I would suggest Adobe Photoshop CS6. I've used it, on several occasions, and REALLY liked it. A lot of icon type accounts use it. It's rather pricey though. It takes a lot of skill though. You have to do quite a bit of tutorials and reading to get the know how of the software. Otherwise it will produce poor results.
But even with a fairly cheap software, a person can still get somewhat decent results, if they know what they are doing. I made my Friends Only Banner and Profile pic using PSP6, which I purchased back in 2001 for $70 or so.
Basically, you don't have to spend too much on image software. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what level of professionalism you are trying to achieve with the quality.
Re: what
But even with a fairly cheap software, a person can still get somewhat decent results, if they know what they are doing. I made my Friends Only Banner and Profile pic using PSP6, which I purchased back in 2001 for $70 or so.
Basically, you don't have to spend too much on image software. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what level of professionalism you are trying to achieve with the quality.