Here's what works for me. In the iPhoto Library, choose the photo you wish to delete. Drag it to the iPhoto Trash Can icon which sits on the bottom of the "Source" list on the left hand side of the iPhoto window. iPhoto has its own separate trash. If you now double-click on the iPhoto Trash Can icon, you will see your thumbnail sitting there. It is not in your regular trash. With the iPhoto window open, choose File ->Empty Trash, and the picture should be removed permanently and irreversibly. Try the Finder to be sure. Donald Hodgson