We do not recommend products but there are many fine photo editing programs available which let you edit and enhance digital images. Many have "auto fix" features that can help improve the brightness, contrast and sharpening of an image at the click of a button. However, it is often better to fine tune an image manually.
In a more advanced photo editing program, look for one which has tools to blur, smudge and sharpen an image, as well as remove red-eye, noise, scratches and other flaws. If you get into more advanced editing, you'll want to have layering and masking capabilities.
At the very minimum, look for these features:
- tools to control brightness and contrast, hue and color saturation;
- cropping tool to remove unwanted parts around the perimeter an image;
- resize tool which lets you reduce the file size of a photo;
- flip and rotate tools to change orientation of an image;
- sharpen or focus tool to help reduce blur if present;
- text tool to add type to a photo if desired;
- various transform and selection tools;
- clone tool which lets you make an exact copy of section of an image and replicate it in another part of the same image.
Depending on how advanced the program you select, there are dozens of other available features such as batch processing, special effect filters, tools to correct lens distortions, tools to create web photo albums, the list goes on.
Many of the more advanced programs have a steep learning curve so take your time. Most importantly, always, I repeat ALWAYS, edit a copy of an original image. In case you goof, you can start from scratch using another copy.
Most programs can be downloaded for a free trial period from the developer's website. It's wise to try before you buy.
Related reading:
Image Editing Softwarehttp://www.digicamhelp.com/photo-editing/image-editing-software.htmIntroduction to Layershttp://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/image-editing/layers.htm
