Photo-editing program

[hopeful2012]

Can anyone recommend an easy photo-editing program? 

I am a novice and have a nice DSLR Canon camera and would like to be able to edit some of the pics that I take of the kids beyond what I can do on a site like shutterfly (things like blur out the background, fix blemishes, etc). I'm sure I have a CD somewhere that came with the Canon but I'm not sure how easy it would be to use even if I found it. 

To make it MM,  I have tried some of those pay-to-improve photo sites (like Tucia) but its way too pricey at $8 per picture (only done this with a few pics), so I am hoping even if I have to pay for an easy to use program it will be worth it in the long run.

Thanks!

[monsterz]

Have you tried picasa? It is free and should do most of what you're looking for

support.google.com/picasa/answer/156342

[spanikopita]

Ditto Picasa. Another option (not free) is Photoshop Elements.

[hopeful2012]

Thanks. Is Photoshop Elements any easier to use than Picasa or not really?

Looking for something that can make some automatic adjustments too (like lighting...etc). I am not very technologically/photoshop inclined but think I could figure it out if its a fairly simple program.

[spanikopita]

Aug 22, 2014 12:51:39 GMT -5 hopeful2012 said:

Thanks. Is Photoshop Elements any easier to use than Picasa or not really?

Looking for something that can make some automatic adjustments too (like lighting...etc). I am not very technologically/photoshop inclined but think I could figure it out if its a fairly simple program.

Elements has/does more, but virtually any editing program now has auto adjustments. Picasa included. Try Picasa first- it is free!

[alare]

I really, really like Lightroom. www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom/features.html There's a 30 day free trial. Amazon has it for under $140.