Well, first let me ty for your opinions, so what program will give me darkroom/processing quality?

Question

I must admit, maybe my research on programs has not forwarded me the right program for me that gives me the options and quality that I find I get with my own processing/darkroom work. So please give me your opinions of which programs you find to be the most successful in creating photos that give you the quality of an exceptional photograph that you are proud of and know shows your artistic side of being a photographer. And to the gentleman who opened my eyes to the possibility of using a digital camera and having the ability to create an artistic product that I would be proud to show, thank you! I only have 10 yrs more experience then you, however, I started with a manual Nikon, and found that my ability to create my artistic photographs was most satisfying. I am with the times and have been working with digital for sometime now and I agree with you on your statement regarding being a professional. It is not the camera or equipment you use, it is the individual. I to have awards

Answer 1

The obviously stated Photoshop CS is the program of choice.

Photoshop alone can reproduce any darkroom effect you are looking for. Whether you are looking for simple dodge and burn or double printing. Photoshop can handle it.

There are also a myrad of plug-ins out there that produce beautiful darkroom results such as pushing an infrared look. If you are truly curious as to what can be done check out some of these companies that produce plug-ins that will make even a master darkroom printer go 'wow!'

Alien Skin Software
http://www.alienskin.com
Producers of the ever famous Xenofex and Eye Candy. However, their new Exposure plugin allows you to reproduce the effects of famous B&W and Colour film along with some cross-processing effects.

Nik Software, Inc.
http://www.niksoftware.com
Famous for their newly rising software Nik Color which simulates true printing color processing.

AutoFX Software
http://www.autofx.com
A huge competitor in the market with software such as Mystical Lighting (superior control over adding lighting to a program), Photographic Edges and Dreamsuite.

However, less known than photoshop is a newer program called PhotoPlus 10 Studio pack (about $79). I've beta tested it and it has a similar look and feel to Photoshop and it works quite well.

Answer 2

I'd go with the "gold standard" of image manipulation programs - Adobe Photoshop. There's TONS of filters available that let you do just about anything you can imagine. I've used it in my works exclusively for years with great results - especially with large format, frameable pieces where detail matters...Of course, your images are only going to be as good as the resolution you use to scan them in...