While most digital images can be greatly improved with the help of photo editing, a good photo editing program is even more valuable for improving underwater photos, which must often have backscatter and other background debris removed, and which often need just a little more cleaning up than photos taken topside. If you're considering purchasing photo editing software and you feel like editing your underwater photos is "cheating," don't worry - professional photographers rely on software to deliver perfect images that might otherwise not be useable.
Adobe Photoshop
The gold standard, and so popular that it's often used as a descriptive verb, Photoshop from Adobe is an outstanding tool that improves annually. It's the choice of professional photographers, and comes with neat add-ons, like Lightroom, that can help streamline the entire process of working with photos to produce a finished product that is simply flawless. It has lots of tools to learn how to use, and unless you have the time to really play with it, you might feel like you've wasted your money because, of all the programs out there, Photoshop is one of the most expensive. Still, it lets you deliver photos like a pro, and if that's your goal, then Photoshop might be the best photo editing software for you. You can go to the Adobe website and get a free trial, if you like!
Adobe Photoshop Elements
More cost-effective and with fewer bells and whistles than its big brother, Adobe's Photoshop Elements is popular and easy to learn. If you're concerned that the learning curve on Photoshop might be too steep for you, then consider giving Elements a try. It, too, is available as a free trial download.
Corel Paint Shop Pro
Also easy to use and less costly than Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro is good for working with images ranging from simple to complex. Much like Adobe's software, Corel's Paint Shop program is constantly updated and free downloads are available. Though there are lots of tools to use and while you have to spend some time getting to know its features, Corel Paint Shop Pro is quite user friendly. Try it for free by going to Corel's site and enjoying a trial version.
GIMP
GIMP is free photo editing software, and it's available as a download online. It is ideal for retouching and image composition, plus it's easy to use and there are plenty of tutorials on the website. GIMP works with many different operating systems and it is available in different languages. While it offers fewer tools than paid software, it is nice for the hobby photographer who takes photos only occasionally!
Now that you know more about the top photo editing software brands, it's important that you conduct a side by side comparison to see which you like most. Next, get out there and take photos so you can start practicing. You don't have to wait until your next dive vacation to do it; you can start taking topside photos and work on them to familiarize yourself with all the tools and features your new software offers. The more you practice now, the better your results will be later.