f.a.q.

Q:  When I am taking photos what setting should I have my camera on:
In the bottom left hand of my screen there is always a LETTER, and when I push function settings, these options come up:

L M1 M2 S W

L (14m 4320x3240)
for printing up to A2 size (16x20in)prints

M1 (7m 3072x2304)
for printing up A3 (13x19in)prints

M2 for printing up to L or postcard size

etc...

And depending on what it is set on determines how many shots my camera has left....L says 52 where if its set on M1 there is 96...

A:  I am not sure what kind of camera you have, but this is referring to the quality or resolution you want your pictures to have. You can change this setting anytime and it will change the resolution of your photos. You should have your camera set on whatever works best for you. Keep in mind, that the lower you have the resolution set, the more limited you are with what you can do with your photo afterwards. Enlargements and web use are sometimes dependent on the resolution of the photo. I am not sure what the letters stand for...

...I should also mention, that the reason you have less shots on your memory card when you have it set on L is because that setting is a higher resolution, which also means it takes up more space on your card (because the file is larger). Make sense?

Q:  What photo editing program do you use, or what do you recommend that's available online with free trials (or is relatively inexpensive to buy)?

A:  Well, first of all, I use Photoshop CS5. Although it is a wonderful program and I wouldn't use anything else, I would not recommend investing in this program unless a)you have money to blow, or b)you are running a photography business, or c)you have a sophisticated camera and need good software to match it.

That being said, there are MANY good photo software programs available to the beginner/hobbyist that are free or cost relatively little.

For free, you can download a program called aviary at http://www.aviary.com/, which is great for web and mobile use. 
Another great download is picasa by google. This is what I used in the very beginning of my interest in photography and it served my needs well at the time. Found at http://picasa.google.com/ This is perfect for those in the workshop with a point and shoot camera.
For you in the workshop with a digital SLR, I would recommend Adobe Photoshop Elements, if you can get your hands on it. Sometimes the program comes free with operating systems or printers. You can also download their free trial software to try it before you buy it.
Another tool that may be worth a try if you want something a little more challenging, is GIMP. I have not tried it myself, but have heard it's very similar to photoshop and it's free. Go to www.gimp.org. 
Does that answer your question? 

Q:  I have another question....it's about the challenge this week. Just wondering if 'some' sun is okay in lieu of 'full' sun? I don't think the weather is going to co-operate before Sunday night! :(

A:  Work with what you've got!  :)