The right software is integral to creating a dynamic web presence. But most commercial software does come with a hefty price tag. There are however some pretty powerful programs out there (open source, etc) that are free or made available on a donation basis. I have included links here to help you choose. Many of them link directly to lists with articles and reviews that may help you choose what is right for you. Included are also some free online services and sites.

PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE (from a posting in About.com)

WYSIWYG EDITORS (from a posting at About.com) Note: Jungle Webs online store also features easy to use website builders like Website Tonight and SmartSpace…  some of which come FREE with Domain or Hosting purchase.

PHOTO HOSTING SITES (from a posting at TechieBlogger)  Note: Jungle Webs online store also provides a Photo Album service for FREE with purchase of Domain.

VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE (from a posting in About.com)

VIDEO CONVERTERS (from CNET)

VIDEO HOSTING SITES (from chaos-laboratory) YouTube is the most popular and visited site of this type… but the article lists and reviews some alternatives.

Hope theses links have been useful to you.