The holidays have come and gone, as they usually do, and many of us are left with cameras, computers and rolls upon rolls of film full of pictures that are just screaming to be used.

I don't think, however, that I'm the only one that sometimes wonder what I should do with all of them -- certainly there are too many for all of them to be of any use?

Well, not necessarily.

If you're anything like me, there's bound to be a few pic's that has a finger in front of the lens, is out of focus or focused wrong, too dark, too light, or those that are of something you just can't quite understand what is.

Those we can cut out immediately, naturally, but what's left (hopefully the majority) can be put to a million good uses that will delight and amuse your family, friends, or even total strangers Cruising by.

A little step-by-step guide follows.

1. Processing:

Make sure you go to a shop you trust for your processing -- not everything is worth saving a couple of bucks on, when the stake is ruined pictures. Get the pictures burned to a cd, or a dvd, and use your computer for the next steps.

2. Selection:

Pick out the pictures you think turned out best, and then include those who came in second as well. You�ll need to have a few to choose from. When I say �best�, I don�t necessarily mean those that were perfectly compose, focused and balanced, with an odd number of objects, something to draw the eye inwards and all that. Pick the ones that make you cry or laugh or whatever, and go with those. The ones that make you feel something.

3. Editing:

Perhaps the thing that scares the not-so-savvy photographer the most, is the project of editing the pictures on a computer. It�s really not that complicated, as long as you�re willing to dedicate a few hours to learning the basics. I mean, what do you really need to know? How to cut and paste a little, crop and perhaps put on or remove some color.

Many pictures need cropping, i.e. taking out what isn�t needed. When you go over your pictures, ask yourself if that bush on the side there really does anything for the picure, or if it may be better to take it out. Or that half-an-uncle that was running into the frame just as you pushed the button wouldn�t be just as happy with one of the other shots, that has the whole of him in them.

�But.. I don�t have an editing program!� No problem. Personally, I use �The Gimp�, an open source (that is, free!) photoediting program that is extremely versatile, and can rival what most photographers use in their editing. Download it from the internet.

4. Decide what to do with which the pictures � and do it.

My father is definitely not the most computer-savvy person there is, but this Christmas he had managed to make a calendar online, with pictures on each month that he had uploaded himself. Websites belonging to many photo-prcessing shops have services like these, and cheap too. Make albums, calendars, postcards, business cards, planners and so on, personalized with the pictures you like the most.

I mean � if my dad can do it, so can you.

If you simply want your professional-looking shots printed out on good old paper, burn the pics you want to a new CD, and take them to the store of your choice. They will be more than happy to do this for you of course, and show you how if they have a self service section.

5. Boast about your skills and new stuff!

Show off your personal calendars, cards, and definitely your new editing skills to friends and family! Maybe you can even make a buck mentoring your uncle in the arts? ;)

Article submitted via Creative Reporter

About the Author:

Gunnar Sommerfeldt is the man behind the Frontman Project, a website dedicated to informative articles, news relay, and updates on diplomacy, foreign affairs and happenings surrounding the EU/US relationship.

The website is meant to spread information on these topics to members of the public in a way that is easily understandable, and accessible to the lay person.

You can view the Frontman Project at http://frontman.vonsommerfeldt.com