example, if you are planning on opening a bar then your business plan should include figures based on the local population, cost of suppliers, predictions about whether the bar industry is likely to grow or decline in the area and a review of the competitive environment.

3) Assess your competition. Understanding your competition is an essential component to understanding any business environment. Whatever the business you are looking to establish, you will always have competition in varying degrees. Perhaps you want to open a restaurant in an area that is already saturated with eateries; you then need to think about what is the unique selling point of your restaurant. Or maybe you have found a niche in the market, why is that? In order to make your business a success you should look to your competitors to see how they are managing their business or areas where they could improve. You also need to assess whether you can compete effectively with the existing businesses and how you plan to do so.

4) Attention to detail. A plan that is concise and clear reads professionally so don’t make yours too wordy. The reader needs enough detail and information to be able to make an informed decision. As with all professional documents, care must be taken to avoid spelling mistakes and use correct grammar and punctuation. A plan that makes absurd or unrealistic assumptions is of no use so stick to the facts and make sure you are making credible projections and accurate content at all times.

5) Cover all bases. Before embarking on your plan it is a good idea to undertake some research in to what a professional business plan should include. You can then use this as a check list to make sure you have covered all the relevant areas. Sections of the business plan should include information on the company, the product/service market, competition in the field, management team, marketing strategy, operations and financials.

Once you have done all this you should have a complete and detailed professional business plan. The most important thing to remember when developing the plan is to see it as a living document and include specifics regarding dates and specific responsibilities. Your plan will need constant reviews and updates and things change so expect it to be a work in process for a good stretch of time. It will all be worth it in the end, a well-written plan will help ensure that the business is fully focused on what is required to achieve the company’s goal.

The Top Qualities of a Good Home Business Entrepreneur

At all times, people look up these entrepreneurs with all admiration. That is why the idea of becoming an entrepreneur has triggered more and more individuals. To them, such thing is very pleasant and delicious. Do you also dream of becoming one home business entrepreneur? Honestly, becoming a home business entrepreneur can give you so many advantages. Apart from being your own boss, you get full control of everything. Now isn’t that such an advantage on your part?

Take things realistically. A home business entrepreneur is not a piece of cake that can be baked overnight. One has to get a good start before he becomes a home business entrepreneur himself. So how do you mold yourself to become a home business entrepreneur?

As a starting point, learn to evaluate yourself in terms of your strengths and weaknesses. If your traits prove that you can become a potential home business entrepreneur then you are lucky enough. The next thing with which you must dwell on is the line of business that you must take. If you’ve gauged all these concerns, start things off with the other considerations.

Are you willing to take risks? Are you up for challenges? You may have all the brains but you may not have the guts to fight off the challenges that may come your way. Then your venture can turn useless. As a home business entrepreneur, you must be a self starter.

Starting from scratch is one of the best ways to stabilize your reputation. It is always good to look back at how difficult things had started for you and after some time, you have occupied the topmost part. Such feeling is rewarding on your part.

If you closely intend to become one home business entrepreneur, then stick to your detailed plans. Learn to organize your own time. You don’t have to run slowly. Just maintain a fast pace so that no one will outrun you.

You are your own boss in this matter but it does not follow that everyone will be under your shadow. Proper client and staff management means learning to deal with varied personalities. You cannot get a hold of these personas. The least you can do is to play along efficiently. There are clients who are typically moody. It does not mean that because you own the business you may turn them down if you get pissed off with their attitudes.

Take note that they provide you your income so there is no point arguing with them. The main goal in here is to be able to build good relationship with those in the market. You will likewise be needing assistants so you will again have to deal with their numerous quirks.

Another important trait of a good home business entrepreneur is having the ability to give out firm decisions. Quick yet effective decisions are needed in several instances. Mental blocking is the least factor to be entertained. A sound mind and a reliable decision make up the entirety of a businessman. Most of the times, no one is available to give you pieces of advice so you have to render your own judgment. If you can’t be good at it, you can be digging up your own pitfall.

Other things that you must put into consideration are the time and effort which are required of you. Brace yourself as well with the work ethics because you will need them all in facing the challenges that lie ahead of you.

How To Come Up With Good Business Ideas

Almost all business all over the world started with good business ideas either coming from the entrepreneur himself, his creative team or even some of his friends or family members. Good business ideas are just around the corner but it takes a business-minded person to recognize them as good business ideas.

Good business ideas have given birth to most successful businesses. However the people behind the business surely did not stop with just having the business ideas but they proceeded from there. There is a lot of hard work that stems from good business ideas including planning, development of the business as well as marketing campaign.

Some people come up with good business ideas with nary an inspiration. It seems like they stumbled on their business ideas as a matter of luck with no hard work at all. However, most people have read every book and magazine available, visited lots of business interests and brainstormed with as many people as possible just to come up with good business ideas.

A person who is very creative and who has a lot of stored knowledge can produce the most if not the best business ideas. Some people regularly attend trade shows and business gatherings and seminars not only to come up with good business ideas but to develop the ideas they already have.

Attending trade events and exhibits can be very good for a person who is looking for business ideas. The already existing businesses that are on display can give him an idea of what kind of business to go into given his already existing resources as well as his financial capability. He can also come up with innovations or improvement of already-existing businesses.

Most entrepreneurs who have discovered good business ideas usually think out of the box. This means they do not limit themselves to what is already there and what is already being seen by the naked eye. They think creative and sometimes they even think silly.

Some entrepreneurs consider the special events which people make as an excuse to spend like Christmas, Valentines, birthdays, Easter, Halloween and the likes. Some people proceed from there are find their business niche in relation to these occasions.

Valentines Day is always spending day for majority of the people all over the world no matter what they say that it is not about money. It is all about money no matter what they say. Most people spend little or spend too much. The point is they really spend for this event and a person who can come up with good business ideas for such an event can cash in on the money.

A person who knows how to bake or cook can come up with a home business during special occasions. He can accept order for heart-shaped cakes and design the product with a personalized touch to be more competitive. Another good business idea for this occasion is flower delivery or flower arrangement. Both business ideas can be done at home without need of investing much capital for rentals.

There are a lot of good business ideas that have never been tapped. Some have already been tried and tested but they may have failed for lack of some ingredients which a creative mind can improve upon.