Unless its embedded, any visible watermark can be removed by someone accustomed to working at the pixel level if they want to go through the exercise. The advantage of using something like Digmarc is that it invisibly remains with the photo and they keep a record of who the photo is registered to. Best bet is not to upload a full file. Use a reduced size and resolution for the web. The screen can't accommodate a full file anyway and if someone uses a Screen Capture, they will only get a poor reproduction.
The only requirement I've seen on one of the stock photo sites was a minimum requirement of l2 megapixels but I don't know that applies to all.
Agreed, anyone can snap a picture but it takes an eye and skill to make it special. However, there are occasions where the camera can make the difference, catching a plane about to break the sound barrier or see the feathers of a hawk circling require speed and a lens today's point and shoot is not capable of except perhaps by sheer luck.
There comes a time when unless one is making a living with it, a line has to be drawn on our toys. Every couple of years, something comes out that's bigger and better. My addiction is software.
Creative art form...that's the direction I'd like to follow in photography.
Shots are gorgeous! With color like that, not much postwork is required. Catching a lightening shot is one of the most difficult and you are doing just fine.
I've been using PSP since Jasc put out its first version. If you never had another graphic program, PSP can do it all. It accepts Photoshop filters but the learning curve is much simplier. Historically it seems to pick up any new developments about six months behind Photoshop. I'm in the habit of purchasing new versions about every second one because there are usually not enough changes from one version to the next to make it worthwhile. I have a fairly recent version of Photoshop, Elements 9 and the newest version of PSP but fall back on Elements 9 and PSP. They are much easier to use. I find that I might favor one tool over the other so I'll switch back and forth.
I find it annoying too...but I guess if it's the only means you have, you may feel differently..but I have Lightroom, the Elements and the Corel organization folders.
A lot depends on how the camera is used. A good point and shoot camera is small, can be carried almost all the time and for most common uses, will do the job. The speed, ability to change lenses and make finite adjustments is better suited to someone committed to producing the best photo possible without having to resort to postwork to bring out its best qualities. It's the difference between going on vacation and taking pictures to recall the visit and going on the vacation to take the pictures.
I purchased my partner's D90 when he upgraded to the D7000.In his opinion..the D7000 was well worth the price..Aside from the things you mention..the D7000 takes dynamite video..the D90 does not.
I do have recent versions of most popular software.
One of the best ways I've found to lighten shadows is right in Windows Live Photo Gallery in the Editing section under Exposure. It won't removed them completely but will make them less noticible. Portrait Professional's tools allow small blemish areas to be eliminated but the amount of shadowing is signficant and I doubt that anything can remove them completely in a realistic manner.
Start learning the version of Elements you currently own. I haven't gotten version 10 yet but the basic format of most programs remains pretty much the same from one to another, usually upgrades add some more features but knowing the terms and the tools makes picking up any new versions fairly simple.
Adobe Premier is not a photography editing application..it is designed to put together videos whether a photograph collection or video clips and/or a collection of both.