And unlike other programs in which there are integrated organizer and editing tools, like Photoshop Elements, Lightroom's editing tools are "closer" to its organizing features. For example, even when you're scrolling through your photo library, you can make immediate exposure corrections without changing screens or switching modes. More importantly, the program emphasizes important photo editing tools that you need to improve your photos--not a hodgepodge of graphic design features you'll rarely use.

Don't underestimate the value of this; it means you'll start thinking about improving all your photos, and really capitalizing on the promise of digital photography. No more crooked landscapes, washed out images, or photos with the white balance askew.

2. All Edits Are Nondestructive

Here's another reason you'll want to make more changes to your photos: Everything you do is completely nondestructive. Whether you're cropping or brightening an image, or removing red eye, every edit can be undone, at any time. Come back to a photo a year later, and the complete, click-by-click history is still available on the left side of the screen.

The original, unretouched photo is always just one click of the Revert button away--and you can even selectively undo specific actions. Perhaps you even want to edit the same photo two very different ways, essentially making two different photos from the same initial shot. No problem. Make a "virtual copy" of your image and experiment to your heart's content.