I have a Nikon D40 with only 3 auto focus points. It's not bad but they are across the middle of the view finder. When composing pics I sometimes have to focus the subject then slightly move the camera to get decent composition with auto focus. This usually works just fine but occasionally it results in a softer focus on the subject. Should I just step back and get a wider shot? I guess that I could always go back and crop it down to the image I initially wanted. My eyes already aren't as sharp as they used to be but I guess I need to retrain them to focus manually. Is it just me or does anyone else have this issue.

Back when I shot 35mm I used to edit the crap out my pics in the darkroom. How much editing do you apply to your digital pictures? Do you use Photoshop? or Is there a better or cheaper program? Does anyone use Photoshop: Elements? I want to get more professional looking pics but don't really have the cash to get the full version.

Check your manual and look for the Auto Focus lock button. This allows you to focus on what you want, press and hold the AF Lock and then re-compose your image. I use it all the time, but shoot Canon so the button location will be different. On the Canon line, you can even set a custom function and use Back Button Focusing which allows you to switch the focus button from being a half depressed shutter button, to a button on the back of the body you can push with your right thumb.

As for software, Elements is great. Photoshop has really been turbocharged and is for the hard core pros now. I use Lightroom and it takes care of 90% of what I need (for the remainder I use Photoshop), this includes pro shoots I have done as a part of my side business. My dad uses Lightroom and supplements with Elements. Lightroom is great for editing, storing and viewing. Elements is great for whatever editing LR doesn’t do. If you are enrolled in any classes you qualify for a student discount on this software (academicsuperstore.com).

As far as how much editing do I do, as little as possible. I used to lose hours at a time in a darkroom, I don't have the time to do that anymore. With digital editing...I prefer to be behind the lens, not on my computer. The more accurate the image is in the camera, the less post production I need to do. I would rather take the time and get it right in the camera.

I've got a D60, and work on a Mac, so I use iPhoto. I like iPhoto because it makes a number of operations I do a lot, like cropping and color correcting, really easy.

My strategy is to shoot a lot, and then be ruthless about deleting shots that I don't like. I almost always go through photos right after I've imported them to do a first edit. (This drives Troy nuts, btw. He's a documentarian and feels like this is compromising the archive.)

I would say that the photos that I really like, those that make by bi-annual book that I gift to my wife, have been touched up in some way. But I kind of like that process. I find it a relaxing thing to do after the kids have gone to bed.

Which all probably means I should take more care as I'm shooting.

Thanks for the tips guys. It seems like I just need to get some more practice messing around with my auto focus lock. Time to consult the dummies book I guess. I also need to get a better portrait lens but I think there are car repairs to be made before I get to buy more toys...