10 programs I use to edit and view my photos

I am a photographer but I don't like spending too much money on software.  There are always new cameras, lenses and gadgets to spend money on.

These are 10 programs that I use to edit and view my photos. Some are free and some are paid for but not too expensive.

1. Gimp. A great free photo editing program that does almost everything more expensive programs do. I mostly use Adobe Photoshop Elements but use the gimp for the pen tool, that is missing in elements. I also use it on my netbook to do some basic editing when I am away from home. Gimp

2. IrvanView. I use this free program to view all my photos. It opens most RAW files from my cameras and is quicker than opening a RAW file editor. If it doesn't work with your RAW files, try downloading and installing the free plugIns. I also use it to batch convert photos, a function that it handles very well. This is great for resizing a large number of photos. IrfanView

3. Paint.net. Another free program that has lots of fun effects. There is a good forum with lots of ideas on how to transform your photos. paint.net

4. Raw Therapee. This one is free but they do ask for a donation. It is a good raw converter that does everything some of the more expensive ones do. RawTherapee

5. Adobe photoshop elements. Not free but good value for a program that will do most of the things the much more expensive photoshop will do. With a few free plug ins, like smart curve, I have been more than happy with elements. Photoshop Elements

6. Virtualdub. A free program I use to make time lapse videos from a series of photos. Works well and is a lot of fun. Virtualdub

7. PhotoAcute Studio. I use this to combine several photos to get more of the subject in focus. It can also be used to remove people that get in the way when taking photos in urban areas and for making high dynamic range (HDR) images. A very useful program. PhotoAcute studio

8. Photoscape. Another great free program that is easy to use. They do ask for donations to keep the development of the program going. I use the filters a lot, the sepia toning works well. This is a program that I would use much more if I hadn't purchased Photoshop Elements. Photoscape

9. Photomatixpro. I researched the best programs to make high dynamic range photos (HDR) and this one seems to be the most recommended. Have to confess that I bought this a while ago and I haven't used it a lot yet but I am sure it will come in useful when I need it. Photomatixpro

10. Autopanopro. I have tried a few programs for making panoramas but this is the easiest I have found and is capable of producing really good results. Autopanopro

Hope you find something useful amongst those, if you can recommend any others, please leave a comment.