Though you may want to start out simple (Elements), you're going to have to learn either way. I use Elements and it does do a pretty good job. But . . . Lightroom is a far superior product with a lot more editing capability. For $10/month for the photographers package, you cannot go wrong and you'll only have to learn once. I can assure you that you will spend almost that much per year when you upgrade Elements every time a new edition arrives.

I use Proshow Producer for my slide shows. I am pleased with the professionalism it gives me and I have no complaints on the quality it get.

In my opinion, wide angle is far more important that telephoto in almost all cases. If you need a telephoto, you at too far away. I live in Utah and I very seldom use a long lens.