is Photoshop the way to go?
...but to better maximize your dollar, go with the Design Suite. Comes with all the main design programs and if you get the Premium version, it has web applications as well.
could it be way more than I need....?
Adobe Photoshop CS4 has a list price of $699
If Adobe Photoshop Elements will be sufficient, it's a lot cheaper.
wait, aren't you a teacher or something? Academic discount is really good there too), its legal for all use and costs FAR less than retail.
I recently purchased a $299 software for $85. Turns out the seller on eBay got an academic discount as evident by the barcode label on the box which said, "For Academic Sale" 
AP, if the seller can sell a $299 software for $85 and still make a profit, you should be able to get Photoshop cheap. If you're using it as a way to earn extra money, you can also deduct the cost as a business expense on your taxes.
Last edited by illustrator; August 11th, 2009 at 02:12 am.
Reason: ..... even if you don't make money, you can still deduct it as a business loss.
- August 11th, 2009, 02:08 am