What books do you recommend? And what photography programs do you use?

Definitely read Understanding Exposure! The best book for learning how and why your camera does what it does and how to make it do what you want it to. I also like Scott Kelby's books.
I use CS4 (Photoshop). I took an amazing class on it and learned a ton. I have lots of actions but don't use them very often since I now know why they do what they do and I can do them myself now. :)

Ask me anything