About Pare and Focus

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Pare:
Trim, Get rid of excess, Remove the unnecessary

 

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Focus:
Maximum clarity or distinctness of an image rendered by an optical system, The concentration of attention or energy on something, Concentrate, To direct one’s attention on something

 

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Back in 2008, I decided to upgrade my “camera”.

Actually, I was getting a real camera, instead of the camcorder I was using to take still pictures.

I was shocked to see how expensive photography can be. It can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars just for a camera. And then there’s all of the accessories… not to mention Photoshop! Add to that the time it takes to learn how to use a camera and a photo editor and taking pictures gets prohibitive. Like, “What was I thinking? I might as well take up golf, or horseback riding” prohibitive.

Finding GIMP was a life saver.

It gave me lots of time lo learn real photo editing, without the hefty price tag that comes with Photoshop. Eventually, I did purchase Photoshop. But I still use GIMP much more often than I use Photoshop.

I started talking to photographers online, and taking photography classes.

Getting to know real photographers was great for helping me sift through all of the unnecessary photography gear they try to sell you in fancy camera stores. Not saying I don’t like gear, but a lot of it is over priced, gimmicky, or unnecessary.

Now I know good amateur photography doesn’t have to be so expensive, or time consuming.

I’ve been able to get some really great shots with natural light (instead of an expensive light setup), I almost exclusively use GIMP (instead of Photoshop), and I’ve discovered all kinds of really useful, inexpensive photography gear that make photos look way better, without breaking the bank.

Pare and Focus exists because I thought there should be a place where beginner photographers could go to learn free photo editing. A place where saving money while learning photography is encouraged. When you’re here, you don’t have to feel embarrassed about wanting to save a few bucks. And you don’t need to worry about being a beginner, or amateur.

Pare and Focus is about getting rid of the stuff you don’t need (paring away the excess), and concentrating on the parts of photography that really get results (focusing on what matters).

So what doesn’t matter?

  • Flashy, expensive gear that the guy at the store told you you need.
  • The top of the line, premium photo editing program that has way more features than you’ll ever use and costs a fortune.
  • Knowing super advanced techniques, and terminology, especially when you’re just starting out.

What should you focus on?

There’s more where that came from. But, the point here is to keep you from being overwhelmed by the cost, and complication that comes with good photography. Getting better pictures doesn’t have to be so hard, and it doesn’t have to cost so much.

Where Do You Go From Here?


To start learning more about GIMP, and free photo editing, check out the Free Photo Editing category. If you want to learn GIMP more systematically and quickly, you might be interested in my GIMP Book for beginners, available at How-to-GIMP.com/GIMP-book.

I’ve also got articles that help with lighting, setting up shots, and my thoughts on how to save money on photo gear.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Use the Contact page, leave a message in a comment, or shoot me a message on twitter (@Pare_and_Focus)

And please feel free to share any free content on this site! Just be sure to link back to the original page and credit me/this site with the creation of the content. (Sharing means caring, but stealing is no bueno.)

If you’re thinking of buying some of the gear I mention in articles, consider purchasing through the Amazon links I provide. When you do, Amazon will give me a little pocket change to help me keep this site going.