Digital picture resources 
This page contains sites I've found helpful for the reasons specified. I've spoken with the number of people just getting into digital photography and thought having a site like this one would be a good reference.
Introduction
If you are an old time 'chemical' print developer, you know that taking the picture is only the start of the creative process. 'Improving' the picture during printing is also part of the creative process. In the digital world, you can forget the smell of the developer, etc. and use a variety of software packages instead. How much can you do? Here is a sample of a picture I took in Hawaii.
| original | improved |
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Click each thumbnail to get a larger picture. The original was shot from the air with some thin cloud cover. The image editing software was able to filter that out and provide a crisper image.
Underwater pictures present a special challenge, because the full spectrum of light [color] does not travel well through water. The deeper you go, the less color. Still, with good tools, some dramatic improvements are possible. See my underwater workshop for some samples.
Still unsure about getting started editing your digital photos? I recently experimented with Picasa2 from Google and can recommend it to anyone who wants to get started with digital editing. Be sure to try the "I'm feeling lucky" button. You will be amazed!
Check this quick fix site for specific links on how to resolve common photo problems in a variety of photo editing products.
Top 7 Digital Camera Newbie Mistakes to Avoid
Improve Your Image - Great line-up of basic techniques with customized instructions for each of several major software tools: Adobe Photoshop |Adobe Photoshop Elements | Adobe PhotoDeluxe | Corel Photo-Paint | Jasc Paint Shop Pro | MGI PhotoSuite | Ulead PhotoImpact
Digital Photography Secrets - This site allows you to sign up for a series of free digital photography tips which are delivered one per day via email. You will also get some soft sell to buy the author's book[s] and courses. I just took the free stuff which was pretty good. Great for beginners, good review for those with some experience.
in general:
Your digital camera, printer, or ISP may offer you free photo editing software. As you get serious about photo editing, I'd recommend comparing some of the other free image software packages that are available. As I mentioned above, my personal recommendation is Picasa2, primarily because of its excellent user interface. The following pages offer lists of free software.- Top 5 Beginner Photo Editors for Windows
- Top 7 Free Photo Editors for Windows
- Free Graphics Software - Free graphics software add-ons, programs, and other utilities you can download.
How Digital Cameras Work - Detailed explanation of the technology in your camera.
Working with Digital Photos and Scanned Images - Lots of good links here to other areas of interest.
Explore Digital Photography with Windows XP - I shudder to think that even I am including a Mircosoft link! Anyway, the page provides a good survey of basic tools that come with XP!
Photo Critique Forum - What are others up to. Some will make you green with envy!
Share your photos!
Digital Photo Forum is a free site, that gives you an opportunity to post your photos to get comments and critiques from amateur and professional photographers. Lots of other good photographic info, contests, etc.!
Michael's Gallery on Digital Photo Forum.
Another 'best photos' site. http://www.photos-of-the-year.com/best-photos/ - Once you register [free] you too can enter the contests and challenges. http://www.photos-of-the-year.com/
The Home Digital Darkroom - Great intro to digital photography. Good explanations with images. Also see author's Digital Darkroom Imaging and Printing Tech Tips if you are more advanced. This page is more like the author's 'notes to self'. Scroll to the bottom to see additional links.
10 Tips For Better Digital Pictures With These Easy Steps You’ll Be Taking Pictures Like A Pro
Digital Images: on-line training courses for schools, kids, and others