Before you even get started with this project, we recommend that you have the following:

• A desktop PC with Windows XP and at least an 800MHz Pentium III processor
• An image editor (such as Adobe Photoshop Elements)
• A digital camera
• A photo printer

Software

Image-editing software lets you take your raw snapshots and crop the edges, tweak the brightness and contrast, fix red eyes, and more. Adobe Photoshop is the silverback gorilla of photo editors, while Photoshop Elements is a slimmed-down version for the rest of us.

EDITORS' FIRST CHOICE:

Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0

If you're a Goldilocks about imaging, Adobe might have come up with something that's just right.

Cameras

Unless you're a budding Avedon or a hardcore enthusiast, there's no need to plonk down wads of cash for a feature-packed digital camera. The latest 2- to 4-megapixel cameras will give you plenty of colour-drenched detail and user-friendly settings, and you won't have to go into debt to get one.

EDITORS' FIRST CHOICE:

Canon PowerShot A95

The Canon PowerShot A95 is a great camera for those who want to grow creatively.

Photo Printers

What good is a perfectly composed picture if you can't paste it into your photo album? Whether you're a professional photographer or you're just snapping pictures of Towser, you can find a quality photo printer that won't break the bank.

EDITORS' FIRST CHOICE:

Epson Stylus Photo R300

The Epson Stylus Photo R300 is a decent printer for home digital photographers.