Never have taken professional level pictures [surely you jest? ;-D ] - usually use "cheap" disposable cameras and my trusty $12 digital - for now a DNT Videocam 2.

Would like to learn more, share more and upload some of the stash of pictures I've taken in the past so they are finally on display to family and friends.

I've never been one for "scrape booking." I feel the internet makes sharing your photos more of an "optional thing" - rather than having someone "jam" an album (which they have lovingly created) in your face. An album you may not be interested in - but are polite to page through and make comments (often untrue) as to how wonderful the photos are in this album!