Best photoshop package for a beginner photographer?

I am an aspiring amateur model and photographer who wishes to take photos, change backgrounds, make them professional, change outfits and accessories and make the photos a professional finish. I know this is a lot but I want to learn and I am keen. I really want to get started so I can start my own model site with photos of me and do a portfolio.

I also want to buy a digital camera but I am a total beginner with big hopes and ambitions! Help me get started by telling me best photoshop package to buy and the best digital camera and accessories. Is it possible to do this?

I to will vote for Photoshop Elements. It will do just about everything you will need it to do. It also only costs about $100 U.S. dollars compared to Photoshop CS3 which will be about $650.

As far as which camera to look at. Check out the entry level DSLR's from Canon & Nikon. Models to look at would be

Canon Rebel XTi (400D) or XSi (450D) or the new XS.

Nikon D40 or D60

Prices on these will be $500-$1,000 with a lens.

I also suggest you take a class and learn how to use your camera properly. Knowing what all the settings do and how they interact will greatly decrease your frustration and improve the quality of your pictures.

Once you learn a bit about using your camera you will also need to invest in some studio lighting if you plan on doing fashion or models.

Get Photoshop Elements 6.0...its fairly simple to use when your just starting out.

Photoshop elements is basically a water down version of photoshop but as a beginner it has more than enough things you can do.

I just switched from photoshop elements to photoshop CS3 and I went staright back to elements because photoshop CS3 was wayyyy to complicated so i would recommend photosho elements as a starter

Based on what you are trying to do, you may want to try a photo editing service, rather than trying to do it yourself. Try www.picturescue.com or www.photofixer.com. Learning photoshop, even just elements, is very hard and time consuming...good luck.

another vote for photoshop Elements

i would reccomend photoshop elements as it is really easy to use and it can be free if you know where to look