Smile, and say `woof': new software takes photos into the realm of imagination. (circuits).

For anyone whose snapshots are a snore, now there's computer software that can overcome almost any shutterbug's shortcomings. The programs work on pictures taken with digital cameras or on photos shot on film and scanned into digital form, and they'll let you make red-eyed relatives look human again, touch up a picture's blemishes, brighten faded colors, recrop, and even make more-creative changes--like superimposing your pet collie's head over Uncle Charlie's face.

Adobe's PhotoDeluxe ($49.95), Corel's Custom Photo ($49.95), and Microsoft's Picture It 2000 ($54.95) are designed specifically for beginners, and their menus take you step by step through each photo alteration. For more computer-savvy customers, there is more advanced software: Adobe's Photoshop LE and Corel's Photo Paint 9 Digital Camera edition (both of which sell for $99).

For the record, while altering photos can be amusing, even artistic, it's a definite no-no in journalism. This magazine, like most news publications, has a policy against substantially altering photos, unless the manipulation is clear and not intended to be misleading (as in the photo above).

VIRTUAL ALBUMS

Besides altering pictures, most programs also allow you to create virtual photo albums that can be stored on the computer or on a Web site accessible to friends and family members. There are even features that let you replace cartons of old photos by transferring the images into cartons of new CDs.

Home photo programs are not without their faults. The simple ones have too few features, and their step-by-step guidance is so basic that it may drive experienced computer users back to thumb-sticking. High-end versions, on the other hand, may be so complex you'll wish you had some professional training. If you want to buy, first decide how you intend to use the software and what you hope to get out of it.