Free (or cheap) alternative to iPhoto, with more features.

Hello. I posted this on the Aperture forum,and it was suggested that I post it here as well

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I need a rec. for a free, light, easy to learn image editor for Mac. I am new to Mac, though this is not for my use, it's for a colleague who is not real computer savvy.

Basically, she's doing some very rudimentary Web design and needs to be able to do things like re-size/re-sample images, and some basic combining of images, things like adding a logo to a header image, adding transparency, and things like that.

On the Windows side, I have always used Irfanview. Is there an equivalent for the Mac?

Yes, I have done a few Google searches, but most programs I've found are either too complicated or cost money. She is a volunteer and does not want to spend money.

Thanks so much for your help.
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I'm posting this here since the Aperture folks said iPhoto could do some but not all of what she requires.For example, it sounds like it cannot combine images using layers, or set transparency levels.

Again, what I need is an easy to use program. Photoshop Elements was suggested, but I just have a feeling this will overwhelm her.

If anyone has other suggestions, pls share.