I typically begin scrapbooking an event the same way each time.  Here are the steps I take as I scrapbook.

1. Select your pictures - As hard as it may be, you will need to "weed through" your pictures and select the better of your pictures. Try to select pictures that "tell the story".   This step is especially important if you prefer to have larger pictures in your layouts (making it easier to see peoples faces and expressions).  Make sure to keep pictures that capture moments you want to remember or pictures that you will be journaling about.  Once you have selected your pictures, it is time to choose your layout.
2. Choose your scrapbook layout - Now that you have selected which pictures you are going to use, you need to find a layout for this number of pictures.  I find it easiest to use Becky Higgins sketches.   You can find a new Becky Higgins sketch in each monthly issue of "Creating Keepsakes".  The sketches can also be found in "Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking by Becky Higgins" and "Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking 2 by Becky Higgins".  The sketches in these magazines are organized by the number of pictures you are looking to scrapbook.  The second magazine actually gives the dimensions of the pictures for each layout.  These are two magazines that I can't imagine scrapbooking without.  Once you have selected the layout you like, you are ready to add your paper and embellishments.
3. Selecting your paper and embellishments - Open a blank page in your chosen scrapbooking program. Insert pages that you have downloaded or pages you have made yourself.  There are websites that offer free scrapbook page downloads, as well as embellishments, fonts, etc.  I list a few of these sites on the scrapbook links page. Move your layers around in your scrapbook program until you have the page looking the way you like.  If you are using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, think of the layers as individual transparencies.  Make sure when you are editing a picture or paper, that you are on the correct layer. I will be adding some Photoshop tips to the tutorials page.  These tips will include how to make a ribbon, shadow, cutout of a picture, etc.
4. Print your scrapbook page - Printing your scrapbook pages can be both exciting and frustrating. I prefer Epson and Canon printers.  I currently use a Canon printer, which ends up a little less expensive on ink because the colors are in individual cartridges.