CLeaning up Digital Photos

[KronoLeginaire]

I got a new digital camera for christmas, it takes good pictures, its a HP 2.1MegaPixel Photosmart Camera but It can only do so much and I want my pictures to look as good as possible with the help of software. Don't clock on me about my camera settings because they are optimal. I have both photoshop and photoimpact but if photoshop would be the best for this how do I use to clean the pictures, as in tutorials or action scripts I can download and run on my pictures.
I need simpilicty so I can optimise the process and get pictures reaqdy fast. I don't want to spend 20 - 40 minutes perfecting a picture unless Its absolutely nessary but then again I rather see my other options.

Please point me towards software you would reccomend.
If I can find my scanner software/drivers disk I have some good Adobe software on it which can do this for me, but still.

Thanks in advance.

[mairving]

Well, there is no big secret about it. The time that you spend cleaning up the picture depends on a lot of things like the quality of the camera, the person taking the picture, lighting, etc. It also depends upon what you want to do with it, put it on the web, print it etc. Here are some links to Photoshop digital Photoshop Tutorials.

[Roberto49]

Here is a link to really quick and easy enhancer. Jus a few clicks and you are through.

http://www.mediachance.com/digicam/enhancer.htm

[Prew]

The Adobe software that came with my scanner is what I use. Easy to crop and automatically adjusts brightness, contrast, etc. Photoshop doesn't have this?

[morriswindgate]

Jasc Paintshop Pro is also a great easy to use program for working with digital prints. A cheap software that is full featured and easy to use is Arcsoft PhotoStudio

[KParker]

Adobe has a PhotoDeluxe Home Edition (it came with my scanner) that I find very useful and easy to use. Good for quick touch-ups, cropping and resizing.
PaintShop Pro is also a good and easy one to use. Has a nice try before you buy version (30 days +30 more days after that).
For more professional results, the standard is Adobe PhotoShop (IMHO). A little more complicated to use, but will give you outstanding results. The two mentioned above are sort of like training wheels before you go to the AP. Fool around with one or both, and you will get a good feel for what you want to do.

Kathy

[luisr]

Micrografx Picture Publisher is really good although it might not be too friendly for beginners.

[Mac Medic]

If you already have photoshop then i would recommend using that. once ur used to it you will find it really is easy to use. Start with the simple things such as, duplicate the layer by copy and screen the two layers. This allows you to adjust brightness and contrast without modifying the image or degrading it's quality.

If you need more detailed instructions, PM me.