Photo editing and graphic design isn't impossible, in factwith the new advances in software technology, it's becoming more and more achievable for the average person. With practice anybody can become decent at photo editing and graphic design. Although becoming a master still takes alot of creativity and dedication. There are many different types of software available for both photo editing and graphic design. There are also many different companies that release graphic creation software. Two of the main onesinclude, Microsoft and Adobe. Ill Continue to breifly touch on the ones i feel are most efficient, easier to use, cheaper, and overall better for the beginner.

Photoshop Elements 3
This could be considered a primer for Adobe Photoshop, so beginners, don't feel
intimidated. Elements has some of the features that photoshop does, but lacks some of the more advanced features. It allows you to try something more upscale than cropping and changing the hue/res/tint etc.

The program is so easy to use, at start up a palette asks if you'd like a step by step tutorial of the program. How nice is that? Elements also has a Quick Fix wizard, helping you adjust lighting, focus, color,and rotation. To top this all off it has a Elements' Panorama Tool that helps you put together photos to create a panoramic photo. It blends in the colors, as well.Finally to finish everything off, when your ready to print,you can choose from a variety or 'picture package' templates and automatically print them to any size.

Now if Photoshop Elements 3 isn't easy enough, Microsoft has its very own photo editing software. Digital Image Suite 9 is very basic and is so easy to use it hardly requires a tutorial. This program is recommended for users who know nothing about photo editing, it lacks alot of the handy features other have, but it is a great introduction to the digital editing world.

Adobe photoshop 7.0 Is My personal favorite. Ive used this program for many years and have never had it not suit my needs. It has every feature you could need for graphic design and photo editing. There are so many fun tools and effects you can play with too, and Photoshop 7 comes with Photoshop Image Ready, which is awesome for creating images for the web. The roll over tools are super cool too. Now this program unlike the first 2, does require a bit more knowledge and understanding of computer image editing software,but after a few months working with the first 2, i think you'd be ready. Don't worry either, it has great tutorials.

Now for you serious photo editors out there, PhotoImpact 10 is probably the best. This program isn't so much intended for graphic design but is super powerful for photo editing. It has Express Fix features that show you several options to fix exposure, color, saturation, focus, and skin. Its best feature is its "Beautiful Skin" ffect, that effectively airbrushes red Patches and evens skin tones. This program is a little tricky at first, but once you get it, you'll love it.